Newsroom Archive

     President Barack Obama recorded a public service announcement (PSA) encouraging national participation in the 2010 Census that will be distributed to television and radio stations by the National Association of Broadcasters' Spot Center satellite feed today, along with a 20-second version of the PSA. Both are available at http://2010census.gov <http://2010census.gov/>.

     Stations are encouraged to broadcast the PSA through April following their standard procedures appropriate for a national public awareness campaign.

Message from the President of the United States on the 2010 Census
The White House

     “Every 10 years, our Constitution requires the federal government to conduct a census. This helps determine your representation in Congress, as well as how federal funds are spent on things like schools and roads, and where businesses decide to put new stores and factories. So when you get your census form in mid-March, take about 10 minutes to answer 10 questions — remembering to include everyone in your household. Because we can't move forward until you mail it back.”

ABOUT THE 2010 CENSUS

The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census form will be one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the respondents and the information they provide.