Money, power at stake during census

LAKELAND - You should be getting the 2010 Census in the mail soon. They just began sending them out on Monday.

Before you think of throwing it away or throwing it into "I'll do it later pile," consider what's at stake: money, and lots of it.

Washington divides up and sends out close to $500 billion a year to the states for school, road, and other important projects. The more Floridians who fill out the 2010 Census, the more money our state will get.

Florida may also get something else: one more seat in the U.S. House of Representatives.

The 2010 Census consists of ten questions, and should take about ten minutes to fill out. If you don't return it, you can expect someone to come to your house to get the information.

Census officials say they keep the data private and don't release it to any other agency.

The Census could even put some money in your pocket. It is hiring census workers right now, and they are for positions that can make close to $14 per hour.

There are two jobs fairs in Polk County this week, one in Winter Haven, the other in Lakeland.

For more information, call (866) 861-2010 or go to www.2010censusjobs.gov .