Jackson residents respond well to Census

It is important to the federal government to have the most accurate tally possible, but for states, counties and cities who provide their own services to those residents, an accurate count is also important.

Population figures are used to allocate a whole array of funds from federal programs all the way down to the allocation of the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax. A community whose count is low will be shortchanged over the next decade, hampering its ability to serve its citizens. While cynics press for a large census turnout so as to get a larger share of that tax dollar pot of an extra seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, the real reason to have a full census count is to apportion our local, state and federal tax dollars appropriately. Nobody enjoys paying taxes, but it is easier if there is some sense that the money is being allocated fairly according to need. The census count helps verify much of that need.

The statistical data derived from the census count is also crucial to local and state governments for the same reason. Population numbers and trends help public officials plan for the future, divide their jurisdictions into equal election districts and allocate resources. Without accurate data, officials at all levels of government are handicapped.

So, kudos to those Jackson County residents who promptly filled out their census forms. And for those of you who haven’t, do it now and do your bit to help governments at all levels allocate the resources your city, county and state will need over the next decade.