In preparation for the 2020 Census, the state of Michigan has launched a new website to provide information and resources to Michiganders.

Live as of Tuesday, Jan. 14, the website is available throughout the census-taking season so residents can have their questions answered, keep up to date on the latest census news and obtain a better understanding about the importance of the census. The website includes a list of frequently asked questions and an interactive map of hard to reach areas, among other things.

To find more resources about the census or to get involved, go to www.michigan.gov/census2020.

The website is one piece of a larger effort to ensure that every Michigander is counted. In particular, the "Count Me In" campaign seeks to let Michigan residents know that responding to the census this year is convenient, confidential and critical to the future of our state.

Residents can fill out the census in multiple languages online, by phone or on a paper form. All answers are completely confidential.

By law, the data can be collected for statistical purposes only and cannot be used against a person. The Census Bureau cannot share or publish any household-specific census data, even to other government agencies.

Ensuring an accurate count of Michiganders is important because roughly $30 billion in federal funding for public safety, schools, housing, health care, and more, as well as one congressional seat, are at stake for Michigan.

The census count will shape Michigan's social infrastructure for the next decade.