    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [March 31, 2000]
    [Pages 585-586]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Memorandum on Census 2000
    March 31, 2000

    Memorandum for All Federal Government Employees

    Subject: Census 2000

        We as a Nation are participating now in the largest peacetime
    mobilization in our history. I refer to Census 2000, the twenty-first
    census we have conducted in this country.
        The decennial census is mandated by the U.S. Constitution, and
    responding to it is a civic responsibility for everyone living in this
    country. It is a truly universal activity that we can participate in,
    and full participation is important to the success and progress of every
    community.
        The data collected will determine how more than $185 billion
    annually in public funds are shared fairly among the Nation's
    communities.

    [[Page 586]]

    The data provide the basis for planning and implementing thousands of
    laws and programs at every level of Government. The census numbers also
    are used to decide now many seats each State is allocated in the House
    of Representatives and to equitably draw voting districts at the State
    and local level.
        Census 2000 is an event that offers us an opportunity to engage the
    spirit of civic participation that is so important to our representative
    democracy. The census is important to you and your family. It is
    important to your community. It is important to our Nation. It is in
    this spirit that I urge all Federal employees to complete their census
    forms.

                                                          William J. Clinton