WASHINGTON, DC - If everyone in Texas fills out the census forms, the state could pick up as many as four congressional seats. A lack of participation could cost states in the south and west the most.
Census forms began arriving Monday. Those who fill out the form don't have to worry about a government census worker being sent to their house to followup, which costs them a staggering $1.5 billion.
"We're spending $1 for every person," said Stephen Buckner, a 2010 census spokesman.
It's only the second time the census has used advertising. In 2000 they discovered it was money well spent.
Census officials are most concerned about young adults and immigrants, who are reluctant to file paperwork because of fears of the government's crackdown on illegal immigration. For the first time ever, bilingual English-Spanish census forms are being mailed to 13 million households.
"We are advertising in 28 languages," Buckner said.
Another way the Census Bureau has raised awareness was by posting 13-foot high census forms in 13 cities across the U.S.
Not responding to the census carries a fine of $5,000, but it's rarely enforced.
