You thought that the Census only happened every 10 years? Now the Census Bureau is questioning citizens all decade long. One couple made the news when they refused to answer an invasive survey that asked them what time they leave they home for work. The census worker visited the home at least 15 times (that they know of) and threatened to fine them $2000 if they refused to answer. 5th Amendment be damned.
Problem: Census worker won't take 'no' for answer
Walsh said the survey is required by law and helps determine such things as the Consumer Price Index and how federal funding is allocated.
Although residents can be fined for not participating in the survey, he said that is not the government's goal.
"Those fines exist, but we instruct the field staff that their job is to try to obtain the information through pleasant means, by stressing the importance of the survey."
"Realistically, we're not interested in prosecution," he said. "We're interested in obtaining information."