Ocean County Freeholder Joseph Vicari spoke to the mayors on Tuesday, March 24, about the 2010 U.S. census. Many Ocean County programs depend on federal contributions linked to U.S. Census numbers, he said. Those programs include aid to seniors, some of whom rely on the county for food assistance and other needs. Vicari explained that the census counts every person who lives in the county; it does not matter if people are registered voters or even if they are in the United States legally. Information gathered in the census cannot be used for law enforcement purposes, Vicari explained. Past census undercounts have harmed Ocean County and New Jersey, he said, reducing federal funds coming to various state and county programs. Without an accurate count in 2010, he said, New Jersey could lose one of its 13 congressional seats with unfortunate consequences for the people of the state and county. Vicari asked the mayors to encourage local cooperation with census takers.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the census is a count of everyone living in the United States every 10 years and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. The information is used to distribute Congressional seats to states, make decisions about what community services to provide, and distribute $300 billion in federal funds. People should be counted where they live and sleep most of the year. The questionnaire takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and participation is required by law. At the same time, federal law protects personal information shared during the census.
Also at the March meeting, the association unanimously passed a resolution proclaiming April as Autism Awareness Month.
The Association will hold a business meeting at the Holiday Inn on Rt 72 in Manahawkin on Monday, April 20, 2009. Registration begins at 8:30 AM. You may bring guests. There is a $15.00 per person meeting fee. Payment receipts available upon request at sign in. Capacity is limited. Kindly RSVP to April at 732-644-0657 or [email protected] (please indicate number of attendees, and names if possible).