U.S. Census Bureau asking Fort Knox residents, employees to stay local in April survey

By Eric Pilgrim | Fort Knox NewsJanuary 30, 2020

U.S. Census Bureau asking Fort Knox residents, employees to stay local in April survey
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U.S. Census Bureau asking Fort Knox residents, employees to stay local in April survey
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U.S. Census Bureau asking Fort Knox residents, employees to stay local in April survey
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During a Community Information Exchange at the Saber & Quill Jan. 29, a U.S. Census Bureau official asked those in attendance to claim their Fort Knox or local area address as their home during the upcoming U.S. census.

Kelli Cauley told the packed room that every citizen living in the United States, District of Columbia and its five U.S. territories on April 1 will be required to respond to the census.

"If you live in the barracks don't worry, your commanding officers will be responding on your behalf," said Cauley. "If you live in housing on or off base, you are asked to respond to the survey yourself."

The census is a constitutionally mandated count conducted every 10 years, according to the U.S. Census Bureau's website, in which every home receives an invitation to respond. It is designed to provide data used by lawmakers, business owners, educators and others to provide "daily services, products and support for you and your community."

Cauley explained that a postcard will arrive in the mail by March 20, offering several different options for responding to the survey.

The bureau will continue to send follow-up notifications each week, she said, until the first of May "when you're going to start receiving someone knocking on your door."

Cauley said for the first time in history, the 2020 census survey will be offered online. Other options are responding by phone, through a paper questionnaire to be mailed back to the bureau, or in person.

Another unique aspect of the census this year are the number of languages offered to citizens who may not feel comfortable responding in English -- 12 online, and 52 languages over the phone. Cauley said the survey should take about 10 minutes.

"Ten simple questions," said Cauley. "But that 10 minutes is responsible for determining over $675 billion in spending annually, and who receives that for the next 10 years."

Because of the prospect of spending dollars, Cauley urged the residents and employees of Fort Knox to record their current local address on the survey.

"Regardless of what you consider your home of address," she concluded, "funding for schools, roads and emergency services are based on your current location."

For more information about the census, go to the link below.

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