Attachment E(c) CE 303 L2R 2021

CE-303-L2R
(6-2021)

DC

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233-0001
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

A Message from the Director, U.S. Census Bureau...
About three months ago, we contacted you to request your help with an important
survey—the Consumer Expenditure Survey. Although you were not able to participate at that
time, we are writing again to ask for your cooperation.
The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this voluntary survey for the Bureau of Labor
Statistics. Your responses help update the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI is the most
important tool used to measure how fast prices are rising or declining and directly affects
wages and pensions. Your response is a service to your community and the country.
Your participation in this survey is essential; however, you may choose to decline to answer
any particular question. The U.S. Census Bureau is required by law to protect your
information. The Census Bureau is not permitted to publicly release your responses in a way
that could identify you. We are conducting this survey under the authority of Title 13,
United States Code, and Title 29, United States Code. Federal law protects your privacy and
keeps your answers confidential (Title 13 United States Code, and Sections 9 and 214). Per
the Federal Cybersecurity Enhancement Act of 2015, your data are protected from
cybersecurity risks through screening of the systems that transmit your data.
Soon a field representative will contact you for an interview and show you an official
identification card. Please welcome him or her.
Thank you for your cooperation in this important survey. We appreciate your help.

census.gov

CE-303-L2R, Blue Ink Pantone 281

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the Census Bureau doing? I thought they only operated every ten years.
In addition to the decennial census, we collect data on a monthly basis. We collect these data
to provide up-to-date information on topics such as unemployment, spending, family income,
housing, manufacturing, and business activities to track the country’s economy.
What is this survey about?
The Consumer Expenditure Survey measures how people in the United States spend their
money on items such as housing, food, education, transportation, and healthcare.
Why is this survey important?
The information you provide will affect wages, pensions, and the cost of goods and services.
In addition, people in your community and throughout the country use the survey results for
planning public services and addressing consumer needs. Your voluntary response is essential
for ensuring that this survey’s results are complete and accurate.
What kinds of questions will I be asked?
We will ask about expenses within the last 3 calendar months, such as utilities, maintenance
and repairs, home furnishings and electronics, clothing, education, vacations and entertainment,
healthcare, and insurance. In some instances, we will ask for details about where an item was
purchased. We will also ask you questions about the people who live in your household, such
as their ages, and questions about things you already own like cars and property. Collecting
bills, receipts, or online statements before the field representative arrives may help reduce the
interview time.
Why me? Why not interview someone else?
Through a scientific sampling process, we selected your address, not you personally. Your
household represents hundreds of other households in your region, so it is important that we
talk to you. Only you can accurately report how you spent your money.
What if I am retired, ill, unemployed, or just don’t spend much money?
We are interested in how all Americans spend their money. We can only have a complete picture
if we talk to people with different situations.
It is very important to know the purchasing habits of people of all ages and of all levels of
spending. This is especially true for medical spending and spending on entertainment.
How long will the interview take?
The average interview takes about 67 minutes.
Where can I find out more about the survey?
You can learn more about the survey or send any comments regarding the burden or any other
aspect of this survey by writing to the Division of Consumer Expenditure Surveys, Room 3985,
2 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Washington, DC 20212. The Consumer Expenditure Survey
Website also has information about the survey. The address is www.bls.gov/respondents/cex.
This survey could not be conducted without a valid OMB Control Number. The U.S. Office
of Management and Budget has approved this survey and assigned it Control Number 1220-0050.

CE-303(L2R) (6-2021)