CHICAGO - U.S. Congressional representatives joined with representatives from the U.S. Census Bureau to alert communities that the 2010 Census is approaching. At the core of their message, the four representatives—from Illinois’ 4th, 5th, 7th and 9th Congressional Districts—stressed  the importance of the Census Bureau’s current employment recruiting efforts as an important step in preparation for the actual Census in March. In order to complete the Census, the Census Bureau will need to attract a pool of approximately 100,000 applicants statewide for possible work as census takers.

“Being counted in the Census benefits your community and ensures that you are represented by your government,” said Rep. Schakowsky.  “We want people to participate but we also want people to apply for the hundreds of thousands of jobs that are available.  The Census is a civic duty and an economic booster for your personal budget.”

“The census provides a snapshot of our population from which we represent and provide for our constituents,” said Rep. Quigley. “It’s important that everyone participate so that our districts receive the federal support to build infrastructure and community. We’re counting on you to be counted.”

Rep. Davis echoed these points, “There is nothing more important than being counted, because if you are not counted, then you do not count.”

In underscoring the support of key Chicago area Congressional leaders, U.S. Census Bureau Regional Director said: “Make no doubt about it, the goal of reaching every person for the 2010 Census is nothing less than a massive collective effort. We are pleased today to tap into the deep well of trusted voices that our elected officials provide. We are here today in a unified effort on behalf of the 2010 Census and our current job recruiting efforts.”

In making their appeal, U.S. Representatives Luis Gutierriez, U.S. Representative (IL, 4^th District), Mike Quigley, ( IL, 5^th), Danny Davis, (IL, 7^th) and Jan Schakowsky, (IL, 9^th) also reminded communities that participation in the Census means improving their local areas, as Census data are used to apportion seats in Congress and directly affect how more than $400 billion per year in federal funding is distributed to state, local and tribal governments.

Conducted every decade since 1790, this constitutionally mandated enumeration of the U.S. population determines the number of seats Illinois will have in the House of Representatives.  It also affects the apportionment of political districts as well as leads to the accurate distribution of community funding for schools, roads, neighborhood improvements, elderly care and other publicly funded projects.

2010 Census/January 25, 2010                                                           Page 2

The Census hires locally, and applicants are required to take a basic skills test and undergo a background check.   Most jobs also require U.S. citizenship, a driver’s license, use of a vehicle and the ability to go door-to-door to interview residents.  Since the U.S. population is more diverse than ever, in many areas, the Census will need to hire people who are bilingual.

Testing times and locations across Illinois are available by calling, toll free,         1-866-861-2010. More information about the positions, including application forms and a practice test, are available at the 2010 Census website: www.2010censusjobs.gov.