LANSING – Lt. Governor John D. Cherry Jr. Friday (March 12th) said Census Day is April 1, and it’s time for everyone in Michigan to be counted.  Cherry made his remarks in delivering this week’s radio address on behalf of Governor Granholm.

“Next week, you should receive in the mail your 2010 census form,” Cherry said.  “It’s important that you fill out your census form and promptly mail it back.  And here’s why.”

“First, census information is used to determine the number of seats that Michigan and every other state gets in the U.S. House of Representatives,” Cherry said.  “Census information also is used in drawing the district lines for seats in the Michigan Senate and the Michigan House of Representatives.”

“But one of the most important uses of census information is for the distribution of federal funds,” Cherry continued.  “The census helps determine how more than $400 billion in federal funds each year is allocated to states and local communities for important services and infrastructure projects.  This includes things like health care, schools, roads, job training centers, water and sewer systems, and much more.”

“For every person in Michigan who isn’t counted in the census, our state loses $10,000 in federal funds,” Cherry said.  “During these tough economic times in Michigan, we can’t afford to be shortchanged during the next 10 years when it comes to our fair share of federal funding.  So it’s crucial that you, your family, your neighbors and everyone else be counted in the census.”

“When the 2010 census form arrives in your mail next week, please take 10 minutes to answer the 10 questions,” Cherry said.  “Then mail it in promptly.  When you fill out and return the census form, you’re helping your country, your state and your community.  So be counted.”

To hear this week’s radio address with Lt. Gov. John Cherry, click here.

Source:  News release and audio from Lt. Gov. John Cherry