Census forms mailed out

Many local residents may have recently received an envelope from the United States Census. Local officials are stressing the importance of responding online, by mail, or on the phone.

Gallatin County Commissioner Scott MacFarlane said census numbers can impact the roads you drive on, the schools your kids attend, the medical benefits you receive, the housing opportunities in your community.

"And much, much more. Having accurate Census data is imperative to help adequately fund hundreds of federal programs Montanans will use for the next decade," he said.

Jefferson County Commissioner Leonard Wortman said it is extremely important to get as many folks counted as possible.

"Montana has a good opportunity to gain a new House seat and take one away from somewhere like New York," he said.

MacFarlane added Montana could be on the path toward gaining the second representative, something they had until 1990.

Along with a possible second seat in Congress, MacFarlane also addressed the importance of funding and representation.

"For every Montana resident counted, a Census study estimates the state will receive almost $20,000 per person over the decade. That money flows across Montana counties for vital projects like highway planning, medical assistance, educational programs, and infrastructure, among many others," he said.