Final push as U.S. Census deadline nears, millions of dollars in federal funding at stake

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Sept. 30 deadline to respond to the 2020 U.S. census is quickly approaching and millions of dollars in federal funding are at stake for Colorado.

Advocates for the census say Colorado’s response is higher than the national rate - but it’s still not nearly what it needs to be.

The mandated population count determines much federal funding our state and local areas get.

If we end up undercounted in Colorado, even our infrastructure will take a hit.

Advocates say places with booming populations, like Colorado Springs, can’t afford to lose money toward building more schools and highways.

As of last week, about 80% of households statewide responded to the census.

Colorado Springs, specifically, is doing fairly well but responses in the most southern parts of the city are low.

Same goes for Fountain.

In Pueblo, responses in the northwest and southeast parts of the region are also low.

The non-profit organization "Together We Count" was formed to assist Colorado organizations in educating communities about the census.

They say some of the most undercounted communities in Colorado include Black and Latino communities, as well as renters and undocumented immigrants.

“We know those undercounted become under-served," says Gillian Winbourn, Executive Director of Together We Count. "If you are residing in the United States, it's in the Constitution we count everyone, including immigrants, and including Green Card holders.”

The U.S. government abides by the “72-year rule” when it comes to the census, meaning your personal information won't be released until 72 years after you respond.

Previously, you could only respond to the census by mail.

Because of the pandemic, the bureau is now taking responses on the phone and online.

Parents are also reminded to include your children when filling out the form. In the 2010 census, almost 20,000 kids under the age of five were undercounted.

You may have already had a knock on your door from the Census Bureau offering to help you fill out your form.

They are ending door-knocking efforts a month early on September 30, the deadline to respond to the census.

If you’re planning on responding by mail, make sure your form is postmarked by the 30th as well.