By — Justin Scuiletti Justin Scuiletti Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/nation/public-complaints-urge-census-consider-change-questions Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Public complaints urge Census to consider a change in questions Nation Apr 22, 2014 11:58 AM EDT Does your residence have a flush toilet? The Census wants to know. That’s one of the many questions that three million American households have been asked by the Census’ American Community Survey each year. The survey, according to the Census, utilizes answers given each year to update annual demographic, social, economic and housing data that “help determine how more than $400 billion in federal and state funds are distributed each year.” Public backlash, however, may make the bureau reconsider some of the questions it asks. Pew reports that many Americans think that many of the questions, which include inquiries about a household’s plumbing or total income over 12 months, are too personal. Angry recipients of the mandatory survey have complained, and in response the Census bureau is conducting an audit, starting with four of the questions areas: plumbing, commuting, income and disability. Once it determines the value of those questions, it will move on to the remainder. After review, any changes to the survey would be implemented by 2016. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now By — Justin Scuiletti Justin Scuiletti Justin Scuiletti is the digital video producer at PBS NewsHour. @JSkl
Does your residence have a flush toilet? The Census wants to know. That’s one of the many questions that three million American households have been asked by the Census’ American Community Survey each year. The survey, according to the Census, utilizes answers given each year to update annual demographic, social, economic and housing data that “help determine how more than $400 billion in federal and state funds are distributed each year.” Public backlash, however, may make the bureau reconsider some of the questions it asks. Pew reports that many Americans think that many of the questions, which include inquiries about a household’s plumbing or total income over 12 months, are too personal. Angry recipients of the mandatory survey have complained, and in response the Census bureau is conducting an audit, starting with four of the questions areas: plumbing, commuting, income and disability. Once it determines the value of those questions, it will move on to the remainder. After review, any changes to the survey would be implemented by 2016. We're not going anywhere. Stand up for truly independent, trusted news that you can count on! Donate now