Stand up and be counted. Since 1790, every person in America has been counted every 10 years through the U.S. census. Data gathered is used by the federal government to distribute money to states to pay for federally mandated programs. The population numbers determine our political representation in Congress, the State Legislature and at the city and county levels. The census provides the data we need for properly allocating services, funds and economic development to different parts of the country.

Because of the census, Colorado receives $13.1 billion every year, about a third of the state’s budget, which equals close to $2,300 per person. When we fill out the 2020 form, we get the money we deserve. When we don’t, another state captures those dollars.

Many expect this count to add an eighth Congressional District to Colorado next year, but that won’t happen if we experience an undercount. Even just a 1.3 percent undercount could limit our representation in Congress.

An accurate count in District 59 is particularly important because of the potential federal dollars supporting our youngest children, tribes, schools, the homeless, housing and infrastructure projects, not to mention the make up of our county commissioner districts.

Together, we can help guide southwest Colorado’s future.

Counting starts in April. Where it used to involve door-to-door canvassing, the 10 questions can now be answered online, starting March 12. We’ll be able to complete the survey in libraries, on our phones, at home or on lunch break at work. You can even mail in a form or speak to a person at your door.

The Census will measure where everyone lives on April 1, 2020. This affects parents sharing custody, travelers, college students, the homeless, and renters.

Often overlooked in the count are those who distrust the government, lower income residents without Internet access, minority communities, and those living in remote areas.

The census will not involve a citizenship question. It is a nonpartisan count of every person of every age and income level in the United States. It is not released to any other government agency, is kept secure, and does not involve social security numbers. This privacy is your legal right: Title 13 of the United States Code, which makes responding to the census mandatory, also guarantees the privacy of your responses.

Those who decline to answer will cost the state money, as they will be classified as “Non-Response Follow Up,” meaning taxpayers will have to pay extra for staff to find them for a 10-minute interview.

Speaking of which, need a job and some quick cash? Census employees can make $20 per hour going door-to-door collecting data and conducting a 10-minute interview. They are needed throughout District 59.

Employees must successfully complete a background check, be at least 18, and be U.S. citizens possessing a social security number. They need to have internet access, an email address, access to a vehicle and a valid driver’s license. The employment is temporary, flexible and pays well. Potential employees can apply online at www.2020Census.gov/jobs to register.

If you’d like to get involved in other ways, most District 59 counties have already established census advocacy groups focused on counting every resident. In La Plata County, the Complete County Committee formed, representing local governments, nonprofits, Fort Lewis College, local libraries and other community groups. Their goal is to reach every person possible through community connections.

The Complete Count Committee based in Montrose is helping do the same in Ouray County. The group realizes the difficulty of counting people in the multi-county region, especially those in very rural areas and those without broadband. They, too, are gathering various community representatives together to ensure accurate counting. A Complete Count Committee is also working hard in Archuleta County.

Committees can apply for state money to run these programs, thanks to a budget item passed last year.

We can all do our part; Coloradans interested in fixing our roads, watershed protection, federal grants for school meals, affordable housing, senior citizen care and rural economic development should respond to the 2020 Census. By taking a close look at who we are, what we need and how we can help each other, we can move our community — and our state — forward.

Barbara McLachlan is a Durango Democrat representing House District 59, which encompasses Archuleta, Gunnison, Hinsdale, La Plata, Ouray and San Juan counties. She can be reached at barbara.mclachlan@state.co.us.