This program provides government
finance data for state and local governments. This survey is
conducted annually, as a national census every five years, and as a
sample survey in each of the four intervening years. The Census
Bureau provides these data to the Federal Reserve Board for
constructing the Nation's Flow of Funds Accounts and the Bureau of
Economic Analysis for the National Income and Product Accounts. The
data are also used to monitor the government sector of the economy
and to formulate, develop, and review public policy. Federal
agencies, state and local governments, and the private sector all
use these data. The respondents to this survey are state and local
government officials.
This request includes the
finance portion of the 2017 Census of Governments, which occurs
every five years and covers the universe of approximately 77,000
governmental units compared to the roughly 11,000 units covered in
each of the sample years. The previous request did not include a
Census, and thus the burden was significantly less.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.