The Census effect

The Census helps bring federal dollars to the state to support major programs like infrastructure, Gov. Phil Scott said. Above is a view of Route 12 in Woodstock in April. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)

Vermont needs federal aid, and your 2020 Census form helps ensure that funding.

Gov. Phil Scott drove that point home at his Wednesday media briefing, explaining that the Census helps determine the amount of federal funds the state receives. So far, about half of all Vermonters have filled out the Census, putting the state at 47th in the nation when it comes to response rate. The governor urged Vermonters who haven't done so, to take five minutes to complete the Census form.

“As we face a global pandemic and the economic crisis that has followed, making sure we get every dollar of federal relief we can is so important to our recovery,” Scott said.

He noted the Census impact goes well beyond relief funds and also brings in federal dollars for infrastructure projects, school lunches and other needs.

About $2.5 billion in federal funding comes back to Vermont because of the Census. Counting efforts have been more difficult this year, with no in-person data collection allowed due to the pandemic. Planning for the restart of field operations in Vermont is underway in partnership with the U.S. Census Bureau, according to state librarian Jason Broughton, who is leading the state's Census counting efforts. The Bureau is looking to extend the Census into October and to allow the reporting requirements to be conducted in 2021, Broughton said Wednesday.

The Census can be completed online at 2020census.gov or by phone at 844-330-2020.

— Gareth Henderson