Last week, the office of Gov. Kate Brown launched a new website to encourage participation in the 2020 census.
During the previous legislative session, Brown secured $7.5 million for the purpose of informing Oregonians about the census, the latest product of which is a website entitled Oregon Counts 2020.
According to the site, the reasons for wanting an accurate census count are twofold: procuring funding from the federal government, and earning the state an additional congressional seat. It also states that for the first time in history, the census will be primarily conducted online, although the option to reply via phone or mail will still be available.
In an official statement, Gov. Brown said “Our democracy’s strength relies on representation, and the 2020 Census is integral to making sure that Oregonians receive their fair share of federal resources and congressional representation over the next decade. From more dollars for our schools and hospitals to ensuring our roads are safe and well kept, the census has a significant impact in the everyday lives of all Oregonians—and I’m committed to working with all partners across Oregon to ensure an accurate and complete count.”
Mailings from the Census Bureau will begin arriving in March, and the census count will officially end in July.
By Brandon Urey
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