Advocacy group begins Census education project for Latinos

The Associated Press

A legal advocacy group is starting an education and awareness campaign encouraging Latinos in Ohio and 10 other midwestern states to participate in the 2010 Census.

A Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund spokeswoman in Chicago says it’s crucial for minorities to be accurately counted. But she says many challenges exist in getting the count, including a mistrust of government officials among some immigrants.

The campaign, to be launched Wednesday, includes fliers in English and Spanish.

Census data is used to decide how billions in federal funds are distributed. Forms asking questions on race, age and gender are mailed to each household next February and March.

The states involved in MALDEF’s program are Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and Nebraska.