Posted on 07/30/2005 2:00:35 PM PDT by Indy Pendance
THE UNITED STATES CONSTITUTION
Article. I. Section. 2. Clause 3:
The actual Enumeration shall be made within three Years after the first Meeting of the Congress of the United States, and within every subsequent Term of ten Years, in such Manner as they shall by Law direct.
On the envelope:
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economics and Statistics Administration
U.S. CENSUS BUREAU
Jeffersonville, IN 47132-0001
OFFICIAL BUSINESS
Penalty for Private Use $300
ACS-46(2003) (1-2004)
The American Community Survey
Form Enclosed
YOUR RESPONSE IS REQUIRED BY LAW
Dear Resident:
I recently sent a letter to your household about the American Community Survey. Enclosed is a questionnaire and mail it back as soon as possible in the postage-paid envelope.
This survey collects critical up-to-date information used to meet the needs of communities across the United States. For example, the results from this survey are used to decide where new schools, hospitals and fire stations are needed. This information also helps communities plan for the kinds of emergency situations that might affect you and your neighbors, such as floods and other natural disasters.
The U.S. Census Bureau chose your address, not you personally, as part of a randomly selected sample. You are required by U.S. law to respond to this survey. The Census Bureau is required by U.S. law to keep your answers confidential. The enclosed brochure answers frequently asked questions about the survey.
If you need help filling out the questionnaire, please use the enclosed guide or call our toll-free number (1-800-354-7271).
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Charles Louis Kincannon
Director, U.S. Census Bureau
Enclosures.
Frequently asked questions:
What is the American Community Survey?
Every 10 years, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts a census. During Census 2000, the population of the United States was counted, and additional information was collected to describe the characteristics of the Nation’s population and housing.
The next census in 2010 will count the population, while the American Community Survey collects the information about population and housing characteristics throughout the decade. Based on the American Community Survey, the Census Bureau can provide data about our rapidly changing country more often than every 10 years.
Why don’t you use the information I provided on my Census 2000 questionnaire?
We need your response even if you completed a Census 2000 questionnaire, because the characteristics of your household may have changed since Census 2000. As we move further away from 2000, information provided in Census 2000 becomes outdated.
How do I benefit by answering the American Community Survey?
The American Community Survey provides up-to-date information for the Nation, states, cities, counties, metropolitan areas, and communities. By responding to the American community Survey questionnaire, you are helping your community to establish goals, identify problems and solutions, and measure the performance of programs.
Communities need data about the well-being of children, families, and the elderly to provide services to them. The data also are used to decide where to locate new highways, schools, hospitals, and community centers; to show a large corporation that a town has the workforce the company needs, and in many other ways.
Do I have to answer the questions on the American Community Survey?
Yes, your response to this survey is required by law (Title 13, United States Code, Sections 141 and 193). Title 13, as changed by Title 18, imposes a penalty for not responding. The survey is approved by the Office of Management and Budget. We estimate this survey will take about 38 minutes to complete.
How will the Census Bureau use the information that I provide?
The Census Bureau can us the information you provide to statistical purposes only and cannot publish or release information that would identify you and your household. Your information will be used in combination with information from other households to produce data for your community. Similar data will be produced for communities across the United States.
We may combine your answers with information that you gave to other agencies to enhance the statistical uses of these data. This information will be given the same protections as your survey information. Based on the information that you provide, you may be asked to participate in other Census Bureau surveys that are voluntary.
Will the Census Bureau keep my information confidential?
Yes. All of the information the Census Bureau collects from this survey about you and your household is confidential by law (Tot;e 13, United States Code, Section 9). By law, every Census Bureau employee-including the Director as well as every field representative-has taken an oath and is subject to a jail term, a fine, or both if he or she discloses ANY information that could identify you or your household.
Where can I find more information about the American Community Survey or get assistance?
You may visit our Web site www.census.gov/acs/www, or call 1-800-354-7271 if you need assistance or more information.
This is a 12 page booklet describing how to fill out the form. It is similar to a tax preparation booklet.
I can’t find an official statement of the increase to $5000. Online copies of US code, referenced at us.gov, still only mention the $100 fine.
... and minimum penalties of nothing at all.
The '08 Black Panther voter intimidation case comes to mind: irrefutable evidence of a federal crime, default verdict of guilt achieved, charges dropped without comment.
Not quite. $500 fine for lying.
13 USC Sec. 221 01/05/2009 TITLE 13 - CENSUS CHAPTER 7 - OFFENSES AND PENALTIES SUBCHAPTER II - OTHER PERSONS Sec. 221. Refusal or neglect to answer questions; false answers (b) Whoever, when answering questions described in subsection (a) of this section, and under the conditions or circumstances described in such subsection, willfully gives any answer that is false, shall be fined not more than $500.
That's a problem. How do you count 15 illegals in one house?
Count teeth and divide by 8?
Great. NOW I realize this thread started in 2005. Oh well, same issues arise again this year...
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