FAIRBANKS NORTH STAR BOROUGH: Census 2020 Count begins this week and Interior Events for Kids

By Mae Ruth Ani

Mar 11, 2020

Fairbanks North Star Borough issued the following announcement on March 9.

The Fairbanks North Star Borough and the Interior Counts Complete Count Committee are excited to announce two events this week to celebrate the kick-off of the Decennial Census! The two events, called Interior Kids Counts, will have coloring and activity books as well as games and activities for kids ages 2-8. The first event will be held at the Noel Wien Library on Tuesday, March 10th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The second event will be held at the North Pole Library on Wednesday, March 11th from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. These events are FREE to the public. The Census is beginning their count on Thursday March 12th, 2020 in the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and it is vital that we count every resident of the Interior. A complete count ensures that we receive proper representation in the state legislature and helps to encourage new businesses to come invest in the Golden Heart of Alaska. Census data is also used by the Government to distribute over $675 Billion dollars in federal funding each year, and with an incomplete count that means we in the Borough would not receive our fair share. Funding for healthcare, roads, schools, social services, and nutrition programs are all impacted by Census numbers; if we are undercounted, we will have to have that funding shortage for the next 10 years before we can correct it. Filling out your Census can be done online, by phone, or by mail! It’s 10 Questions, 10 Minutes, and 10 years of Impact! To complete your Census beginning Thursday March 12th please go to www.My2020Census.Gov or call (844) 330-2020. The Interior Counts Complete Count Committee is made up of representatives from the all over the community including Fairbanks North Star Borough, City of Fairbanks, Fairbanks Economic Development Corps, the School District, UAF, United Way of the Tanana Valley, thrivAlaska, Resource Center for Parents and Children, and the Morris Thompson Cultural Center.

Original source can be found here.