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2020 Census Begins With Canvassing, Correcting Addresses

U.S. Census Bureau Regional Director Cathy Lacy speaks at a podium
Nicky Ouellet
/
Yellowstone Public Radio
Census begins collecting 2020 information

The United States Census Bureau is taking account of buildings in Montana. It’s part of the preparation to collect census data next year.

The U.S. Census Bureau is doing what’s called “address canvassing.” Spokesperson Josh Manning says it’s a necessary first step.

“It’s meant to make sure that the people who go out in the spring are knocking on the right doors if they have to and also that we’re sending the right mailings to the right houses so that we have the right database,” says Manning.

He says they started canvassing about a week ago and will continue until October.

About 500 people are on the job in the state, and hourly rates start at $13.

The census dictates the amount of federal funds a state receives to pay for schools, roads, and other services. Montana stands to gain a second seat in the House of Representatives based on census data to be collected in spring 2020.

Kayla writes about energy policy, the oil and gas industry and new electricity developments.