Mon 9 Nov, 2009
Start Now to Count Michigan Snowbirds in 2010
Filed under: GeneralTags: 2010 U.S. Census, Free Advice, Local Government, Snowbirds
The following was adapted from a notice prepared by Kurt Schindler at MSU-Extension; reprinted with permission from the author:
2010 U.S. Census: Snowbird residents leaving for sunshine states need to be counted in Michigan!
Note: For our readers outside of the Great Lakes State, “snowbirds” are Michigan residents who “migrate” from the state to live part of the year in warmer climates like Florida, the Caribbean, and similar places (Costa Rica and Belize are up and coming places for some wealthier snowbirds).
Michigan has more snowbirds than many other states, with an average of 2.1 percent of Michigan’s residents identified as part-year residents. Most of Michigan’s part-year residents have their permanent homes in Michigan and spend the smaller part of the year in another state, which means they need to be counted in Michigan.
Michigan residents who spend a smaller portion of the year at a residence in another state should be sure to fill out the Census form for Michigan, and in your community. Local governments should take steps now to help people understand the importance of telling the Census they are a resident of Michigan — rather than the state where they spend winter.
Why is this important?
For each Michigan resident who is missed by the Census or who is counted in a different state, over $1,000 in federal funds that should be allocated to Michigan each year will be spent elsewhere.
A single person not counted in Michigan in the 2010 Census means a loss of at least $10,000 in funds to Michigan, and a significant amount of money for your local government (revenue sharing, road funds, various grants, and much more which is computed in part on population.
What should local governments do?
Don‘t assume your residents to understand the importance of the census to local government funding. Local governments need to be proactive - to take steps now to maximize resident response next year.
Information on the census should be included in local newsletters, on local government websites, and posted at government offices and senior centers. Officials are also encouraged to contact local media (newspapers, radio stations, etc.) to alert them to the 2010 Census, and to educate reporters on its importance.
If desired, local units of government are free to duplicate and distribute this post to residents, local media, and other interested persons - all we ask is that the authorship information at the top and bottom of this post be included.
Kurt Schindler recommends that snowbird residents should following these steps when they receive 2020 U.S. Census forms at either their Michigan and/or out-of-state residence:
- “Zero” should be entered on the Census form received at the second residence, as the number of people residing there, and the rest of the form should remain blank. It is also a good idea to write “usual residence elsewhere” on the form so that the Census Bureau will know the reason for entering zero.
- If other individuals are occupying the home in Michigan while permanent residents are away, those completing the Census form should include the permanent residents.
- If no one is staying at the Michigan home, residents should wait until returning to Michigan to complete the Census form. If a form hasn’t been received, Census personnel will contact residents between May and July.