00-1914. Current Population Survey (CPS) Fertility Supplement

ACTION:

Proposed Collection; Comment Request

SUMMARY:

The Department of Commerce, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on proposed or continuing information collections, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13 (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)).

DATES:

Written comments must be submitted on or before March 28, 2000.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 5027, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230 (or via the Internet at [e-mail]).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Requests for additional information or copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions should be directed to Michelle Schwab, Census Bureau, FOB 3, Room 3340, Washington, DC 20233-8400, [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

The Census Bureau is requesting clearance for the collection of data concerning the Fertility Supplement to be conducted in conjunction with the June 2000 CPS. The Census Bureau sponsors the supplement questions, which were previously collected in June 1998, and have been asked periodically since 1971.

This survey provides information used mainly by government and private analysts to project future population growth, to analyze child spacing, and to aid policymakers in their decisions affected by changes in family size and composition. Past studies have discovered noticeable changes in the patterns of fertility rates and the timing of the first birth. Potential needs for government assistance, such as aid to families with dependent children, child care, and maternal health care for single parent households, can be estimated using CPS characteristics matched with fertility data.

II. Method of Collection

The fertility information will be collected by both personal visit and telephone interviews in conjunction with the regular June CPS interviewing. All interviews are conducted using computer-assisted interviewing.

III. Data

OMB Number: 0607-0610.

Form Number: None. All interviews conducted using computers.

Type of Review: Regular.

Affected Public: Individuals or households.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 30,000.

Estimated Time Per Response: 1 minute.

Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 500.

Estimated Total Annual Cost: None.

Respondents' Obligation: Voluntary.

IV. Request for Comments

Comments are invited on: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the burden (including hours and cost) of the proposed collection of information; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

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

Dated: January 21, 2000.

Linda Engelmeier,

Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information Officer.