APDU Conference: Supporting Federal Statistical Agencies in Congress

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Recent proposed funding increases for the Census Bureau suggest that Congress is listening and responding to concerns expressed by the data user community.   However, the reality is other federal statistical agencies are not faring as well, enduring years of, at best, flat funding, and, at worst, funding cuts.  It is clear much work remains to ensure greater funding parity across the federal statistical system.

The 2018 Association of Public Data Users (APDU) Annual Conference is an excellent opportunity for data users to not only learn more about funding challenges facing federal statistical agencies, but also to hone their skills for communicating with policymakers about the value of federal support for statistical agencies, surveys, and data collection.  On July 18, as part of the Washington Update, APDU conferees will hear from Mr. Jim Dyer, former staff director of the House Appropriations Committee. With more than 30 years of legislative experience, Mr. Dyer will provide unique insights into the appropriations process and what APDU members can expect during the ongoing Fiscal Year 2019 deliberations.

For those conferees who are eager to engage policymakers more directly, APDU is offering a special workshop, “Building the Case for Public Statistics.” The workshop, which individuals must register for separately from the APDU conference, will be led by three government relations experts who will educate attendees about how and when to engage policymakers. During the workshop, participants will develop messages and receive feedback from the trainers.  For more information, go to: http://apdu.org/2017/12/18/building-the-case-for-public-statistics-training/.

The APDU conference is happening at a pivotal time during the annual appropriations process. Fiscal Year 2018 ends September 30, and Congress will be acting throughout the summer and, possibly, into the fall to pass all 12 of the Fiscal Year 2019 funding bills.  Come to the 2018 APDU conference to get the latest information about these deliberations and consider taking a deeper dive by attending the supplemental workshop to enhance your communication and presentation skills to policymakers. Hope to see you there!