MichiganRadio

Census - Counting Michigan's Latino Population JACKSON, MI (Michigan Radio) -

The US Census Bureau is encouraging people to return their forms by Thursday.

There is concern that Michigan's Latino community will be undercounted.

Jane Garcia is a regional leader with the US Census. She says Latinos responded in lower percentages in past censuses than the general population. Garcia says fear may be part of the problem. To address the fear, she says the census is working with social workers and local churches.

"Because they trust those agencies," says Garcia, "So that's the extra boost that would say everything confidential, if you can not read it or are having trouble reading it, we will assist you."

Garcia says there will be a strong push to get Latinos to return their census forms by the April 1st target date.

37 percent of Michigan households have already returned their US Census forms. © Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio