E8-16240. Proposed Information Collection (Monthly Statement of Wages Paid to Trainee) Activity; Comment Request

AGENCY:

Veterans Benefits Administration, Department of Veterans Affairs.

ACTION:

Notice.

SUMMARY:

The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), is announcing an opportunity for public comment on the proposed collection of certain information by the agency. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Federal agencies are required to publish notice in the Federal Register concerning each proposed collection of information, including each proposed extension of a currently approved collection, and allow 60 days for public comment in response to the notice. This notice solicits comment on information needed to determine the correct rate of subsistence allowance and wages payable to a trainee in an approved on-the-job training or apprenticeship program.

DATES:

Written comments and recommendations on the proposed collection of information should be received on or before September 15, 2008.

ADDRESSES:

Submit written comments on the collection of information through www.Regulations.gov; or to Nancy J. Kessinger, Veterans Benefits Administration (20M35), Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW., Washington, DC 20420 or e-mail: [e-mail]. Please refer to “OMB Control No. 2900-0368” in any correspondence. During the comment period, comments may be viewed online through the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) at www.Regulations.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Nancy J. Kessinger at [phone] or FAX [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Under the PRA of 1995 (Pub. L. 104-13; 44 U.S.C. 3501—3521), Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct or sponsor. This request for comment is being made pursuant to Section 3506(c)(2)(A) of the PRA.

With respect to the following collection of information, VBA invites comments on: (1) Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of VBA's functions, including whether the information will have practical utility; (2) the accuracy of VBA's estimate of the burden of the proposed collection of information; (3) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected; and (4) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on respondents, including through the use of automated collection techniques or the use of other forms of information technology.

Title: Monthly Statement of Wages Paid to Trainee (Chapter 31, Title 38, U.S.C.), VA Form 28-1917.

OMB Control Number: 2900-0368.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Abstract: Employers providing on-job or apprenticeship training to veterans complete VA Form 28-1917 to report each veteran's wages during the preceding month. VA uses the information to determine whether the veteran is receiving the appropriate wage increase and correct rate of subsistence allowance. Employers also use the form to document any training difficulties the veteran may be experiencing making it possible for VA's case manager to intervene to assist the veteran in a timely manner.

Affected Public: Business or other for-profit, Individuals or households, Not-for-profit institutions.

Estimated Annual Burden: 1,800 hours.

Estimated Average Burden Per Respondent: 30 minutes.

Frequency of Response: Monthly.

Estimated Number of Respondents: 300.

Estimated Total Annual Responses: 3,600.

Dated: July 10, 2008.

By direction of the Secretary:

Denise McLamb,

Program Analyst, Records Management Service.