My name is Representative Geraldine Thompson and I am proud to serve as your State Representative for District 39 in Orlando, Florida. It is time for us to make our voice heard, to make sure we’re counted in the 2010 Census. Why is this short questionnaire so important? The 2010 Census is not simply a count of how many people are living in our country but it also serves much greater purposes. Information from the Census helps to determine how more than $400 billion of federal funding will be spent each year. This money affects services like hospitals, schools, senior centers, and other fundamental infrastructure projects.
The population in District 39 where I serve is made up of African-American, Haitian, Caribbean and Hispanic residents. These communities missed the mark when the Census took place 10 years ago and it would be devastating to have the same results occur again. We came together in 2008 and made history by electing the first African American President of the United States. I urge you to join forces again and STAND UP AND BE COUNTED!
Because Florida has one of the highest African-American and Caribbean-American populations in the country it is especially crucial that you make sure you’re counted. We must begin to change the perception that African-Americans and Caribbean-Americans don’t believe in the importance of being counted. We have to be willing to participate in the 2010 Census in order to make a difference and help lead our community to a better tomorrow. In order for the government to fulfill its role of protecting the general welfare of all of its citizens, it has to know that our people exist. We must be motivated to count and be counted. We have to take this responsibility seriously and personally to not be left behind. Having up-to-date data on the minority population is the key to implementing federal laws and is a critical factor in the research behind certain policies. This information is needed to ensure no inequalities occur in housing, income, education, health, and so much more.
When we get involved with important activities like the 2010 Census, it brings a sense of pride, purpose, recognition and the satisfaction of knowing that we are a part of something bigger than ourselves. I encourage you to provide information on this simple form so that you too can be counted.
Ten questions, ten minutes! That’s all it takes.
How do you feel about the recent revelations about your daughter, Laurise? Is she a good representative for the various clubs and organizations she is affiliated with? Why doesn’t her company even have a web site?