Once again, it is time for America to conduct a Census.  In 1790, the very first census was initiated by one of our founding fathers, President George Washington.  Our nation was very young, with a population of 3.9 million people living in 13 states. Since then, we have grown to a grand nation of over 300 million people from diverse backgrounds living in 50 states and in six territories. The U.S. Constitution requires that a national census be performed once every ten years.  The census accounts for everyone (citizens and non-citizens) residing in the United States. By participating in the census, you are supporting your community and your country by providing useful information that will drive good policy and necessary programs.  So, when you receive the questionnaire in the mail, please be sure to fill it out in its entirety and return it as soon as possible. I want to make sure that you’re counted on April 1, 2010, and that our communities receive the assistance they need and deserve.

The 2010 census is a tool that illustrates who we are as a people and highlights the diversity of our great nation. The data collected is very important on a local level; the government uses this information to help determine where and how to allocate $400 billion in federal funds. It also determines community developments (schools, hospitals, and retail stores), boundaries for legislative and congressional districts, and how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives.

There are concerns among some people that, by providing their personal information, it will be used against them. This is untrue! Title 13, Section 9 of the United States Code ensures that the information you provide remains confidential, and that violating this law is a federal crime.

Census 2010 also offers Floridians employment opportunities throughout the state as field representatives. Hiring has already begun and will last until spring. The following are local census offices within or nearby the 23^rd district:

Port St. Lucie
SW Port Saint Lucie Boulevard
Port Saint Lucie, FL 34953
Phone: 772-361-6019
Census takers start at: $14.25/hour

Broward County
North State Road 7
Lauderdale Lakes, FL 33319
Phone: 954-302-4710
Census takers start at: $15.00/hour

West Palm Beach
North Congress Avenue
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: 561-337-6080
Census takers start at: $14.75/hour

Fort Lauderdale
East Las Olas Boulevard
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Phone: 954-302-3960
Census takers start at: $15.00/hour

For more information go to: http://2010.census.gov/2010censusjobs/.  April 1, 2010 is just around the corner, so get ready and make sure that you are counted!

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