After Six Years, Legal Obstacles Continue To Restrict Government Use of the Standard Statistical Establishment List
GGD-79-17
Published: May 25, 1979. Publicly Released: May 25, 1979.
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Highlights
The Standard Statistical Establishment List (SSEL) maintained by the Bureau of the Census is a computerized file of information on 5.5 million U.S. corporations, partnerships, sole proprietorships, and other businesses which have employees.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should consider legislation to amend section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, as amended, and title 13 of the United States Code to allow the Census Bureau to provide SSEL information to federal and state cooperative agencies for statistical purposes. | The Administration has not submitted a legislative proposal to amend the Internal Revenue Code and title 13. The Department of Treasury is opposed to sharing tax data, which is the major source of data for the SSEL, beyond its current level. The appropriate congressional committees have also not taken action because of Treasury's opposition. |
Recommendations for Executive Action
| Agency Affected | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Commerce | The Secretary of Commerce should direct the Census Bureau and the Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards to improve SSEL implementation planning by preparing cost estimates, holding technical meetings with future user agencies, exploring monitoring options to ensure SSEL confidentiality, and collaborating with the Department of Agriculture to develop plans for the farm portion of the SSEL. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
| Department of Commerce | The Secretary of Commerce should direct the Office of Federal Statistical Policy and Standards to establish a priority date for submitting to Congress the proposed legislative changes and should add a provision to this legislation requiring consent of a company or establishment if information gathered in surveys or other statistical undertakings which draw samples from the SSEL is to be used in a manner other than specified in the legislative draft. |
When we confirm what actions the agency has taken in response to this recommendation, we will provide updated information.
|
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CensusComputer matchingDatabasesData collectionIncome statisticsLabor statisticsPrivacy lawPrivate sectorProposed legislationStatistical data