Costello urges participation in 2010 Census

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[On the eve of National Census Day, U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) today urged fellow residents of Illinois' 12th Congressional District to fill out their 2010 Census form. The Census is conducted every ten years and consists of questions about the number of people living in a given household, along with some demographic information about them. Most of the nation's 120 million households should have received their form, along with a cover letter and postage-paid return envelope, in the mail by mid-March.

Costello stressed the local significance of Census participation, pointing out that census data will be used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and to determine how more than $400 billion per year in federal funds is allocated for projects across the country, including roads, schools and hospitals.

"Taking part in the 2010 Census is the only way to ensure that every citizen is counted and that the 12th District receives its fair share of critical federal funds and programs," said Costello. "This Census is one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of just 10 questions which take an estimated 10 minutes to answer. I urge everyone to join me in filling out and mailing back their Census form."

For additional information about the Census, please call 1-800-923-8282 or visit http://2010.census.gov.