Census information is confidential

BUFFALO, N.Y. (RELEASE) - The City of Buffalo Common Council met today with Robert Coffey, Local Census Office Manager for the United States Census 2010, to obtain information about the upcoming Census process.

The meeting was in response to concerns that have been raised by many residents who have stated they will not complete the forms because of issues such as intrusion of their privacy, mistrust of information gathered by government agencies, and a general lack of knowledge of how the Census will work and what it is intended to do. Some experts have speculated that participation in this year's census survey could be at an all-time low.

Mr. Coffey stated that all information is confidential and that the Census Bureau cannot share personal information with anyone, including other federal agencies and law enforcement entities. He went on to explain that the 2010 Census will be mailed out to each household in the United States and will be comprised of 10 generic questions dealing with topics such as race, age, sex, and number of people in the household. He stated that accurate population numbers are crucial in apportioning seats in the United States House of Representatives, local redistricting, and allocating $400 billion in federal funding directed towards education, workforce development, social support, infrastructure and economic development opportunities.

Amid mounting concerns, the New York State Department of State was designated to administer the Census Complete Count Grant Program. In conjunction with this grant the City of Buffalo will be receiving approximately $109,000 to fund a campaign to inform city residents of the importance of census participation. The City will use local media, the city website, the 311 Call Center, and direct mail to explain the census process to city residents.

The Common Council wants to insure that the City of Buffalo achieves the most accurate census count possible and are urging their constituents to complete the census forms as soon as possible.

For further information on this matter, residents are urged to contact the local census office at 716-923-9023, or their respective District Common Council Member. Residents are also encouraged to view a replay of the meeting with census officers by visiting the city's website or viewing the City's CATV Government Channel 21. Additional information can also be found at www.2010census.gov .