BALTIMORE —
U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD),
U.S. Congressman John Sarbanes (MD-3) and
Baltimore City Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake were joined by members of the Baltimore religious community in urging area residents to participate in the 2010 Census. The 2010 Census forms have been mailed to area residents who need to fill them out and mail them back on Census Day – April 1, 2010.
The 2010 Census will have a profound impact on Maryland. The federal government distributes more than $400 billion to state governments every year, and an accurate count of all Marylanders could result in more than $57 billion for our state over the next decade, money that will ensure funding for health care, education, transportation and other essential services.
“It is important that everyone participate in the Census because it is critical to our state and to our nation,” said
Senator Cardin. “Answers will be kept strictly confidential and this year the process is easier than ever. The form has been reduced to just 10 questions that should take no more than 10 minutes — remember 10 questions –10 minutes.”
“The Constitution requires a Census every 10 years because it is a vital tool of our democracy,” said
Congressman Sarbanes. “Filling out your Census form is the best way to ensure that our state receives adequate representation in the Congress and that your community will receive its fair share of federal funds for everything from schools to roads to senior centers.”
“During Baltimore Census Sabbath, I am encouraging all of our faith leaders to use your services to promote the Census,”
said Mayor Rawlings-Blake. “Your voices will help us have a complete count and ensure more people respond to the Census than in 2000.”
Senator Cardin, Congressman Sarbanes and Mayor Rawlings-Blake also were joined by representatives from the U.S. Census. The 2010 Census is hiring approximately 12,300 temporary workers in Maryland to help with the count. In Baltimore City, the Census is planning to hire approximately 3,700 people. Pay rates for Census workers in Maryland vary from $13 to $20 an hour depending on location.
