VOA标准英语2010年-Website of the Week - 2010 Census（在线收听）

Congressional representation, billions in government aid depend on once-a-decade count

Art Chimes | Washington, DC 25 February 2010

Census technology has come a long way since punch cards were used in the 1940/1960 census.

Time again for our Website of the Week, when we showcase interesting and innovative online destinations.

Once every 10 years the U.S. government conducts a census of everyone living in the United States. It's mandated in our Constitution, and the information collected is used in a variety of ways. It determines whether states gain or lose seats in Congress, it plays a key role in determining how federal programs distribute some $400 billion to states and localities, it fuels academic research, and it helps businesses decide where to put new stores. The place to learn more is 2010.census.gov.

"Our mission is to give you, the public, the best statistical information about our economy and society. You may recognize our work when you hear reports on the economy, health care, unemployment, housing, trade, and a lot of other topics," says census director Robert Groves.

The U.S. Census Bureau is sending out millions of census forms. Each household is asked to fill in the 10-question form and mail it back.

To avoid costly follow-up, the census is mounting a TV campaign, including spots aimed at groups less likely to send back their form, such as young adults.

Members of ethnic minorities are also less likely to answer the census, so the census website includes videos designed to reassure people who may fear contact with federal officials. One of the clips features Detroit official Durene Brown, who cautioned that, "we need to get rid of any fears that they might have about privacy or any other issues. ... Everybody needs to be counted."

Census day is April 1. Learn more about America's once-a-decade census at 2010.census.gov, or visit our site, VOAnews.com, for the link to this and hundreds of other Websites of the Week.