Saturday, May 2, 2020

Franklin, MA: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 4

Budget Subcommittee Meeting
Municipal Building
355 East Central Street, Room 205 (Second Floor) Franklin, MA
May 4, 2020 - 4:30 PM

Link to access the meeting: Click here then click “Open Zoom”
Call-In Phone Number: Call 1-929-205-6099 and enter Meeting ID: 938 246 4834 then press “#”



Agenda

1. FY21 Budget Update Discussion


------------------

DATE: April 22, 2020

TO: Town Council Budget Subcommittee 

FROM: Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator 

RE: FY21 BUDGET UPDATE

Through Chairman Kelly, I am requesting a Budget Subcommittee of the Town Council on May 4th, 2020 at 4:30 PM, or at a time convenient for the members.

We must now refocus our attention to the FY21 Budget process and make some difficult decisions. The Finance Director and I have discussed our revenue assumptions. At this time, we are estimating at least a $3 million shortage in revenues than were assumed in the March 4th budget model discussed at the Town Council meeting.

The following are estimates and the data in a budget will be altered as new information becomes available. The following reductions in revenue estimates are as follows:

● The New Growth estimate will be reduced by $450,000;

● Local Receipts (excise tax, meals tax, licenses, permits, etc) will take approximately a 25% reduction, or $2.4 million; and

● At this point, State Aid is budgeted at $121,000 less than FY20. This is the Governor's Budget proposal released in late January. While the budget will be revised, it's the best data we have right now. We have no prospect for a FY21 budget to be completed by the state anytime earlier than Labor Day (is my best guess). The Town will likely need to come back again in the Fall or Winter to revise the budget based on state decisions.

There is still much work and discussion at the staff level that needs to happen over the next month. But, it would be a good time to gather the subcommittee to get on the same page as we continue to aim for a post-Memorial Day set of Finance Committee budget hearings on May 27, 28 and June 2, 4. I will provide a more in depth budget update memo and working budget model at your meeting for discussion.

The PDF of this doc can be found
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/2020-05-04_budget_subcommittee_1.pdf

Supporting Documents
https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/agendas/05-04-2020_budget_subcommittee_meeting_supplemental_documents.pdf
 
 
 
Franklin, MA: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 4
Franklin, MA: Budget Subcommittee Meeting - May 4

 

Franklin Residents: May 2020 E-Newsletter


The Town of Franklin E-Newsletter for May 2020 can be found online
https://myemail.constantcontact.com/May-2020-E-Newsletter.html?soid=1134219428814&aid=PRWV3PVI6Cc

https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1256267508606173186
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1256267508606173186

@FranklinHS Message for the Class of 2020

"Tonight (Friday May 1), at 8:20 (20:20 military time), we send this message."





The lights at FHS on May 1 between 8:00 and 8:20
The lights at FHS on May 1 between 8:00 and 8:20

Senator Rausch: COVID-19 Update #17

CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 UPDATE #17

Friday, May 1, 2020

Hi friends,

It's been another week in the pandemic period. I know this isn't getting any easier as time goes on, especially as closure orders get extended and we still don't have a good handle on this virus, but the sun is shining and testing capacity is increasing and we're getting better at using video conferencing tools and I hope everyone is getting as many extra hugs as possible. We're also starting to see the beginnings of a forward-looking plan to reopen, slowly and safely, and I've been hard at work with my colleagues to get a plan in place for virtual town meetings.

My team and I have been sending these COVID-19 updates twice a week for some time now. We'll shift to once-weekly Wednesday updates next week, so we can increase our individualized constituent work. If you need anything in the meantime, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help! For real-time updates, please follow me on Twitter and Facebook.

A few updates from my office on the COVID-19 outbreak and your government's response:
  • Please wear a facemask! Following the leadership of a number of cities and towns, including many in our district, Governor Baker issued an order requiring face masks to be worn in all public spaces -- both indoor and outdoor -- where adequate social distancing cannot be achieved (like on the sidewalk in densely populated areas!). The order allows businesses to refuse service to anyone not wearing a mask, and includes a possible $300 fine for noncompliance. I encourage you to wear a facemask as much as possible outside your home; this is a critical step to protecting ourselves and our neighbors, reducing coronavirus transmission, and helping our communities open up sooner.
  • Do not forego necessary emergency care: Massachusetts hospitals have noticed a severe drop in emergency care for conditions like heart attacks, strokes, and more. Delaying emergency care due to COVID-19 can be deadly, and Boston-area hospitals are still encouraging individuals to go to the emergency room if necessary.
  • Child care is still closed through the end of June: Amid conversations of reopening non-essential businesses, I've been advocating for our early education centers and teachers. We can't reopen anything without child care, period. If you're an early educator, a child care center administrator, or a parent or caregiver and you have a story to tell or information to share relevant to this advocacy, I want to hear from you. Please email me at becca.rausch@masenate.gov with "CHILD CARE ADVOCACY" in the subject line.

As always, my team and I are here for you. Call us at 617-722-1555 or email me directly at becca.rausch@masenate.gov and one of us will get back to you as quickly as we can.


Be well and stay safe.


Yours in service,
Senator Becca Rausch


The newsletter was shortened for publication here. To review the full set of contents
https://mailchi.mp/e878563e239d/covid19-update-12325126?e=0c2c9810fe

https://mailchi.mp/e878563e239d/covid19-update-12325126
https://mailchi.mp/e878563e239d/covid19-update-12325126

Gov Baker's executive order has extended Franklin's BoH facial covering mandate

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:
"Gov. Charlie Baker signed an executive order on Friday requiring members of the public to wear a face covering while in public when people cannot physical distance from others.

The order goes into place on Wednesday, May 6 and does not apply to children under the age of 2.

The requirement applies to all workers and customers of businesses and other organizations that are open to the public.

Gov. Baker said face coverings are an easy, critically important and essential step to stop or slow the spread of the coronavirus.

“The public is required to wear a face covering at all times in grocery stores, retail stores or on public transportation,” Baker said."
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200501/baker-signs-order-requiring-face-coverings-while-in-public

If you were watching the live update on Friday, you'll recall that the feed was lost during the broadcast.  There apparently is no video replay available at this time. The archive of prior updates for replay can be found 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfzuvKpMoFEDd597ZSHxMmvkzR3XCgVSg


The Press Release
https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-orders-use-of-mask-or-face-covering-in-public-announces-increased

The Tweet
https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1256291755865104384

The Executive Order
https://www.mass.gov/doc/may-1-2020-masks-and-face-coverings/download



https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1256291755865104384/photo/1
https://twitter.com/MassGovernor/status/1256291755865104384/photo/1

Panther News Special Edition: May 1, 2020


Produced by Franklin High School's TV Production Program

https://youtu.be/od5ZAN9U-7o



https://twitter.com/fhspanthertv/status/1256199418220630016?s=09

COVID-19 ruined my travel plans. Now what?





Consumer Alerts from the Federal Trade Commission
by Namukolo Kasumpa, International Fellow, Division of Consumer & Business Education

If COVID-19 canceled your travel plans, you are likely disappointed and wondering about refunds, credits, or vouchers for plane tickets, cruise bookings, tours, and more. 
Even if your scheduled travel is months away, you might be weighing your options. And many travel service providers seem to be working to address concerns about upcoming trips.

Read more 
https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/blog/2020/05/covid-19-ruined-my-travel-plans-now-what 

This is a free service provided by the Federal Trade Commission.




“We’re losing revenue, but everyone is in the same boat”

From the Milford Daily News, articles of interest for Franklin:

The owners of Bruno’s Barber Shop on Pond Street in Natick feel fortunate.

The family-owned business that has existed for 60 years has a loyal clientele, and it tapped that group to sell enough gift cards online to pay the rent for May and June.

That’s a relief for Antonia Stockley, part of the family who owns Bruno’s, because the shop hasn’t had customers for weeks.

Lost revenue is a fact of life during COVID-19, but Stockley said she has no problem with the governor’s decision.

Continue reading the article online (subscription may be required)
https://www.milforddailynews.com/news/20200501/for-some-non-essential-merchants-two-week-extension-on-closures-creates-more-angst

sign on the window at Pete's Emporium on Main St
sign on the window at Pete's Emporium on Main St
 

Friday, May 1, 2020

FM #257 Dale Kurtz, Veterans Services Officer 4/27/20 (audio)

FM #257 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 257 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Franklin's Veterans Services Officer, Dale Kurtz. We held this conversation via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

Among the topics we covered in this time
  • Assisting veterans with their benefits and programs at Federal, State and local level. Pension, VA benefits
  • Norfolk County RSVP Rides for Veterans - could use volunteers
  • Veterans Coffee Hour - going virtual after running for a year, now goes virtual in these pandemic times; May 6, 11:00 AM (bring your own coffee!)
  • No Memorial Day breakfast, can’t be held during this time, hopefully to be rescheduled for some time later
  • Memorial Day itself, no parade, ceremony smaller and virtual to acknowledge those who did pass with honor
  • Food boxes still available for distribution - register with Dale

The recording runs approx. 30 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Dale Audio file = https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/H6g9h147



--------------

Veterans’ Service page https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services

COVID-19 Information Portal https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/coronavirus-information-portal
 
Veterans Walkway Brick order form https://www.franklinma.gov/veterans-services/files/engraved-brick-order-form

Or via the VFW page https://post3402.org/documents

Dale’s contact information:

Dale Kurtz
Veterans Service Officer
Towns of Avon and Franklin
10 Daniel McCahill Street
Franklin, MA 02038
508-613-1315 (O)
508-520-4917 (F)

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

The Franklin Senior Center at night
The Franklin Senior Center at night

FM #256 Board of Health Meeting 4/27/20 (audio)

FM #256 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 256 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares the Board of Health Meeting held April 27, 2020 via virtual conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

The show notes provide links to the agenda, my notes taken during the meeting, and the resulting Emergency Order which was approved during the meeting and then published the next day.

The recording runs about 55 minutes, so let’s listen to the Board of Health Meeting held April 27  https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HXmf1Q47




--------------

My meeting notes
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/board-of-health-approves-mandate-for.html

The text of the Emergency Order
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/emergency-order-face-covering-over.html

The agenda doc for this meeting
https://www.franklinmatters.org/2020/04/franklin-ma-board-of-health-agenda.html


We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

FM #256 Board of Health Meeting 4/27/20 (audio)
FM #256 Board of Health Meeting 4/27/20 (audio)

Jamie Barrett: Listen To The Music (video)

Listen To The Music right here https://youtu.be/fTdofC_37m8
If you like what you hear, please consider sharing this video and subscribing to my YouTube channel! It would really be so appreciated!
Trying to get to 1000 subscribers (just shy of 800) so I can provide everyone with better quality videos! Thank you SO much for your support and for your consideration!
Let the music play ...

Jamie



Jefferson Labradors #TBT slide show



It's Throwback Thursday! Check out the TBT Jefferson Staff slideshow! https://t.co/jJlNSpQwsJ
Can you identify your favorite teachers as little kids??

YouTube Link = https://youtu.be/2rtw7G_aYO0




Shared via Twitter
(https://twitter.com/JeffersonLabs/status/1255920456957337601?s=03)




HockomockSports.com: Top Playoff Runs

 From HockomockSports.com:
"Over the past couple of months, our staff has reviewed hundreds of championship-caliber Hockomock League teams from the past decade (Fall 2010 through Winter 2020) and selected its Top 20 “Teams of the Decade.” During that process, we came across so many talented teams that accomplished so much. Below is a list of teams that just missed out on the final list but stood out for their postseason performances."
Franklin High School had three teams on this "Top Playoff Runs" listing. Their accomplishments are shown here. The link to the full listing is found
https://hockomocksports.com/teams-of-the-decade-top-playoff-runs/
 


2016 Franklin Boys Hockey
Record: 18-4-5
Division 1 State Champions
Just one year removed from a historic trip to the Super 8, and after graduating 21 seniors, Franklin showed off the depth in its program and erased its demons at the TD Garden, ending a three-decade wait for a second state title. A team without a true star, Franklin’s depth and its work rate were its greatest strengths. The Panthers were 12-3-5 and the fourth seed in Div. 1 when the playoffs began, but it felt like a wide open bracket. The tournament run began with a 2-1 win against Wellesley, followed by a 1-0 win against Walpole in a jam-packed Pirelli Rink.

After dispatching a third straight Bay State Conference team, Newton North, in the semifinal, Franklin avenged a late-season loss against highly-regarded Marshfield. In the state title game at the TD Garden, a place where Franklin and head coach Chris Spillane had come up empty three seasons in a row earlier in the decade, the Panthers led 3-1 heading into the third period against St. Mary’s (Lynn), a team that just missed out on a Super 8 berth. The game went to double overtime before senior Jake Downie assisted on sophomore Luke Downie’s dramatic game- and title-winner and secured a first state title since 1983.


2018 Franklin Baseball
Record: 21-5
Division 1A (Super 8) State Champions
It was a season that started with high expectations and ended in history, but it was hardly a straight and easy path for Franklin. Few will remember because of how the season ended, but the Panthers opened the season by being shutout by Foxboro, were swept by Taunton, and finished a game behind Mansfield in the league. Through it all, Franklin put together a good enough resume that it was selected for the Super 8 for the first time in program history. The Panthers (21-5) entered as the No. 7 seed, but once the playoffs began everything seemed to fall into place.

Thanks to the dynamic duo of Jake Noviello and Bryan Woelfel and a lineup filled with clutch hitters, Franklin beat Wachusett in the opening game and then proceeded to beat St. John’s Prep and Central Catholic (twice). The final three games were all one-run wins. In the Super 8 finale against the Raiders, head coach Zach Brown brought Noviello into the bottom of the eighth in a tie game with runners at second and third. He struck out three of the next four batters (hitting one in between) to somehow keep it tied and in the top of the ninth Evan Wendell’s perfect suicide squeeze plated Steve Luttazi with the title-winning run.


2017 Franklin Boys Basketball
Record: 22-5
Division 1 State Finalists
This Franklin boys team might not have won it all, but it packed some of the most memorable games into its great postseason run. The Panthers were good throughout the regular season, and they certainly had their fair share of impressive wins including one over league champ Mansfield, one over a very good Cardinal Spellman team, and concluded the regular season with arguably its best win, a 70-53 decision over a good Tech Boston team. But there were five losses too, including on the road at Canton, and early season tilts against Malden Catholic and Catholic Memorial.

The wins over Spellman and Tech Boston to finish the regular season were a clear sign to head coach CJ Neely that this squad was ready to make some noise in the state tournament. Junior Jalen Samuels helped the hosts knock off upset-minded Acton Boxboro in the opening round and senior Connor Goldstein gave Franklin a needed spark in its semifinal win over St. Peter Marian. In the Central final against perennial power St. John’s Shrewsbury, freshman Chris Edgehill sank a huge three with just over a minute left in overtime and then hit two from the free throw line in the final seconds to help secure Franklin’s first sectional title. In the state semifinal against Springfield Central, the Panthers snatched victory from the jaws of defeat with an improbable 8-0 run in the final 20 seconds to force overtime. Four minutes later, Franklin was on its way to its first state championship. Although the Panthers ran into a juggernaut in Cambridge, the run that the Panthers had leading up to that point was a very memorable one. 

HockomockSports.com:  Top Playoff Runs
HockomockSports.com:  Top Playoff Runs

FHS Girls Hockey (@fhsvgockey) 2019-2020 season video


Franklin Girls Ice Hockey 2019-2020 Video ❗️ Thank you to everyone for an amazing season💙🤍💙
https://t.co/galLAL127e
https://youtu.be/z3bmdGZ5TD4




Shared from Twitter
https://twitter.com/fhsvgockey/status/1255923665574727682?s=03


Town of Franklin - Health Department: Poster for Essential Businesses


The Health Department is providing this downloadable poster for essential businesses. Find it here and on our website. https://t.co/tsqPt2qsHP https://t.co/v2jAYFyeyQ

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1HvedTroaWbPdDkRDd4U8C1s32PiP2RIg/view?usp=sharing





Shared from Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1255914783204872194?s=03

Town of Franklin - Health Department: Poster for Essential Businesses
Town of Franklin - Health Department: Poster for Essential Businesses

COVID-19 Update on Contact Tracting from Gvernor Baker - April 30, 2020


"Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and HHS Secretary Marylou Sudders provided an update on the Commonwealth's response to COVID-19, including the latest on the Community Tracing Collaborative, the Reopening Advisory Board, and a new request related to FEMA reimbursements"

https://youtu.be/1r6MjVAtwLo




How can I verify MA COVID Team is calling?
"Our phone calls will use the prefix 833 and 857 and your phone will say the call is from “MA COVID Team.” Calls will be made daily from 8 a.m. to 8 PM"


COVID-19 Update on Contact Tracting
COVID-19 Update on Contact Tracting

Thursday, April 30, 2020

FM #253 Senior Ctr Nurse Trish Collatos 4/23/20 (audio)

FM #253 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 253 in the series.

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Patricia (Trish) Collatos, the nurse at the Franklin Senior Center. The conversation was conducted via conference bridge to adhere to the ‘social distancing’ requirements of this pandemic period.

We talked about some of the virtual services provided by the Senior Center, some are being added, about some mental challenges to keep the synapses going. They are beginning to look at what it would look like to re-open, how many could come in, what meals and the seating would be like, etc.

WE talked about Trish’s experience giving blood recently and how the need is there to donate blood if you can. The process is set up to take blood safely and to adhere to all the requirements social distancing, etc.

The recording runs almost about 28 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Trish   https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/HDbXQ9s7




--------------

Senior Center updates during this pandemic
https://www.franklinma.gov/home/pages/senior-center-resources-and-support

Most recent update: https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/franklinma/files/alerts/update4-24.pdf

The Town of Franklin Senior Center page https://www.franklinma.gov/fsc

To donate blood find a location and date/time at Red Cross Blood
 https://www.redcrossblood.org/

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm).

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?
  • If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors
  • If you don't like something here, please let me know
Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/
If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana" c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

 
FM #253 Senior Ctr Nurse Trish Collatos 4/23/20 (audio)
FM #253 Senior Ctr Nurse Trish Collatos 4/23/20 (audio)

Department Spotlight: Finance Department and the Treasurer/Collector


A new Department Spotlight is available! Find it here and stay informed and connected with Town operations and services! #spotlight #finance #treasurercollector #learnmore

"This Town of Franklin spotlight will cover two departments that work together very closely, the Finance Department and the Treasurer/Collector. Department Heads Chris Sandini, Finance Director and Kerri Bertone, Treasurer/Collector, manage and oversee all of the financial aspects of doing business in our Town.
Chris has been Franklin's Finance Director since January 2018, having worked in the role for 23 years and as an auditor of municipalities for 10 years prior. The main functions of the Finance Department are to maintain the general ledger, manage payroll across the municipality payroll and handle all accounts payable.
Kerri Bertone has been the Treasurer/Collector since August of 2017. Prior to her employment in Franklin, Kerri worked in the private sector at Putnam Investments for 21 years as a senior operations manager. She joined Franklin's team in 2016 as an assistant.
Franklin is known for being pro-active with staff succession planning, and Kerri was completely prepared to assume the role after the legendary Town Treasurer/Collector, Jim Dacey, retired after nearly two decades in the position."

Department Spotlight: Finance Department and the Treasurer/Collector
Department Spotlight: Finance Department and the Treasurer/Collector

Find the full set of info on this Spotlight on the Town of Franklin page https://t.co/nhLAfsgdcW

This was shared from Twitter https://t.co/a4g2KXfBp1


Senior Center is collecting cards, notes and protective masks

"The Senior Center is collecting cards, notes and protective masks to distribute to our elderly and disabled community members. A donation box will be made available beginning this afternoon. Thank you in advance!"
@FranklinSrCntr #community #seniors #connections https://t.co/IFoB1y4eaN

Senior Center is collecting cards, notes and protective masks
Senior Center is collecting cards, notes and protective masks


Shared via Twitter:
https://twitter.com/TOFranklinMA/status/1255488586293686273?s=03


Dr. Greg Chiklis and MRN Diagnostics in the News

From the Franklin Downtown Partnership:
"MRN Diagnostics, a Franklin-based company and a member of the Franklin Downtown Partnership, has developed a rapid COVID-19 antibody test. Last week, Dr. Greg Chiklis and other researchers at MRN Diagnostics received emergency FDA approval for a tool that could be key in combating the coronavirus. The tests can determine whether you've been exposed to the virus and how much immunity you may have.

Thank you to Dr. Chiklis and his team for being part of the solution. We are excited to report this positive news story."

View the news story reported by NBC News Boston here
https://www.nbcboston.com/news/coronavirus/local-chemist-helps-develop-rapid-covid-19-antibody-test/2114162/


Dr. Greg Chiklis and MRN Diagnostics in the News
Dr. Greg Chiklis and MRN Diagnostics in the News

Don’t Forget to Respond: 2020 Census Reminder Postcards Arriving






Don't Forget to Respond: 2020 Census Reminder Postcards Arriving

APRIL 27, 2020 — The U.S. Census Bureau is beginning to send reminder notice postcards to an estimated 69 million households that have not yet responded to the 2020 Census. About 53.4% of households across the country have already responded since invitations began arriving in mailboxes on March 12. Those households that have not yet responded to the census will receive an in person visit by a census taker to collect their information later this summer.  

Learn More

According to the Census Bureau's online response map tracking the nation's participation in the census, almost 79 million households have already responded online, by phone or by mail. 
States with the highest response include, (top 5 states).
  • Minnesota 64.0%
  • Iowa 61.2%
  • Wisconsin 60.8%
  • Nebraska 60.7%
  • Michigan 60.0%
Counties with 250,000 or more population with the highest response rate include (top 5 counties).
  • Washington County, Minnesota 73.6%
  • Anoka County, Minnesota 72.9%
  • Waukesha County, Wisconsin 72.5%
  • Dakota County, Minnesota 71.8%
  • Macomb County, Michigan 70.2%
The Census Bureau strongly encourages the public to respond online at 2020census.gov. Households can respond online in English or 12 other languages or by phone. Households can also respond by mail using the paper questionnaire that was recently mailed to every non-responding address. Households that received a census invitation in the mail and have yet to respond will receive a paper questionnaire by April 30.
Households will receive another reminder postcard in the mail between April 27-May 9. The Census Bureau pushed back this mailing to allow the paper questionnaire package to arrive several days ahead of the postcard. The postcard is one reminder in a series of reminders that the Census Bureau has mailed nonresponding households since mid-March urging them to respond. Census takers will visit every address that does not respond on their own to collect responses in person. Responding now to the 2020 Census will minimize the need for a census taker to visit your home later this year. For more information, visit 2020census.gov.
No news release associated with this announcement. Tip Sheet only.

Help us spread the word about the 2020 Census!

Share this on social media or forward it to a friend.

Share This

Resources for the Media

We're here to help you get the most out of our tipsheets, press releases, press kits, and media advisories. If you have a question, contact the Public Information Office at 301-763-3030 or pio@census.gov.
TIP SHEET: CB20-CN.42