The 2020 Census is under way and our community needs everyone's help now more than ever. Thousands have lost jobs, many have had their hours cut and this is true not only in Rutherford County, but across the state and nation.

Our constitution requires that we count every person in the United States every 10 years. The results affect our representation in government and the amount of federal tax money that is returned here each year. The money that is received due to the population is used locally to help in many areas. Those funds pay for local healthcare, education, disaster response such as tornadoes that we have all been impacted by multiple years. The money also helps with roads and other services we all use like the fire departments responding to fires and accidents or Police responding to domestic violence situations.

Make sure you and everyone living in your home is included when you fill out Census forms online or on the forms mailed to your home.

If you are out of work or if your hours have been cut due to the current Pandemic, you can apply for a flexible, well-paid temporary job as a census taker, or support the effort by telling your friends and neighbors how important it is to be counted.

It's quick and easy to respond online, by phone or by mail, and your answers are completely confidential. Visit 2020census.gov or call 844-330-2020 to respond by phone.

Remember, our community is counting on you.