Treatment Group 1 CEQ Advance Letter

DC

CE-303-L1-T1 (CA)
(10-2015)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economics and Statistics Administration

U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233-0001
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

A message from the Director, U.S. Census Bureau...
We are contacting you to request your help with an important survey—the Consumer
Expenditure Survey. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this 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. It directly affects wages, pensions,
and the cost of goods and services. 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. Federal law authorizes the collection of this information (Titles 13 and 29 of
the United States Code), and Sections 9 and 214 of Title 13 require us to keep all information
about you and your household strictly confidential, and to use that information for statistical
purposes only.
Soon a field representative will contact you for an interview and show you an official
identification card. Please welcome him or her.
Included in this letter, you’ll find a $5 bill and a $40 debit card as an expression of our
appreciation for your time and participation in the survey. You will be able to use the debit card
upon completion of the interview. An additional incentive of $20 is also available if you refer to
any bills or receipts during the course of the interview.
On the back of this letter are answers to questions you may have about this survey. If you
would like more information, please contact:
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
US CENSUS BUREAU
15350 SHERMAN WAY STE 400
VAN NUYS CA 91406-4203
Telephone: 1 (800) 992–3530
Thank you for your cooperation in this important survey. We appreciate your help.

census.gov

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DC

CE-303-L1-T1 (CO)
(10-2015)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economics and Statistics Administration

U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233-0001
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

A message from the Director, U.S. Census Bureau...
We are contacting you to request your help with an important survey—the Consumer
Expenditure Survey. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this 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. It directly affects wages, pensions,
and the cost of goods and services. 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. Federal law authorizes the collection of this information (Titles 13 and 29 of
the United States Code), and Sections 9 and 214 of Title 13 require us to keep all information
about you and your household strictly confidential, and to use that information for statistical
purposes only.
Soon a field representative will contact you for an interview and show you an official
identification card. Please welcome him or her.
Included in this letter, you’ll find a $5 bill and a $40 debit card as an expression of our
appreciation for your time and participation in the survey. You will be able to use the debit card
upon completion of the interview. An additional incentive of $20 is also available if you refer to
any bills or receipts during the course of the interview.
On the back of this letter are answers to questions you may have about this survey. If you
would like more information, please contact:
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
US CENSUS BUREAU
6950 W JEFFERSON AVE STE 250
DENVER CO 80235-2377
Telephone: 1 (800) 852–6159
Thank you for your cooperation in this important survey. We appreciate your help.

census.gov

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DC

CE-303-L1-T1 (GA)
(10-2015)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economics and Statistics Administration

U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233-0001
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

A message from the Director, U.S. Census Bureau...
We are contacting you to request your help with an important survey—the Consumer
Expenditure Survey. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this 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. It directly affects wages, pensions,
and the cost of goods and services. 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. Federal law authorizes the collection of this information (Titles 13 and 29 of
the United States Code), and Sections 9 and 214 of Title 13 require us to keep all information
about you and your household strictly confidential, and to use that information for statistical
purposes only.
Soon a field representative will contact you for an interview and show you an official
identification card. Please welcome him or her.
Included in this letter, you’ll find a $5 bill and a $40 debit card as an expression of our
appreciation for your time and participation in the survey. You will be able to use the debit card
upon completion of the interview. An additional incentive of $20 is also available if you refer to
any bills or receipts during the course of the interview.
On the back of this letter are answers to questions you may have about this survey. If you
would like more information, please contact:
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
US CENSUS BUREAU
101 MARIETTA ST NW STE 3200
ATLANTA GA 30303-2711
Telephone: 1 (800) 424–6974
Thank you for your cooperation in this important survey. We appreciate your help.

census.gov

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DC

CE-303-L1-T1 (IL)
(10-2015)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economics and Statistics Administration

U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233-0001
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

A message from the Director, U.S. Census Bureau...
We are contacting you to request your help with an important survey—the Consumer
Expenditure Survey. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this 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. It directly affects wages, pensions,
and the cost of goods and services. 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. Federal law authorizes the collection of this information (Titles 13 and 29 of
the United States Code), and Sections 9 and 214 of Title 13 require us to keep all information
about you and your household strictly confidential, and to use that information for statistical
purposes only.
Soon a field representative will contact you for an interview and show you an official
identification card. Please welcome him or her.
Included in this letter, you’ll find a $5 bill and a $40 debit card as an expression of our
appreciation for your time and participation in the survey. You will be able to use the debit card
upon completion of the interview. An additional incentive of $20 is also available if you refer to
any bills or receipts during the course of the interview.
On the back of this letter are answers to questions you may have about this survey. If you
would like more information, please contact:
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
US CENSUS BUREAU
1111 W 22ND ST STE 400
OAK BROOK IL 60523-1918
Telephone: 1 (800) 865–6384
Thank you for your cooperation in this important survey. We appreciate your help.

census.gov

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DC

CE-303-L1-T1 (NY)
(10-2015)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economics and Statistics Administration

U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233-0001
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

A message from the Director, U.S. Census Bureau...
We are contacting you to request your help with an important survey—the Consumer
Expenditure Survey. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this 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. It directly affects wages, pensions,
and the cost of goods and services. 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. Federal law authorizes the collection of this information (Titles 13 and 29 of
the United States Code), and Sections 9 and 214 of Title 13 require us to keep all information
about you and your household strictly confidential, and to use that information for statistical
purposes only.
Soon a field representative will contact you for an interview and show you an official
identification card. Please welcome him or her.
Included in this letter, you’ll find a $5 bill and a $40 debit card as an expression of our
appreciation for your time and participation in the survey. You will be able to use the debit card
upon completion of the interview. An additional incentive of $20 is also available if you refer to
any bills or receipts during the course of the interview.
On the back of this letter are answers to questions you may have about this survey. If you
would like more information, please contact:
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
US CENSUS BUREAU
32 OLD SLIP 9TH FLOOR
NEW YORK NY 10005-3500
Telephone: 1 (800) 991–2520
Thank you for your cooperation in this important survey. We appreciate your help.

census.gov

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DC

CE-303-L1-T1 (PA)
(10-2015)

UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Economics and Statistics Administration

U.S. Census Bureau
Washington, DC 20233-0001
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR

A message from the Director, U.S. Census Bureau...
We are contacting you to request your help with an important survey—the Consumer
Expenditure Survey. The U.S. Census Bureau is conducting this 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. It directly affects wages, pensions,
and the cost of goods and services. 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. Federal law authorizes the collection of this information (Titles 13 and 29 of
the United States Code), and Sections 9 and 214 of Title 13 require us to keep all information
about you and your household strictly confidential, and to use that information for statistical
purposes only.
Soon a field representative will contact you for an interview and show you an official
identification card. Please welcome him or her.
Included in this letter, you’ll find a $5 bill and a $40 debit card as an expression of our
appreciation for your time and participation in the survey. You will be able to use the debit card
upon completion of the interview. An additional incentive of $20 is also available if you refer to
any bills or receipts during the course of the interview.
On the back of this letter are answers to questions you may have about this survey. If you
would like more information, please contact:
REGIONAL DIRECTOR
US CENSUS BUREAU
833 CHESTNUT ST STE 504
PHILADELPHIA PA 19107-4405
Telephone: 1 (800) 262–4236
Thank you for your cooperation in this important survey. We appreciate your help.

census.gov

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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 you to recall information about recent purchases you have made. 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 or property. A partial list includes:
•
•
•
•

How much money do you spend on clothing?
How much money do you spend on housing?
What are your out-of-pocket costs for medical care for consumers?
Do you spend more money on electricity or natural gas?

What will I get for completing the survey?
In addition to playing a critical role in this important survey, the $40 debit card enclosed with this
letter will be yours to use after completing the interview. An extra $20 is available if you refer to any
paper or electronic bills, records, or receipts during the interview.
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 55 minutes.
Where can I find out more about the survey?
You can learn more about the survey by writing to the Division of Consumer Expenditure
Surveys, Room 3985, 2 Massachusetts Avenue, N.E., Washington, DC 20212. The
Consumer Expenditure Survey Web site also has information about the survey.
The address is www.bls.gov/respondents/cex.
The U.S. Office of Management and Budget has approved this survey and assigned it Control
Number 1220-0050.

CE-303-L1-T1 (10-2015)