CHICAGO – September 20, 2009. Governor Pat Quinn today pledged Illinois’ full participation in the 2010 Census and encouraged residents across the state to get involved in this important effort. Governor Quinn also named Andre Ashmore, Director Regional Economic Development at the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, to lead the state’s efforts to ensure a complete count.

“Everyone in, no one left out. That is what I believe, and that’s what the Census does,” said Governor Quinn. “Every community in our state will benefit from participating in this important process and I encourage everyone in Illinois to make sure they are counted.”

The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is required by the U.S. Constitution. Census questionnaires will be mailed or delivered to every household in the United States in March 2010. The questionnaire will ask residents to provide information about their household as of April 1, 2010. The 2010 questionnaire will be one of the shortest in history, consisting of ten questions and taking about ten minutes to complete.

"We look forward to working with Governor Pat Quinn to ensure an accurate and complete count of all Illinois residents next year," said Dr. Robert M. Groves, U.S. Census Bureau director. "Trusted voices in the community are critical when it comes to convincing hard-to-count populations that the 2010 Census is important, easy and safe."

Census data are often used to make government decisions that affect everyday people. For example, census data helps determine the number of Congressional seats held by each state and it is also an important measure in determining distribution of more than $400 billion in federal funds to local, state and tribal governments annually.

Stressing Illinois’ commitment to getting a full census count, Governor Quinn named Andre Ashmore as state liaison for the 2010 Census. Ashmore is has a law degree from John Marshall Law School in Chicago, and holds a Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Chicago State University. He currently serves as the Village President of the Village of Matteson.

Governor Quinn also announced a new website with information about the census and how residents can get involved. Residents can go to Census.Illinois.gov for up-to-date information regarding the Census and Illinois’ efforts. In addition, the state is partnering with the U. S. Census Bureau, the League of Women Voters (Illinois’ lead agency), the Joyce Foundation and participating state agencies in a joint effort to get a full census count.

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