Mount Holly Newsflash - Tuesday, September 8, 2020 - Morning edition The weather today in Mount Holly - Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. South wind 1 to 5 mph. Archived Newsflash emails can be read at: https://mthollynewsflash.blogspot.com
From town meetings to volunteering at the local library or senior center, from helping our neighbors in the midst of crisis to respecting and protecting our environment, Vermonters have always taken civic engagement seriously. This is especially true during challenging times, like those we're experiencing now. I am writing today with a reminder about a simple, but extremely important, civic duty: the Decennial Census. If you haven't had a chance yet, please take a few minutes to complete the 2020 Census before September 30. The Census is more than a simple population count. It is an investment in Vermont's future. It brings our tax dollars back to Vermont. Federal funding for roads, bridges, education, and downtown revitalization are distributed based on the Census population numbers. Exciting projects like the French Block in Montpelier or the Yellow Barn project in Hardwick are possible because of these federal resources. It helps us meet the needs of Vermonters of all ages. Community health centers, Meals on Wheels, school meal programs, Head Start and Vermont's COVID-19 testing efforts are just some examples of the programs that receive funds distributed based on the Census population numbers. It provides the foundation for our democracy. Population counts are used to inform the boundaries of voting districts, including districts for the Vermont legislature, and to apportion representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. And, it tells us where we are, and where we're going. Quantifying population change informs critical decisions about the futures of towns, school districts and businesses. Rural places, including Vermont, are some of the most likely to be undercounted, which could have major consequences for our state. Every year, the Census population count directs roughly $2.5 billion in federal funding to communities around our state. For every person who is uncounted, Vermont will lose almost $4,000 of federal funds every year. That adds up. If we are able to get a complete count of every Vermonter, we can finish projects that are already in motion and take on new ones that will improve our state for everyone. Before September 30, go to www.2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020. If a Census worker comes to your door, talk to them, from a safe distance. If you've already done all this, thank you, and please encourage your friends, family and neighbors to do the same. Join me in ensuring a future where every Vermonter counts, and to make sure we remain Vermont Strong. Sincerely,
