So in these times of deep cultural and economic divides across America, it would seem to be good policy to compile detailed, accurate data on how Americans live and work in the U.S. Naturally, the U.S. Senate thinks otherwise, and plans to reduce the U.S. Census Bureau budget, paring or eliminating, among other things:
- the American Community Survey, which was to provide annual updates on the social and economic trends in the U.S. population.
- tests and methodological improvements aimed at increasing the accuracy of the 2010 Census
- the Current Population Survey sample from which income, poverty, and health insurance coverage data are derived
- data series breaking down the nation's jobs by region and industry.
On the bright side, once all this accurate data is dead and gone, there will be no more of these pesky weblog posts using data that say things like, "But ... but ... none of your policy initiatives are supported by actual facts or population trends. Or, you know ... actual facts! Or population trends!"
You can read more about this at "Proposed Budget Cuts in Senate Threaten Census Bureau." (SFChron, Oct 15, 05) If you're sufficiently exercised, download the Population Association of America's action alert and contact your elected representatives in the Senate.
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