Info about U.S. Census

We want to let all of our MHHS families know about some very important information about an event that will take place in Spring 2020: the U.S. Census. The census is a count of all people living in the U.S. and takes place every 10 years. It is simple and confidential to complete. For the first time, you can respond online. You will receive a unique identifying number in the mail, which will allow you to fill out the online form beginning in March 2020. It will ask questions about your household such as how many people reside in your home, date of birth, race, and sex. Here are some things you should know:

Your identity remains anonymous. Any personal information you provide on the census form is
protected by law and cannot be shared with anyone or any other federal agency. Regardless of your
immigration status, the information cannot be used against you or to invade the privacy of you or any
members of your family.

The Census is important. The Census is important because it helps to decide how much federal
money our schools will get over the next ten years, and how much money our state will get for our
parks, neighborhood improvements, public health, transportation, and many other programs and
services.

The Census is safe. All the data collected through the census is protected under Title 13 of the U.S.
Code. Records are confidential for 72 years by law. All U.S. Census Bureau employees swear a
lifetime oath to protect respondent information. The U.S. Census will never share a respondent’s
personal information with other government agencies. Data is only released in summary tables; no
individual records are released. The penalty for wrongful disclosure is up to 5 years imprisonment
and/or a fine of $250,000.

What do you need to do? Complete the short and easy form online. If you don’t have a computer
at home, you can use one at a library or at a location in your community clearly identified Census
Questionnaire Assistance Center.

Your kids count, so make sure to count them when you fill out the census form in Spring 2020!