It’s Time for Tulsans to Fill Out 2020 Census
The last time Tulsans got the chance to fill out the United States Census was in 2010. Though 2010 followed the economic downturn in 2008, I don’t think anyone could have predicted the trying times that lay ahead for the 2020 Census.
The 2020 Census is more important now than we might have ever imagined as the world deals with the COVID-19 Pandemic. When the Census goes out, it is sent to every residence in the United States, and its goal is to count everyone and inform the federal government of how to allocate important funding for things like education, roads, bridges, transportation systems, and more.
Every 10 years, Tulsans get the chance to fill out the Census. Though it seems like lightyears ago, the 2020 Census was mailed to all area residences on March 12. Because of the abrupt actions we’ve taken to combat COVID-19, many Tulsans and individuals are being affected in some way.
That’s why this year, if Tulsans don’t get counted, Tulsa stands to lose more money that could hurt us for years to come. For every Tulsan who does not respond to the 2020 Census, the State of Oklahoma loses $1,675 per person. That’s a lot of money we simply can’t afford to miss out on.
The only way we can get the adequate funding we need to support local initiatives and critical infrastructure projects is if everyone in Tulsa gets counted.
For some areas in Tulsa, getting everyone to fill out the Census hasn’t always been easy. That’s why in 2020, we’ve created a host of platforms to reach as many people as possible. Before the 2020 Census was mailed and the COVID-19 Pandemic reared its head in Tulsa, the Tulsa Regional Complete Count Committee started working hard to get the word out, especially in undercounted areas of Tulsa.
On March 12, I challenged Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt to see which city could get the highest response rate before April 30. We’re in a tight race, and I’m encouraging my fellow Tulsans to help Tulsa beat OKC.
For these reasons, I’m sincerely asking all Tulsans to do their part to fill out the 2020 Census and help make Tulsa Count while we’re in these trying times. For more information on the 2020 Census and to see our local efforts, visit www.TulsaCounts.com.
To fill out the 2020 Census online while you stay home to prevent the spread of COVID-19, please visit www.2020Census.gov.
