[Federal Register: April 6, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 65)]
[Notices]               
[Page 16695]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr06ap99-33]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE

Bureau of the Census

 
Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finance

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 and/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 June 7, 1999.

ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments to Linda Engelmeier, 
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Department of Commerce, Room 
5033, 14th and Constitution Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20230.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Requests for additional information or 
copies of the information collection instrument(s) and instructions 
should be directed to David Kellerman, Chief, Finance Branch, 
Governments Division, U.S. Bureau of the Census, Washington, DC 20233-
6800 [(301) 457-1502].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Abstract

    The Annual Survey of State and Local Government Finance collects 
data on state government finances and estimates of local government 
revenue, expenditures, debt, and assets, nationally and within state 
areas. Data are collected for all agencies, departments, and 
institutions of the fifty state governments and for a sample of all 
local governments (counties, municipalities, townships, and special 
districts). The forms and procedures are similar to those used in 
previous annual surveys. Data for school districts are collected under 
a separate survey.
    Results of this survey are used by the Bureau of Economic Analysis 
to develop the public sector components of the National Income and 
Product Accounts. Other Federal agencies that make frequent use of 
these data include the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, the Congressional 
Research Service, the General Accounting Office, and the Department of 
Justice. Other users include state and local government executives and 
legislators, policy makers, economists, researchers, and the general 
public.

II. Method of Collection

    Canvass methodology consists of a mail out/mail back questionnaire. 
Responses will be screened manually, then put into an electronic 
format. Telephone follow-up is used to contact non-respondents and, as 
necessary, to correct apparent errors and incorrect responses. Other 
methods used to collect data and maximize response include central data 
collection and electronic reporting.

III. Data

    OMB Number: 0607-0585.
    Form Number: F-5, F-5A, F-11, F-12, F-13, F-21, F-22, F-25, F-28, 
F-29, F-32, F-42.
    Type of Review: Regular.
    Affected Public: State and local governments.
    Estimated Number of Respondents: 7,459.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 3.5 hours.
    Estimated Total Annual Burden Hours: 22,798.
    Estimated Total Annual Cost: Cost to respondents is estimated to be 
$353,369.
    Respondent's Obligation: Voluntary.
    Legal Authority: Title 13, sections 161 and 182.

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 
and/or included in the request for OMB approval of this information 
collection; they also will become a matter of public record.

    Dated: March 31, 1999.
Linda Engelmeier,
Departmental Forms Clearance Officer, Office of the Chief Information 
Officer.
[FR Doc. 99-8447 Filed 4-5-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3510-07-P