The State Association of Township Supervisors (PSATS) is joining with township officials across the state in urging residents to fill out the 2020 U.S. Census and encourage friends, family and neighbors to do the same.

The deadline to fill out the census form is Sept. 30.

David M. Sanko, association executive director, said every resident should fill out a census form because critical funding is based on the results.

Because the U.S. Constitution mandates a census count every 10 years, PSATS is promoting Constitution Day Sept. 12 as Township Census 2020 Response Day.

Sanko said while it takes 10 minutes to fill out the census form, the resulting funding will affect communities for 10 years.

The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how billions of dollars in federal funding flow into the state each year for the next decade, the PSATS news release states.

Census results can affect funding for health care, food assistance, education, transportation, housing and economic development.

The $26.8 billion in annual federal funding Pennsylvania receives equals about $2,000 per resident per year.

The PSATS release said census workers are contacting those who have not filled out their forms via email, phone or in person.

Census workers who visit a property must follow social distancing and mask protocol and carry a valid ID badge that includes their photograph, a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark and an expiration date.

Residents can call 800-923-8282 to check if a visitor to their home works for the 2020 Census.