Politics on the Hudson

   With the decennial U.S. Census upon us, the state Senate has launched a Web site that provides information about it and asks for suggestions on how to encourage more people to participate. The census, which is mandated by the U.S. Constitution, is used to determine representation in Congress and federal aid to local and state government programs and operations, including funding for schools, hospitals and transportation.

   “The New York State Senate is working with local, state and federal leaders to make sure everyone is counted so our communities receive their fair share,” Senate Majority Conference Leader John Sampson, D-Brooklyn, said in a statement. “When the census form arrives in the mail next March, fill it out and return it. It’s safe, it’s quick, and you will be helping yourself and the entire community.”

   Census data is used to make important decisions in the areas of jobs, economic development, affordable housing, health care and education, according to Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada, D-Bronx. For every New Yorker counted in the 2000 census, the federal government spends nearly $2,000 a year, senators said.

   The 2000 U.S. Census failed to count hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers, according to the Senate Majority, which has mapped neighborhoods and areas where large numbers of people were not counted in the past. Senators are working with community leaders to set up “Complete Count Committees.”

     Case workers only visit households that do not mail back census forms. Information collected is confidential and is not shared with law enforcement, immigration, welfare or any government agency, and filling out a form doesn’t increase a person’s chances of being picked for jury duty.