The Champaign County Regional Commission is working to get 100% participation for the 2010 Census.

According to its press release, The Commission urged residents to participate in the Census because a complete count is important for decision making. This includes how tax dollars are distributed back to communities based on population and grants that fund programs for social services to the C-U Mass Transit District.

“We’re working with local government agencies to promote the census, making sure the information is out there,” said Andrew Levy, Planner for the Champaign County Regional Commission.

Levy said the Commission is also working closely with the University and the media to get press releases to the public.

“Right now we’re targeting the campus area,” Levy said. “We’ll focus on other areas of the county when students leave.”

As of today, April 14, Champaign County’s response rate is at 69%.

This response rate encompasses all Champaign County residents, even students.

According to Levy, students who attend this University essentially live in Champaign County, and should be filling out their Census forms here instead of in their hometowns.

“Students that attend school here are supposed to be counted here,” Levy said. “If they don’t fill it out here, they essentially won’t be counted.”

Students seem to have varying opinions when it comes to filling out the Census.

“I sure have filled out my form,” said Amanda Manning, senior in LAS and Resident Adviser at Lincoln Avenue Residence Hall. “Because number one: I should lead by example. If I fill it out and talk to other people, they will too. Also, I think it’s important for funding and things. It’s really easy — two minutes tops.”

However, Anne Gilot, sophomore in ACES doesn’t share Manning’s same enthusiasm.

“No, I haven’t filled out the form yet,” she said. “The real reason is it’s not on my priority list. I have school related tasks to be done. I haven’t even looked at it yet.”