On this weekend, when clocks fall back to standard time, it might also be advantageous to mark April 1, 2020, which has been designated as local census count day.

There are to be exact, 151 days, and counting, says Sylvia Pinson, Bedford County Census chair. Working with the local office is also co-chair Luci Taylor.

April 1 will be a fun day of free hot dogs, as long as they last, celebration cheers and of course, tote boards and inputing computer data.

"Everyone in this county is expected to be counted," advised the chair.

*** Faith leaders

To demonstrate her seriousness, Pinson recently distributed a letter to 143 faith-based community partners, inviting them to a luncheon 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday at Shelbyville Recreation Center.

"Faith leaders play a key role in this important effort," advised Pinson. "Faith leaders are trusted voices in their communities."

Other events planned in the upcoming months is a Bedford County Democratic Party Women's Luncheon/Census Lunch and Learn meeting Nov. 25.

As for funding for the local Census, that comes through recent apportionments from Bedford County Commission and the City of Shelbyville. Pinson said both bodies have been gracious to attend events.

The U.S. Constitution actually requires this complete count of the nation's population every 10 years. The Census, which dates all the way back to 1790, has impacted decisions relating to congressional representation to annual distribution of billions in federal funds and even more in state funding.

"These resources are essential to the well-being of all of our neighbors, supporting schools and hospitals," Pinson said.

*** Teaching

State officials use results to redraw the boundaries of their congressional and state legislative districts, adapting to any population shifts. Every decennial, the Census results are also used to reapportion the U.S. House of Representatives.

Pinson advised that locally, other informative sessions planned by the Bedford Census Counts office includes a senior citizens' lunch and learn at the Rec Center on Jan. 17. For more information and to make reservations, call 931-580-9696 or go online to sylvia.pinson@bedfordcountytn.org.

The Bedford County commissioner said she also wants to assist any non English speaking citizens this year to better understand what the April 1 count encompasses. Census data collected shows the Hispanic community makes up nearly 12 percent of the local population.

"By law, we cannot share that information with immigration enforcement agencies, law enforcement agencies ... for government benefits."

However, Pinson said the count is used to assist with all levels of government programming and funding for the long-term. So she stresses everyone here must become a number on April 1.

The federal government uses Census data to establish housing needs for all segments of the population and to also adequately fund programs for children and senior citizens.

*** Children

Regarding head counts, the U.S. Census Bureau estimates that about 5 percent of children under the age of 5 were not counted in the 2010 Census. Pinson's office works to help families get all their children counted, even if they happen to be born in another county on April 1.

Here's how they're trying to get the word out. "When it's time to respond, most households will receive an invitation in the mail. Every household will have the option of responding to the Census online, by mail or by phone."

Those "invitations" will be delivered March 12-20, the chair advised. Those not responding will receive a reminder postcard in late March and throughout April.

Anyone seeking census data will be wearing official identification, such as a field representative ID badge that includes their name, address and other county information. Field reps will also possess a U.S. Department of Commerce watermark with an expiration date.

The field representative will provide citizens with a letter from the Census Bureau on official letterhead stating why they are visiting their residence. Upon request, the field representative can supply their supervisor's contact information and/or the phone number.

*** Questions

By law, Census workers may ask residents their name, address, whether the person rents or owns the home, employment status and the number of people living in the household.

If people do not answer the questions, here's what happens. Just like 2010, there will be an undercount, which can greatly affect federal funding.

"Decennial Census results," said Pinson, "are essential to the equitable and prudent distribution of federal program dollars to states and local areas, particularly Bedford County,"

A George Washington University compilation of 2010 Census reports that any state with a sizable number of uncounted persons can lead to a substantial annual dollar loss across five major health programs. Some of those programs include traditional Medicaid programs, foster care and the state Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP.)

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 2015, total federal payments to states amounted to $286.1 billion. At the same time, the bureau points how out how 37 states forfeited a measurable amount of those funds for each person missed in the 2010 Census.

Tennessee had a per person loss of $1,091 over the 10-year period, putting The Volunteer State in the median with those just not getting the count right.

According to the George Washington University analysis, Tennessee's loss of federal funds totaled $69,205,364, as a result of an undercount, while Texas lost an estimated $291,908,615.

Hence Pinson and Census team have a mission for the next year of counting locals. She says Bedford County's fiscal future is all wrapped around the 2020 Census.

"It all affects us close to home," she said, "in more ways than we sometimes think."