Rep. Johnson: It's Census Day -- Have you returned your form?

Congressman to mail in his census at Wesley Chapel Post Office:

LITHONIA, GA – Congressman Hank Johnson (D-GA), who represents parts of DeKalb, Rockdale and Gwinnett counties, is encouraging the public to return their 2010 Census forms.

Instead of just talking about it, Congressman Johnson will lead by example.

On Thursday, April 1 on Census Day, Congressman Johnson will post his family’s census form in the mail at the Wesley Chapel Post Office at 3 p.m.

“Our community can’t afford to lose out on crucial federal funds and programs,” said Congressman Johnson. “In order to get our fair share of funding for our community, we must count everyone. Our schools, libraries, community centers and so many other important programs all rely on Census results.”

Surrounded by local school principals, county commissioners, community leaders, pastors, Census representatives and representatives from the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials (GALEO), Congressman Johnson will urge constituents return the Census forms and be counted.

The 2000 Census had a 67 percent national response rate, with an estimated undercount of more than 3 million people. According to a recent report, areas most affected by Census undercounting lose about $2,913 per uncounted person in federal funding.

“Right now DeKalb has just a 37 percent return rate. Rockdale has 40 percent and Gwinnett is 39 percent,” said Johnson. The national average is 46 percent. “We can do better,” said Johnson. “Stand up and be counted.”

WHO: U.S. Rep. Hank Johnson

WHAT: Congressman Hank Johnson mails his 2010 Census form

WHEN: Thursday, April 1 at 3 p.m.

WHERE: Wesley Chapel Post Office, 2724 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur, GA 30034

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