Ed: this is what Duncan says in the statement you included. we in our profession should be smart enough to either support or refute this argument. Those who oppose Duncan?s legislation claim that our nation would miss out on vital economic data. Duncan objects to this contention, and believes there are other ways to gather information that does not involve harassing or threatening individuals to turn over personal data. ?As a former small business owner, I recognize that some economic data gathering is beneficial. However, it should be voluntary, industry driven, and not mandated by the government under penalty of law. I?m confident in our ability to develop innovative ways to gather information without harassing people, invading their privacy, or threatening them with fines. Americans are tired of too much government meddling in their daily lives.? -----Original Message----- From: Ed Christopher [mailto:edc@berwyned.com] Sent: Friday, May 10, 2013 10:10 AM To: 'ctpp-news maillist' Subject: [CTPP] Congress and Killing Census Sample Surveys I got this from my Association of Public Data Users newsletter and thought the topic would be of interest to those on this list. Does anyone know of any MPOs, agencies or others who have contacted Congress to express their opinions on this? Either Pro? or Con?-------- Original Message --------Subject: APDU Data UpdateDate: Thu, 09 May 2013 15:21:45 -0400From: Association of Public Data Users (APDU) To: *New Bill Seeks to End Surveys*Ten Congressional representatives sponsor legislation to eliminateDepartment of Commerce-sponsored surveys. The bill would eliminate theCensus of Agriculture, the Economic Census, Census of Government, anymid-decade Census surveys, and any survey (including the AmericanCommunity Survey) using survey sampling that does not tie directly tothe decennial census of population. View the actual bill here.The Bill was introduced in the House by Jeff Duncan of South Carolina.Find his views on the bill on his website here.Here are a few news stories and blogs who have reported on the bill: * A New GOP Bill Would Prevent the Government from Collecting Economic Data * Hero: Rep. Jeff Duncan (R:SC) * GOP Census Bill Would Eliminate America's Economic Indicators * 11 Republican Congressmen Are Sponsoring a Bill That Would End The Jobs Report and The GDP Report * GOP Proposal Would Eliminate Unemployment Numbers * The Insane War on the American Community Survey Isn't Over * Benefits of Census Surveys Outweigh Costs * BRILLIANT!! GOP Reveals Unique Solution to Unemployment! * Duncan, Other GOP Congressmen, Don't Like Census Questionnaire * Where Have I Heard This Before? (or, History Repeats Itself)We would greatly appreciate your feedback on how this bill might affecteconomic and workforce development efforts. Send feedback here.-- Ed Christopher708-283-3534 (V)708-574-8131 (cell)FHWA RC-TST-PLN4749 Lincoln Mall Drive, Suite 600Matteson, IL 60443_______________________________________________ctpp-news mailing listctpp-news@ryoko.chrispy.nethttp://ryoko.chrispy.net/mailman/listinfo/ctpp-news