Dear Friend,
I want to make sure that Wayne County gets every dollar available to improve our schools and health care, maintain hospitals, fix our roads and bridges, and make our communities stronger in every way possible.
One way to do that is by making sure that all our voices are heard in the 2020 Census. Please remember to return your completed form that the U.S. Census Bureau is sending to you by Wednesday, April 1, to create a brighter future for our neighborhoods and state.
Warmest regards, 
Sylvia Sanata
State Senator District 3
Sign-up for my e-newsletter at: SenatorSantana.com
Contact my office at: (855) DIST003 or (855) 347-8003
Email me at: SenSSantana@senate.michigan.gov
Earn extra income while helping your community
The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting thousands of people across the country to assist with the 2020 Census count. These temporary positions include census takers, census field supervisors, recruiting assistants, clerks and office operations supervisors. Interested? Learn more and apply online at: 2020Census.gov/Jobs or call: (855) JOB-2020 (562-2020).
Voter Education Town Hall
Friday, May 15, 2020 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan
16500 Tireman Ave., Detroit, MI 48228
Come and find out the new changes to Michigan’s voting laws. Also find out more about the redistricting commission that aims to end gerrymandering in the state of Michigan.
The 2020 Census has been mapped out by federal officials to make it easier for you and your family to respond.
Be Counted: U.S. CENSUS 2020
April 1 is Census Day.
By this day, every home in Michigan should have received a census questionnaire which can be responded to online, by phone or by mail.
What is the 2020 Census?
Every 10 years, the census records everyone living in this country. It doesn’t matter if you’re a natural-born citizen, a Green Card holder or an immigrant — every person living in our country matters. The 2020 Census questionnaire will contain a short set of questions asking about the people living in your household. It’s critical that you fill out these forms and return them.
Be Counted: U.S. Census 2020
The data from the returned questionnaires can be used to inform funding for services like fire stations, schools, clinics, and representation that affects your community, including:
- Determining how much money our state and our communities receive from the federal government;
- Determining the number of Congressional seats Michigan receives;
- Providing local government officials with data to ensure public safety, plan schools and build hospitals; and,
- Providing data so businesses can find communities where they can create jobs. By April 1, 2020, every home in Michigan should receive a census questionnaire. Thanks to upgrades in technology, you will be able to return your answers by mail, phone or online
Important Dates
March 12-20
Most households will receive a postcard invitation to respond to the census online.
April 1: CENSUS DAY
By this day, every home in Michigan should have received a census questionnaire which can be responded to online, by phone or by mail.
April
Census takers will visit college students who live on campus, people living in senior centers, and others who live among large groups of people.
May1
Census employees will begin visiting the homes of people who didn’t respond to the 2020 Census. This is a way to ensure every household is counted.
December
The Census Bureau delivers the final count to the President and Congress as required by law.
HOW TO AVOID SCAMS
In March, most households will receive a postcard invitation to respond online to the 2020 Census. Those who don’t answer will then receive the traditional paper form in the mail. If you don’t respond, the bureau will send a census taker to knock on that door to collect the household’s data.
Real census employees won’t ask for your full Social Security number, for money or donations, or for bank or credit card numbers.
Check to make sure that the person has a valid identification badge with his or her photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date. If you still suspect fraud, call the Census Bureau at (800) 923-8282 to speak to a representative.
Census 2020: What’s New?
The 2020 Census is the first U.S. census to offer a full internet response option and the first to extensively use technology — instead of paper — to manage and conduct fieldwork.
Key design changes include: Three response options: Internet, paper, and phone. Ultimately, every household will get a paper form if they don’t respond online. Households in low-Internet areas will receive a paper form from the start.
Multiple languages: In addition to English, respondents can complete the census in 12 non-English languages online or by phone. In addition, language guides, language glossaries, and language identification cards will be provided in 59 non-English languages.
In-office address canvassing: This census uses satellite and GPS imagery to identify those areas where housing is changing and will assign workers to verify those addresses in person.
Digital case management: Census takers will use secure smartphones to get daily assignments, navigate to interviews, communicate with supervisors, and submit timesheets.
Streamlined follow-up visits: This census will use existing government and third-party data to identify vacant households, predict the best time of day to visit a household, and count and provide characteristics for the people in the household after multiple attempts.
Frequently Asked QUESTIONS
Can my answers be shared with law enforcement or used against me? NO. There are strict privacy laws connected with census responses, so none of your information will leave the Census Bureau. Your answers will not impact your eligibility for government benefits and no information will be turned over to law enforcement.
Will my information be kept confidential?
YES. There are strict federal laws that protect your census responses. To ensure your information is kept safe, Census Bureau employees must take a lifelong pledge of confidentiality when handling data, and if they violate the law, they could be fined up to $250,000 or imprisonment for up to 5 years, or both. No law enforcement can access or use your personal information at any time, which includes the FBI, CIA or ICE.
What information will and will not be requested?
The census WILL collect basic information about the people living in your household, such as:
- Name;
- Relationship to the homeowner;
- Sex/gender;
- Age;
- Date of birth; and,
- Race
When completing the census, you should count everyone living in your household on April 1, 2020. The Census Bureau will NEVER ask for:
- Social Security numbers;
- Money or donations; or,
- Bank or credit card account numbers;
- Anything on behalf of a political party.
Will the census be available in languages other than English?
YES. The 2020 Census will be available in multiple languages. You will be able to respond by phone or online — in English or in 12 additional languages. Based on existing government and third-party data, some households will receive bilingual invitations in Spanish and English.
Are non-citizens counted in the census?
YES. The census counts everyone living in the country, including non-citizens. To keep your residency information safe, your legal residence will not be shared with law enforcement.