Overview
Title
Information Collection Activities; Comment Request
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The government wants people to share their thoughts about a plan to collect some information that helps them work better with different states. They want to make sure it’s easy to understand and doesn’t take too much time or money to fill out.
Summary AI
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) under the Department of Labor is requesting public comments on a proposed extension of their information collection program titled General Inquiries to State Agency Contacts. This effort is in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, aimed at reducing paperwork and minimizing the burden on respondents. They seek feedback on the necessity and utility of the data collection, its accuracy, and ways to simplify data submission processes. Comments are due by March 29, 2021, and will be used to evaluate and potentially improve the cooperative statistical programs conducted with State agencies.
Abstract
The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre-clearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension without change of "General Inquiries to State Agency Contacts." A copy of the proposed information collection request can be obtained by contacting the individual listed below in the ADDRESSES section of this notice.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document in question is a public notice from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), part of the U.S. Department of Labor. It invites comments from the public concerning the proposed extension of a data collection activity known as "General Inquiries to State Agency Contacts." This request is in keeping with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which seeks to decrease paperwork and ease the burden on those who respond to such information requests. Comments on this initiative are to be submitted by March 29, 2021.
General Summary
The notice intends to highlight the BLS's continued partnership with State agencies to collect labor market and occupational safety statistics. This cooperation is crucial for the shared statistical programs between BLS and the States. The document underscores the importance of such interactions to ensure smooth operations and efficient management across multiple programs related to employment, safety, and health statistics.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several concerns are evident within the document:
Technical Jargon: The document uses specialized terms like "OMB" (Office of Management and Budget) and items like "BLS/State Labor Market Information" without offering definitions. This might make it difficult for those unfamiliar with such terminology to fully grasp the document's intentions.
Lack of Specific Benefits: While the document calls for public comment, it lacks concrete details on how exactly the collected data will directly result in improvements within the BLS programs. This absence makes it challenging for stakeholders to understand the true utility and necessity of the proposed extension.
Justification for Burden: The notice does not thoroughly justify the number of respondents (54) and the estimated total burden hours (15,927). Without such information, there might be concerns over whether these figures reflect efficient use of time and resources.
Accessibility: The formal and technical nature of the document might hinder its ability to engage with a wider public audience. This could limit the range of feedback, potentially reducing the effectiveness of the consultation process.
Public Impact
Broadly, such documents can influence how public institutions and the general populace perceive governmental efforts to streamline administrative processes. Improved collection methods could potentially lead to more efficient use of resources and enhanced public trust in labor statistics. However, without clear communication, these benefits might not be fully realized by the public.
Impact on Stakeholders
State Agencies: The proposed extension will primarily affect State agencies, who are key participants in the data collection process. If effectively implemented, it could facilitate better coordination and more timely access to important labor market data.
General Public: For the general public, particularly those engaged in labor-related fields or research, the execution of an efficient and less burdensome data collection process could provide broader insights into employment trends and workplace safety.
Governments and Policymakers: This initiative may aid policymakers by providing more accurate and robust data to inform legislative and operational decisions.
The document plays a critical role in maintaining effective communication and data flow between federal and state entities. Nonetheless, to maximize its impact, it should strive for inclusivity and clarity in both its language and intent, ensuring that it reaches and resonates with all relevant stakeholders.
Issues
• The document uses technical terms such as 'OMB', 'BLS/State Labor Market Information', and others without providing definitions, which might confuse individuals unfamiliar with these terms.
• There is a lack of detail regarding how the collected information will specifically lead to improvements, making it difficult to assess the practical utility of the data collection.
• The document offers limited justification for the number of respondents and the total estimated burden hours, which could be perceived as a potential for wasteful spending if not properly aligned with clear outcomes.
• Overly formal language and structure might make the document less accessible to general public readers, potentially limiting the number of comments and feedback received.
• The phrases 'extension without change' and 'currently approved collection' suggest ongoing activities, but the document lacks clarity on what these activities have achieved so far and how the proposed collection will further those goals.