@johnsonds.bsky.social
This was a great panel, and if you care about economic data, you should definitely listen to the whole thing.
But for those of you who would rather get some highlights, here's what I found most interesting: ๐งต
Watch livestream of the panel I'm moderating at ASSA assameeting.bsky.social on the state of US government economic statistics on Monday, Jan 5, at 8 AM EST here: www.aeaweb.org/conference/l... #econsky
02.01.2026 15:25 โ ๐ 15 ๐ 8 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 1
3 individuals in front of a blue and white back drop.
Look who stopped by the booth to say, โHiโโฆformer @umpsid.bsky.social director David Johnson.
02.01.2026 23:30 โ ๐ 5 ๐ 1 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 0Itโs been our honor, too.
03.08.2025 12:01 โ ๐ 1 ๐ 0 ๐ฌ 0 ๐ 0
Current Demographic Statistics: The Census Bureau is making a pivotal change by developing alternate ways to deliver estimates currently provided by the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP). The data are used to estimate eligibility, use, future costs, and coverage for government programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and to provide improved statistics on the distribution of income in the country. The Census Bureau is transitioning to a more effective approach that merges modern survey techniques with advanced data science methods. This innovative strategy will allow the Census Bureau to focus on a smaller, more targeted sample while utilizing non-survey data to lower costs, lessen the burden on respondents, and enhance both the timeliness and accuracy of statistical outputs. The Census Bureau plans to streamline the collection to deliver the critical, legally mandated socio-economic and demographic data traditionally provided in the SIPP. While SIPP has played an important role in shedding light on the economic well-being of Americans, its data collection has been expensive and challenging for respondents. This new approach plans to deliver crucial insights more efficiently and effectively, ultimately benefiting both the Census Bureau and the public. For more information, see CEN-19.
NEW: The Census Bureau is planning to scale back its Survey of Income and Program Participation โ which is used to measure use of SNAP food assistance and other government programs โ and start using "non-survey data" to lower costs, according to a budget document
www.commerce.gov/sites/defaul...
n FY 2026, though the BLS request is included in the Departmentโs budget materials, the Budget proposes to reorganize the BLS, the Census Bureau, and the Bureau of Economic Analysis at the Department of Commerce, under the policy direction of the Under Secretary for Economic Affairs. This reorganization proposal aims to leverage data collection and analysis synergies, increase cost-effectiveness, improve data quality, and reduce respondent burden. To achieve cost savings beyond those enabled by the reorganization proposal, and prioritize the most mission critical activities necessary for the production of the core data series, the BLS will refocus efforts in Prices and Cost of Living on producing data from statistical programs that are Principal Federal Economic Indicators (PFEIs), required by statute, or in use in current law.
NEW: The Trump admin says in a budget statement that its proposal to move the Bureau of Labor Statistics to the Commerce Department "aims to leverage data collection and analysis synergies, increase cost-effectiveness, improve data quality, and reduce respondent burden"
www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov...
