Support the American Community Survey (ACS)
From the National Institute for Latino Policy:
The federal government is looking for comments from the public on the need to continue collecting data through the American Community Survey ACS). It is important for community organizations and individuals to weigh in on this important matter. The deadline for submitting comments is July 25, 2011.
As you know, the ACS replaced the so-called “long form” of the decennial Census last year. While this “long form” provided detailed Census information on the population once every ten years, the ACS provides this critical information now every year. There has been some issue with the size of the sample, but this year the Congress authorized increasing the size of the sample to address these concerns.
There are also elements out there that want to either eliminate the ACS or greatly limit its value by turning it into a volunteer survey. The statistics generated annually by the ACS are critical to documenting community needs and to promoting issues of equality, opening opportunities and tracking the progress of social integration.
Last week, the Census Bureau announced its submission of a request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to continue to collect the ACS for the next three years. There is a Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request notice posted in the Federal Register with the details (see below). To view the supporting materials submitted by the Census Bureau on the OMB website, click here.
For more information on the ACS, click here. On this Census website you will find a copy of the ACS questionnaire, and supporting documents, including information about methodology. Public comments are due to OMB by July 25th. It is important that you submit comments about the importance of the ACS —your letters become part of the on-line public record.
Written comments and recommendations for the proposed information collection should be sent to:
Brian Harris-Kojetin
OMB Desk Officer
By fax (202-395-7245) or e-mail bharrisk@omb.eop.gov
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