Take a moment to think about how often you hear the U.S. Census Bureau cited in an article. Tons, right? Ever wonder why the government spends so much time and money trying to find just how many people live where? The population numbers collected determine where and how those oh so important federal dollars should be spent.

According to 2010.census.gov website,

Accurate data reflecting changes in your community are crucial in apportioning seats in the U.S. House of Representatives and deciding how more than $400 billion per year is allocated for projects like new hospitals and schools.

When you fill out the census form, you’re making a statement about what resources your community needs going forward.

And why would Wired Wisconsin, a nonprofit coalition of concerned individuals, businesses, and organizations working to put our state on the cutting edge of technology care about something like this? Because the data is publically accessible, it can be used to decide where broadband infrastructure dollars should be spent.

Check out this sweet map showing where states stand in census form returns. Wisconsin is in the top five, but that’s not saying much considering a whopping 69% of our residents still need to send in their census form.

Tell your friends and family to return theirs so Wisconsin gets the money we need and deserve!