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COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Nick Kotik |
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February 2010
Los Angeles today has a population of over 4 million. The entire population of the United States was 3,929,000 in 1790. The entire population of the U.S. in that first census could fit into Los Angeles this year.
The purpose of the original census was to count every person living in this country and to use that number to determine representation in Congress. That was 220 years ago. According to today's estimates, about 315,535,000 currently live in the U.S.
Since 1790, the U.S. Constitution requires the census to be taken every 10 years. Naturally, times have changed and our nation has grown exponentially over the last two centuries. The census data still affects representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, but it also helps to determine what federal aid local communities receive and serves as a research tool for various quality-of-life issues and projects.
Under the U.S. Constitution, electoral districts across the country must be periodically adjusted or redrawn to account for population shifts. This redistricting process changes electoral district and constituency boundaries, usually based on census results. While the census provides valuable information with regard to population patterns, it is not a requirement for redistricting.
The census data reflects changes in our communities that are crucial in determining how many seats Pennsylvania will hold in the U.S. House of Representatives and also helps to determine how more than $400 billion per year is allocated for local projects like new hospitals and schools. We have a wide range of infrastructure needs, including bridges, tunnels, water and sewer projects, senior centers, employment centers, and emergency services that could benefit from this federal assistance. That is why it is so important to be accounted for in the 2010 Census.
Furthermore, a plethora of groups and organizations use the census data as a research tool for various purposes. It can be used for disease prevention information, to advocate for causes, locate specific categories of workers, draft legislation and to rescue victims during a disaster.
The census has many purposes and I remind you to fill out a 2010 census form. My office can help answer questions you have. Much like the first form in 1790, the 2010 Census form only asks a few questions and doesn't take a lot of time to fill out.
As always, please feel free to contact me by calling my Coraopolis office at 412-264-4260, or by sending me an e-mail through my Web site: www.pahouse.com/kotik.