Response to the 2020 Census has been better from Coushatta than other towns in Red River Parish.  However Red River is near the bottom of the list of parish participation in the state.  And Louisiana is far down the list of states responding to the 2020 Census.

Gov. John Bel Edwards has called on all Louisianans to participate in the 2020 Census, if they have not done so already. Currently, Louisiana has a 55.7 percent self-response rate compared to the national self-response rate of 61.4 percent. Approximately 1.3 million Louisiana households have already responded to the 2020 Census, but Louisiana ranks 44^th in the nation and last in the Deep South.

Edwards thinks this is not good enough.  “I cannot stress enough the importance of filling out the Census form,” said Gov. Edwards. “Funding for many resources that our communities and state rely on are at stake, and we need every single person in Louisiana from the young to the young at heart to be included. No one is too young or too old. This opportunity only happens once every 10 years.  For the next 10 years, the federal government will rely on the information collected in 2020 to help guide distribution of approximately $1.5 trillion in annual spending across 316 federal programs. These programs include, Medicaid, direct student loans, highway construction grants, low income tax credits and loans, and even adoption assistance programs. In addition, the numbers help determine boundaries for state legislative and congressional districts. That’s why participation is imperative.”

Edwards listed some of the local programs that rely on the Census numbers for funding. They include Title I Grants to Local Education Agencies, Community Development Block Grants Entitlement Program, and Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act Programs for Dislocated Workers, Adults, and Youths.

The 2020 Census is available online at My2020Census.Gov.  You can also call 1-844-330-2020 to get more information or request a form by mail. It will be easy, safe, and confidential. 

Due to COVID-19, the self-response dates have been extended. The 2020 Census non-response follow-up will begin August and end October 31^st.