The Association of Lifelong Learners and the League of Women Voters are cosponsoring the free program, “You Count, Northeast Michigan, So Be Counted,” at 7 p.m. tonight at Alpena County Library, open to the public.

It is estimated that in the U.S. Census, 16% of Northeast Michiganders will not be counted. That would mean a $48 million loss in annual federal funding for our communities for critical programs like Medicare, food for children, broadband access, and much more. Find out the many ways Census data is used, and how that can affect every person in every age group in our communities.

Tonight’s panel discussion will feature Tim Kuhnlein, history instructor at Alpena Community College, Patrick Heraghty, executive director of the Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan, David Springsteen with the Department of Commerce which oversees the Census, Doris Feys, president of the League of Women Voters, and Susan Stacey, vice president of ALL.

“For every person that does not get counted, we lose $1,500 to $2,000 in tax dollars,” Stacey explained.

She detailed what each of the panelists will be covering tonight.

Kuhnlein will give a history and background of the census.

Heraghty will explain what’s at stake for Northeast Michigan.

Springsteen will give updates on the process, and background information about how the census will be conducted.

Feys will give an update on the League of Women Voters activities that will help make sure that the census is as accurate as possible.

Stacey will talk about the Census 2020 Senior to Senior Program.

“ALL received a grant from the community foundation to target seniors,” Stacey said.

She added that since Alpena County has its own grant, ALL will be targeting the surrounding counties of Presque Isle, Alcona and Montmorency to make sure those seniors are counted.

“We are reaching out to the counties ALL covers,” she explained. “We will be finding out how we can assist seniors to make sure they get counted. We’re just trying to get the word out there.”