Rep's Corner

In the next few weeks, Ohioans will have the opportunity to be a part of a unique event. Participation in this event will bring about change not only to Ohio, but to the entire United States: many organizations will have a chance to expand and grow, and levels of federal funding for states will be determined. To participate in this, the largest peacetime effort in the history of the United States, all you will need is a pencil and a little bit of time. What is this event? Census 2000.

One week before Census Day on April 1, 2000, households will receive a questionnaire either by mail or by delivery from a census taker. Most households will receive a questionnaire that will ask for very basic information: your name, sex, age, relationship to cohabitants, housing tenure and your race, including Hispanic origin, if applicable. Random households will receive a longer form that will cover the same subjects as the short form, plus 27 more, including education, ancestry, employment, disability and type of house heating fuel used.

Results of Census 2000 will be used to determine Ohio’s infrastructure and service issues. For example, results will show us which neighborhoods need new schools and which ones need greater services for the elderly. Your participation will help you and your community. Here’s how:
• The federal government uses census numbers to allocate more than $100 billion in federal funds annually for community programs and services, including: education programs, housing and community development, health-care services for the elderly and job training.
• State and local governments use census information for planning and allocating funds for new school construction, public buildings, highway safety and public transportation systems, new roads and bridges, and many other projects.
• Community organizations use census information for developing social service programs, community action projects, senior lunch programs and child-care centers.
• Businesses use the numbers to decide where to locate factories, shopping centers, movie theatres, banks and offices that lead to the creation of jobs.
• Ohio will use the numbers to allocate seats in the General Assembly.
• The United States Congress uses the census totals to determine how many seats Ohio will have in the United States House of Representatives.

Census 2000 is critical to assuring Ohio’s success in the next millennium. In the 1990 Census, Ohio was undercounted. As a result, the state lost an estimated $70 million in federal money. To receive adequate funding for Ohio’s programs, it is important that each of us takes the time to complete the questionnaire and return in to the Census Bureau by the April 1, 2000, deadline.

For those Ohioans that want to do more than just fill out the form, many other opportunities to assist with the census exist. Approximately 64,000 employment opportunities will be available in Ohio for Census 2000. These temporary positions will pay $8.25 to $20.00 per hour and include paid mileage and training. Two positions are available:
• Census takers will locate households, list addresses, and conduct interviews with respondents. Assigned to the individual’s community, the census taker must be available to work evenings and weekends to find people at home.
• Crew leaders will supervise, train, observe and review the work of a team of census takers. The crew leader meets with the census takers on a daily basis.

If you are interested in applying for a Census 2000 job, you can call 1-888-325-7733, visit the Census web site or contact our local Census Office at _____________ (NOTE: please see attachment of the list of Ohio Census offices and insert the office located in your district) for more information.

This is the time to make our voice heard. With a little bit of time and effort, your response will help Ohio receive adequate federal funding. Now is the time to make Ohio count. Please take part in this historic event. Don’t leave Ohio’s future blank.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this or any other state issue, please do not hesitate to contact me, State Representative Lynn Olman, 77 South High Street, Columbus, Ohio 43266-0603.


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