Erica Groshen - Cornell University, Visiting Senior Scholar - ILR in NYC

Importance of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and Critical Issues it Faces

Abstract: This paper reviews the role played by the statistics produced by the U.S. and some of the key challenges it faces today, including the urgency of its funding situation.  The first two sections review evidence of the high importance and visibility of BLS data.  The third section discusses how BLS maintains data integrity, followed by discussion of evidence of user trust.  The fifth section talks about the agency’s continuous efforts to improve efficiency.  The sixth part reviews the recent funding history, and the following one discusses what BLS could do with more adequate funding.  The final section concludes with what economists and other data users can do to help assure that BLS continues to provide that data that we all need in order to preserve our national vitality.