With 2010 population count a month away, Obama urges US residents in new video to participate

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Obama urges US to fill out census forms

WASHINGTON — The 2010 population count is just a a month away, and President Barack Obama is asking people to fill out their census forms.

The president says in a new 30-second video Thursday that every household should complete and return the 10-question survey. He says the government needs people to respond so officials can decide important matters that are based on population numbers. That includes representation in Congress, and how billions in federal money are spent on schools and roads.

The Census Bureau says the public-service announcement is part of a long tradition in which presidents promote participation in the once-every-10-year head count.

The ads will be distributed Friday to television and radio stations. Most people will receive census forms in mid-March.

On the Net:

Video of Obama’s announcement: 2010.census.gov/2010census

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The 2010 population count is just a a month away, and President Barack Obama is asking people to fill out their census forms.

The president says in a new 30-second video day that every household should complete and return the 10-question survey. He says the government needs people to respond so officials can decide important matters that are based on population numbers. That includes representation in Congress, and how billions in federal money are spent on schools and roads.

The Census Bureau says the public-service announcement is part of a long tradition in which presidents promote participation in the once-every-10-year head count.

The ads will be distributed Friday to television and radio stations. Most people will receive census forms in mid-March.

On the Net:

Video of Obama’s announcement: 2010.census.gov/2010census