[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 36, Number 13 (Monday, April 3, 2000)]
[Page 687]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
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. 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

Note: An original was not available for verification of the content of 
this memorandum.