“We want everyone counted in 2010; even undocumented people should be counted so that the area they live in can receive their portion of the 300 billion dollars the government distributes based on census data,” Romero said. The 2010 Census will determine how many seats each state will have in the U.S. House of Representatives; the larger the population the more representation they will get however smaller populations may lose representation or boundaries might be changed continued Romero. “Business use the data to open a new businesses, this in turn provides jobs. Schools use the figures as well as many other entities,” Romero said.
“I left information packets at the offices of the highest elected officials in all the Live Oak and McMullen counties; the County Judges and the Mayors. Hopefully they will pass resolutions or proclamations to form a complete town committee for the 2010 Census and set up testing/training sites. In 2000, the response rate in Live Oak County was 49% and the response rate for McMullen County was 44%. That’s not good,” Romero exclaimed.
Conducting the census is a huge undertaking. Hundreds of census takers are needed to update address lists and conduct interviews with community residents. Romero said the Census bureau wants to hire numerators from the area because they know where the dwellings are. “Ranches are especially hard to numerate because many ranchers hire undocumented people and they are afraid the INS or IRS will come down on them,” said Romero. “We don’t care if they are undocumented or not; we just want the people counted. Title 13 of the federal government protects the citizens and all the information is confidential. No one will be able to identify anybody,” alleged Romero.
Census takers receive competitive pay on a weekly basis and are reimbursed for mileage. Romero said the job line is now open for block canvassers and numerators. Call toll-free 866-861-2010 or download an application at www.census.gov. However, you must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. Citizen; pay ranges from $8.00- $19.25 per hour depending on the position and area covered. All census takers must be able to speak English, and bilingual skills in English and other languages are needed in communities that have a large number of residents who speak a language other than English. “There will be other positions besides the numerators and field operation supervisors. The jobs will last at least 2-3 months; perhaps longer with 30-40 hours per week. It’s a great way to earn extra money and the hours are flexible,” Romero said.
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