[Federal Register: September 14, 2005 (Volume 70, Number 177)]
[Notices]               
[Page 54408-54409]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr14se05-105]                         

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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Employment and Training Administration

 
Proposed Information Collection Request Submitted for Public 
Comment and Recommendations; ETA-204 Experience Rating Report

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Department of Labor, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a preclearance 
consultation program to provide the general public and Federal agencies 
with an opportunity to comment on proposed and/or continuing 
collections of

[[Page 54409]]

information in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 
(PRA95) (44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(2)(A)). This program helps to ensure that 
requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden 
(time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are 
clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on 
respondents can be properly assessed.

DATES: Submit comments on or before November 14, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Send comments to Edward M. Dullaghan, Office of Workforce 
Security, Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of 
Labor, Room S4231, 200 Constitution Ave. NW., Washington, DC, 20210; 
telephone number (202) 693-2927 (this is not a toll-free number); e-
mail dullaghan.edward@dol.gov; fax (202) 693-2874.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Background

    The data submitted annually on the ETA-204 report enables the 
Employment and Training Administration to project revenues for the 
Unemployment Insurance program on a state-by-state basis and to measure 
the variations in assigned contribution rates which result from 
different experience rating systems. Used in conjunction with other 
data, the ETA-204 assists in determining the effects of certain factors 
(e.g., seasonality, stabilization, expansion, or contraction in 
employment, etc.) on the unemployment experience of various groups of 
employers. The data also provide an early signal for potential solvency 
problems and are useful in analyzing factors which give rise to these 
potential problems and permit an evaluation of the effectiveness of the 
various approaches available to correct the detected problems. Further, 
the data are the basis for determining the Experience Rating Index, 
which allows for the evaluation of the extent to which benefits in 
states are effectively charged, noncharged, and ineffectively charged.

II. Desired Focus of Comments

    Currently, the Employment and Training Administration is soliciting 
comments concerning the proposed extension of the ETA-204, Experience 
Rating Report which:
     Evaluates whether the proposed collection of information 
is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the agency, 
including whether the information will have practical utility;
     Evaluates the accuracy of the agency's estimate of the 
burden of the proposed collection of information, including the 
validity of the methodology and assumptions used;
     Enhances the quality, utility, and clarity of the 
information to be collected; and
     Minimizes the burden of the collection of information on 
those who are to respond, including through the use of appropriate 
automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological collection 
techniques or other forms of information technology, e.g., permitting 
electronic submissions of responses.
    A copy of the proposed information collection request (ICR) can be 
obtained by contacting the office listed below in the addressee section 
of this notice.

III. Current Actions

    Type of Review: Extension.
    Agency: Employment and Training Administration.
    Title: Experience Rating Report.
    OMB Number: 1205-0164.
    Agency Number: ETA-204.
    Affected Public: State Government.
    Cite/Reference/Form/etc: ETA-204.
    Frequency: Annually.
    Total Responses: 53.
    Average Time per Response: 15 minutes.
    Estimated Total Burden Hours: 13.
    Total Burden Cost (Operating/Maintaining): $325.
    Comments submitted in response to this notice will be summarized 
and/or included in the request for Office of Management and Budget 
approval of the information collection request; they will also become a 
matter of public record.

    Dated: August 9, 2005.
Cheryl Atkinson,
Administrator, Office of Workforce Security, Employment and Training 
Administration.
[FR Doc. 05-18213 Filed 9-13-05; 8:45 am]

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