The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
has been charged by Congress with the responsibility of collecting
and publishing monthly information on employment, the average wage
received, and the hours worked by area and industry. The Local Area
Unemployment Statistics (LAUS) Program develops residency-based
employment and unemployment statistics through a cooperative
Federal-State program that uses employment and unemployment inputs
available in State agencies. Estimates are prepared monthly in the
State agencies, transmitted to the BLS for validation and
publication.
US Code:
29
USC 1&2 Name of Law: BLS Authorizing Statute
The increase in respondent
burden reflects the increased number of responses required due to
the increase in the number of geographic areas estimated from 7,320
to 7,403. Changes in the number of estimated geographic areas
resulted from changes in population rendering more areas eligible
for estimation and from changes in the definition of areas enacted
by the Office of Management and Budget.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.