Federal statistical programs are important for monitoring both the need for and the impact of public programs, including those for handicapped children. The information provided by surveys and other data-collection efforts by the federal government is particularly needed in this time of rapidly changing public policies. However, the federal statistical system has suffered from overall budgetary cutbacks, and from several decisions to eliminate statistical programs. In response to public, professional, and congressional criticisms, some reductions have recently been restored, but continued advocacy is needed to preserve the quality and scope of federal statistics.
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