Lamont McClure reminds the residents of Northampton County to Be Counted! and fill out the 2020 U.S. Census form. Residents can respond by mail, by phone, or online until September 30, 2020. As of August 25^th, only 74.8% of Northampton County residents had responded to the Census.

“Data from the Census is used to distribute more than $675 billion dollars in Federal funds,” says Lamont McClure. “These federal dollars impact Northampton County’s schools, hospitals and fire departments as well as our roads, bridges and highways and are needed to fully fund supplemental nutrition assistance (SNAP), Head Start, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance, the National School Lunch Program, special education and Pell Grants.”

Since 1790, the United States has conducted a Census every ten years, as required by the Constitution. Participation in the Census is a civic duty expected of everyone living in the U.S.

The County has installed computers in the Government Center at 669 Washington Street, Easton, PA and at the Department of Human Services Building at 2801 Emrick Blvd. Bethlehem, PA for anyone who would like to fill out their form online.

Pennsylvanians who have not responded to the 2020 Census should expect a Census enumerator to contact them in person or over the phone. All Census workers must carry a valid ID badge with their photo, U.S. Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date. Residents can call 800-923-8282 to check if a visitor works for the Census.

Residents do not need to be concerned about safety and security, as Census answers can’t be used against an individual, and data security is managed by security experts operating at the highest levels. Under Title 13 of the U.S. Code, the U.S. Census Bureau cannot release any information that identifies individuals, and anyone who breaks this law faces a fine of up to $250,000 and/or up-to five years in prison.

For more information and resources related to the 2020 U.S. Census, please visit pa.gov/census.