Daley in school to encourage census participation

December 10, 2009 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- Mayor Daley, federal officials and educators attended a rally Thursday to launch a census in schools initiative.

The goal is to encourage students to make sure their families fill out and return census forms.

A correct count is needed to accurately reapportion state legislative and congressional districts, and fairly distribute $400 billion in a variety of federal programs.

"The 2010 census questionnaires are going to be mailed in March with only 10 questions, 10 minutes to complete. It's easy, it's safe, it's important," said Rebecca Blank, U.S. Department of Commerce.

"If we don't count people, we will not get our fair share-- you will not get your fair share -- of all the federal programs that exist here in the country. And so it's imperative," said Mayor Daley.

The mayor said the census counts all residents, whether or not they are citizens. He stressed that answers are confidential, for census programs only, and cannot be used for law enforcement purposes.

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