# Census - what it's for

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/census-what-its-for/8650>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [March 16, 2000, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/census-what-its-for/8650 "2000-03-16T16:27:00Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\
**Post date:** [March 16, 2000, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/census-what-its-for/8650/1 "2000-03-16T16:27:00Z")

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Yes, I know this isn’t a question. However it should provide an answer to a few other threads. The following is from an agency-wide email sent by the Secretary of Commerce:

> [@](#):
>
> The information we all provide is critical to the growth and progress of our  
> communities, states, and Nation. The data will determine how more than $185  
> billion in public funds annually are shared fairly among the Nation’s states  
> and communities. The data provide the basis for planning and implementing  
> thousands of laws and programs at every level of government. The census  
> numbers also are used to decide how many seats each state is allocated in the  
> House of Representatives and to equitably draw voting districts at the state  
> and local levels.

Moderators: feel free to move to a different forum as you see fit.

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