Last chance to save money

"A penny saved is a penny earned," (Here we'd say "a dollar saved...") is what my parents used to tell me, so I grew up being conscious of the value of money. Don't get me wrong, I'm not money-hungry or hung up on getting the latest and greatest new gadget as soon as it hits the market. On the contrary, I learned the difference between a need and a want, and the benefits of deferred, versus immediate, gratification. Some like to classify folks as either "spenders" or "savers" and I suppose I'm more the latter.

With that as a backdrop, although it seems a little off-subject, let's talk about the value of, and need for, filling out your Census form, if you haven't already done so. Most people are aware that the Census results are used to determine the number of seats in the U.S. Representatives.

For Greene County, that representation is not likely to change because our overall population has not significantly altered since 2000.

However, did you know that the data gathered is also used by the federal government to determine how more than $400 billion each year for the next 10 years is allocated for projects and services that have an impact on our quality of life? Local communities and states leverage their monies with these federal funds for essentials, such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure, as well as additional projects, like job assistance centers and low-income housing (also considered essential, if you're the one needing it.)

Even a mere 100 uncounted people can mean the loss of millions of dollars for a community between now and the next census in 2020. With the impact of Indiana's property tax caps and its corresponding reduction in dollars returned to local communities, we need all the help we can get!

From an economic development perspective, per a report in the International Economic Development Council, "Particularly important in this economic climate, accurate data are key to attracting new businesses and the development of existing businesses. Businesses and consultants use Census data to research markets, plan investments, analyze trends, understand consumer needs, locate pools of skilled workers, plan marketing strategies, and more. Used to identify where to locate shopping centers, offices, factories and more, accurate data directly impact the creation of new jobs!"

Not only do we need to consider how much we stand to lose in the future but we should also think about the costs of conducting the Census. Forms were mailed to 120 million households in mid-March and ideally all forms would have been returned by April 1, "Census Day." The latest numbers indicate that 71% of Americans have filled out their survey and mailed it back. However, only two-thirds (66%) of Greene County residents have returned their Census survey, the lowest rate in Indiana.

After May 1 the Census Bureau will be sending workers door-to-door to gather the information from those households that have not returned their survey. Per the Census Bureau, "for every percentage point increase in mail response, taxpayers will save an estimated $85 million in federal funds.""

Let's do what we can to minimize that expense and leave more in the "coffers" (the pot, from which we can later draw.)

Let's be real, folks, the federal government is spending our tax monies and, based on typical policies of most agencies, I would classify it in the "spender" rather than "saver" category. However, we need to do our part to help in reducing any governmental program costs, whenever it's within our power to do so.

With all that said, if you haven't filled out yours, please take a few minutes to answer the 10 questions and return the survey.

Joan is the executive director at Greene County Economic Development Corporation and can be reached at (812) 847-4500 or jbethell@gcedc.us .