Census Response Better

Wednesday’s editorial encourages readers to send in their census this week.

By now, folks who have been paying any attention realize something of the importance of participating in the nationwide census under way. They now also understand the truth about what Uncle Sam wants to know about residents – how many people reside at a given address, ages, gender and race – and perhaps were surprised to find no questions about income and other personal information.

The Constitution requires counting the number of residents every 10 years to determine the makeup of congressional districts. With its increased population, South Carolina may have a seventh U.S. representative. North Carolina also could gain a seat as happened after the 2000 Census. Such gains come at the expense of Northern states such as Illinois, which has lost at least one seat following the past several censuses. The total number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives remains at 435. The population of a state or city also determines how much money the entity receives in some programs. In short, people not counted will shortchange an area on its share of $400 billion in federal funds for emergency services (think hurricanes), hospitals, senior centers and public works. Not participating in the 2010 Census is foolhardy. The Census Bureau has consistently said the information given is strictly confidential – it is not passed on to other government agencies.

Conway and Myrtle Beach are promoting participation. Events are scheduled in two more Myrtle Beach neighborhoods, 6 p.m. today, Fire Station No. 6 at 970 38th Ave. N. and 7 p.m. Thursday, Station No. 3 at 2108 S. Kings Highway.

Participation rates have improved from 2000 with Georgetown County participation already at 66 percent, from 48 percent in 2000. Horry County’s rate on Tuesday was 61 percent, two points better than on Friday and four points better than in 2000. Brunswick County, N.C., is at 69 percent, above the national average of 66 percent. Residents can check the response rate at http://2010.census.gov, which has an interactive map.

The mail phase of the 2010 Census ends this week, and next month U.S. Census Bureau workers will begin the months-long process of visiting known addresses from which no form has been received. And by the way, residents using a mail form other than one received from the U.S. Census Bureau likely will be visited by a government worker to verify the information.

Scholars Academy recognized

A tip of The Sun News hat to the Scholars Academy of Horry County Schools and Coastal Carolina University. The school district received an honorable mention in the 16th annual Magna Awards of the American School Board Journal. High school students may earn up to two years of college credits. Horry County Schools’ entry, “Dare to Know: The Scholars Academy,” was selected in the enrollment of 20,000 and above category. The two other categories are 5,000 to 20,000 and less than 5,000 students.

The Constitution requires counting the number of residents every 10 years to determine the makeup of congressional districts. With its increased population, South Carolina may have a seventh U.S. representative. North Carolina also could gain a seat as happened after the 2000 Census. Such gains come at the expense of Northern states such as Illinois, which has lost at least one seat following the past several censuses. The total number of seats in the U.S. House of Representatives remains at 435. The population of a state or city also determines how much money the entity receives in some programs. In short, people not counted will shortchange an area on its share of $400 billion in federal funds for emergency services (think hurricanes), hospitals, senior centers and public works. Not participating in the 2010 Census is foolhardy. The Census Bureau has consistently said the information given is strictly confidential – it is not passed on to other government agencies.

Conway and Myrtle Beach are promoting participation. Events are scheduled in two more Myrtle Beach neighborhoods, 6 p.m. today, Fire Station No. 6 at 970 38th Ave. N. and 7 p.m. Thursday, Station No. 3 at 2108 S. Kings Highway.

Participation rates have improved from 2000 with Georgetown County participation already at 66 percent, from 48 percent in 2000. Horry County’s rate on Tuesday was 61 percent, two points better than on Friday and four points better than in 2000. Brunswick County, N.C., is at 69 percent, above the national average of 66 percent. Residents can check the response rate at http://2010.census.gov, which has an interactive map.

The mail phase of the 2010 Census ends this week, and next month U.S. Census Bureau workers will begin the months-long process of visiting known addresses from which no form has been received. And by the way, residents using a mail form other than one received from the U.S. Census Bureau likely will be visited by a government worker to verify the information.

Scholars Academy recognized

A tip of The Sun News hat to the Scholars Academy of Horry County Schools and Coastal Carolina University. The school district received an honorable mention in the 16th annual Magna Awards of the American School Board Journal. High school students may earn up to two years of college credits. Horry County Schools’ entry, “Dare to Know: The Scholars Academy,” was selected in the enrollment of 20,000 and above category. The two other categories are 5,000 to 20,000 and less than 5,000 students.