Cleveland Plain Dealer – Check your mailbox. Did the envelope of forms from the U.S. Census Bureau arrive yet? If not, it should be here any day. When you get it, be sure to open it, read the information, complete the forms and send them back as soon as possible.

The census, which is conducted every 10 years, is an important process. It helps determine the number of elected representatives cities and states will have, based on their population.

Cleveland reduced the size of its City Council by two members this year, as a result of statistics gathered in the last census. The data collected also is used to determine resources, services and funding for many programs.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown of Avon is urging residents to stand up and be counted so their communities and the state of Ohio will receive the maximum benefits possible. Census statistics help determine funding levels for economic development for small businesses, public safety and transportation infrastructure for counties and cities, as well as funding for children’s health and education programs, as well as housing services for the elderly and disabled.

Some larger communities, like Cleveland, Lakewood and North Olmsted, could be hit especially hard if everyone is not counted. They could lose millions of dollars in funding for vital programs and services, which are crucial to many who are struggling with unemployment and financial hardships.

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