E8-26943. Information Collection Request for the ETA 204, Experience Rating Report: Extension Without Change, Comment Request

AGENCY:

Employment and Training Administration.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing collections of information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA95) [44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)]. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed.

A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addressee section of this notice.

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted to the office listed in the addressee section below on or before January 12, 2009.

ADDRESSES:

Send comments to Edward M. Dullaghan, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, Office of Workforce Security, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW., Frances Perkins Bldg. Room S-4231, Washington, DC 20210, telephone number [phone] (this is not a toll-free number) or by email: [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

The data submitted annually on the ETA-204 report enables the Employment and Training Administration to project revenues for the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program on a state-by-state basis and to measure the variations in assigned contribution rates which result from different experience rating systems. Used in conjunction with other data, the ETA-204 assists in determining the effects of certain factors (e.g., seasonality, stabilization, expansion or contraction in employment, etc.) on the unemployment experience of various groups of employers. The data also provide an early signal for potential solvency problems and are useful in analyzing factors which give rise to these potential problems and permit an evaluation of the effectiveness of the various approaches available to correct the detected problems. Further, the data are key components to the “Significant Tax Measures Report” which provides the information necessary to evaluate and compare state UI tax systems.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

Currently, the Employment and Training Administration is soliciting comments concerning the proposed extension of the ETA-204, Experience Rating Report which:

• Evaluate whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information will have practical utility;
• Evaluate the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information, including the validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
• Enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and
• Minimize the burden of the collection of information on those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting electronic submissions of responses.

A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addressee section of this notice.

III. Current Actions

Type of Review: Extension without change.

Agency: Employment and Training Administration (ETA).

Title: Experience Rating Report.

OMB Number: 1205-0164.

Agency Number: ETA 204.

Affected Public: State Governments.

Total Respondents: 53.

Frequency: Annual.

Total Responses: 53.

Average Time per Response: 15 minutes.

Estimated Total Burden Hours: 13 Hours.

Total Burden Cost (capital/startup): $0.

Total Burden Cost (operating/maintaining): $0.

Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget approval of the information collection request; they will also become a matter of public record.

Dated: November 6, 2008.

Cheryl Atkinson,

Administrator, Office of Workforce Security.