Today’s Solutions: March 18, 2025

By now, if you live in the US, you’ve probably received multiple census forms in the mail and seen it advertised on local buses. If you’ve put off filling out your census response, don’t panic, you have until October to respond and here’s why you definitely should do so. 

You might be asking yourself, why does the government need to know how many roommates I have? First things first, the census helps determine where federal funding is allocated. Understanding population dynamics helps ensure that money for health care, housing, child education, public transportation, and more goes where it should. This is especially important for marginalized groups such as BIPOC and POC, LGBTQ+ individuals, the poverty-stricken, and immigrants, which are disproportionately undercounted and their communities underfunded. If you don’t think government funding allocation affects you, do it for your neighbor or friend who may rely on those services. 

The census also determines how many representatives your state gets. Your voice can’t be heard if it isn’t being counted. Large urban areas are historically undercounted, which means these oppressed areas aren’t getting the representation they deserve in the House of Representatives. 

Lastly, the census helps small businesses thrive and business owners make operations decisions. Census information can help explain business success or closure which informs investment choices. In this way, the census ensures resources can reach the demographics that need them and promotes economic growth. 

More accurate data on population dynamics helps our governments operate more efficiently and provide services for citizens. Your census response matters! And it helps provide funding, representation, and support for those who need it most. So what are you waiting for? Take ten minutes to fill out the census form today!

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

How science is bringing movement and sensation back to paralyzed hands

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM For decades, advances in medical technology have focused on restoring movement to people living with paralysis. But for ...

Read More

Why you should call your friends more (and how to make it happen)

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Imagine it’s a typical night, and you’re curled up on the couch, casually watching re-runs of your favorite ...

Read More

Feeding cattle seaweed could change the world

Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and a major contributor to climate change. About 70 percent of agricultural methane comes from enteric fermentation, chemical ...

Read More

Managing your money during trying times: 5 financial tips that just work

In a world where expenses seem to outpace income and the looming threat of rising interest rates, it's time to roll up your sleeves and ...

Read More