Bill Text: MI HR0278 | 2011-2012 | 96th Legislature | Introduced
Bill Title: A resolution to memorialize Congress to enact legislation to make participation in the American Community Survey voluntary.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 26-1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2012-05-23 - Referred To Committee On Oversight, Reform, And Ethics [HR0278 Detail]
Download: Michigan-2011-HR0278-Introduced.html
Rep. McBroom offered the following resolution:
House Resolution No. 278.
A resolution to memorialize Congress to enact legislation to make participation in the American Community Survey voluntary.
Whereas, The U.S. Census Bureau has developed the American Community Survey as a replacement for the long-form decennial census questionnaire. This survey, which is mailed to addresses selected randomly, gathers a wide range of information. These questions seek information on how people live and work; the individual's financial situation, accounts, and mortgages; the relationships of persons living at the address; languages spoken in the home; the health, education levels, and marital status of residents; and the condition of the residence itself; and
Whereas, The information gathered through the American Community Survey is used for planning purposes by communities. Anyone receiving this survey is informed that a full response is mandatory and that noncompliance will result in heavy fines; and
Whereas, Although answers to the survey are to be held in strict confidence, there are many people who are uncomfortable with sharing the detailed information requested. In an age in which people must be wary of the potential misuse of personal information, the American Community Survey is considered by some to be a significant invasion of privacy and is a source of great concern; and
Whereas, There is legislation pending in Congress (H.R. 931) that would make participation in the American Community Survey voluntary, except for the most basic information. This legislation recognizes the importance of privacy, while allowing the program to continue on a voluntary basis; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we memorialize Congress to enact legislation to make participation in the American Community Survey voluntary; and be it further
Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the President of the United States Senate, the Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, and the members of the Michigan congressional delegation.
