April 1, 2020: Take a Break and Be Counted Day

WHEREAS, every decade, the U.S. Constitution requires a head count of every person living in the United States, regardless of age, immigration status or type of residence; and,

 

WHEREAS, this process informs our government’s response to the evolving needs of our nation’s communities and affects every family, every individual, and every child, as well as businesses and local communities; and,

 

WHEREAS, our census count determines funding for public safety, including police and fire, health care, education, and infrastructure, and impacts other essential services; and,

 

WHEREAS, our census also determines the distribution of federal funds to our state and its many communities, as well as informs how legislative and congressional districts are formed and how many Congressional districts Michigan will have; and,

 

WHEREAS, it is of critical importance to the future success of our state; and,

 

WHEREAS, the 2020 Census is more convenient than ever, as it only takes about ten minutes to complete the nine census questions, and new technology has made it easier to respond to the census, in which you can respond in person, by mail, by phone, and – for the first time –online; and,

 

WHEREAS, diverse policy and advocacy organizations representing Michigan’s leading employers, state, county and local governments, small businesses, workers in professional trades, educators, students, families, senior citizens, the faith and nonprofit communities, minority and ethnic communities, and many more are working to encourage all Michigan residents to become informed and complete the 2020 Census; and,

 

WHEREAS, today we call on all Michiganders to stop what they are doing and take a quick ten minutes out of their day to complete the 2020 Census form and support Michigan’s “Be Counted” campaign; 

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 1, 2020, as “Take a Break and Be Counted Day” in Michigan.