Published February 2000 — Download PDF of the original newspaper column
Byrd's-Eye View By U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd Taking Count of America
In Article I, Section 2, the U.S. Constitution mandates that, every ten years, the federal government undertake a count of the people, called the census. The first census, in 1790, counted just under four million people living in the United States. This year, the government will once again take on the arduous task of counting America's population, one by one, house by house, community by community, and documenting vital information about each person. One of the first things learned from the census is how many people live in the United States. But there is much more to this process than merely counting heads. The census is the cornerstone of knowledge about the United States, and the demographic information provided by the census lays the foundation for much of the nation's future governance. The census results will help to determine where roads, hospitals, and libraries are needed. The statistics will give municipal planners the ability to select the best locations for schools, senior citizens centers, and playgrounds. The information will help the government determine how best to serve the needs of the people on the local, state, and national levels. Every year, billions in federal dollars, and a significant percentage of state resources, are allocated by formulas that are based on the information gathered during the decennial census. In addition to the public uses, census statistics are also used by private-sector businesses to help locate potential markets and to reduce financial risks. Thus, the information gathered by this year's census can lead to economic opportunities, job creation, and the greater availability of goods and services. In the spring, the Census Bureau will mail each household a census questionnaire form. Ideally, the census would be complete when I 00 percent of these forms are returned. Unfortunately, the national response rate has fallen for the past three census counts, dropping from 78 percent in 1970 to 75 percent in 1980 to 65 percent in 1990. In an attempt to reverse this trend, the Census Bureau is carrying out an aggressive public information effort to heighten awareness about the 2000 census and encourage participation in the process. In addition, census takers will visit local neighborhoods to count those people who have not mailed back their forms. Participating in the census is a civic responsibility with broad ramifications. I encourage West Virginians to take the time to complete a census form and return it to the Census Bureau. We all have a major stake in ensuring that every West Virginian is counted. February 23, 2000