Counting slated to begin in mid-March

Efforts to educate Montanans on the importance of gathering an accurate 2020 census count this spring are in full swing as the counting process is slated to begin by mid-March.

The Montana Census Complete Count Committee recently launched the state’s census website, census.mt.gov, where residents are provided a one-stop information shop for all things related to counting. The committee also announced in a press release on Friday a series of public service announcements that will start airing on broadcast and radio stations on Monday.

The new website includes resources specific to the state including maps, flyers and social media graphics and instructions for how residents can fill out their nine-question form online, by phone, or by mail.

On the website, the state is also asking businesses and organizations to consider signing up to be a “Be Counted” location once the decennial count begins. These organizations are located in public spaces with secure internet access where individuals can fill out and submit their Census questionnaire online.

According to a map on the state’s website, dozens of Be Counted sites already exist statewide. In Flathead County, locations include the Whitefish Community Library and the ImagineIf Libraries in Columbia Falls, Kalispell, Bigfork and Marion.

Counting everyone in Montana is critical as it determines the state’s share of federal funding over the next decade. It also shapes local voting districts and determines whether Montana will get another representative in Congress.

According to a press release, Montana receives an estimated $2 billion in federal funds each year based on Census data. For every Montana resident counted, the Census estimated the state will receive $20,000 over the next 10 years to be put toward highway planning, health care, educational programs, infrastructure and more.

The U.S. Census bureau is still recruiting thousands of workers nationwide for temporary jobs in advance of the 2020 census. Starting wages range from $17 to $19.50 an hour. Available jobs include office operations supervisors, clerks to perform various administrative and clerical tasks, census field supervisors and census takers.

Reporter Kianna Gardner may be reached at 758-4407 or kgardner@dailyinterlake.com