Federal government must count multigenerational caregivers in national surveys

What does this do?

This bill requires the federal government to add at least one question about multigenerational caregiving to at least one major federal survey within three years. A multigenerational caregiver is someone who provides unpaid care to family members from more than one age group, such as caring for both a child and an elderly parent, even across different households. Answering the question would be voluntary, and the responsible agency must test it before it goes live.

Who does it affect?

This bill affects federal statistical agencies that run large population surveys, such as those conducting the American Community Survey and the Current Population Survey. Researchers, policymakers, and Americans who provide unpaid care to both older and younger family members at the same time would eventually be affected by the data collected.

Why does it matter?

Right now there is no reliable national data on how many people provide this type of care or how it affects their lives. Two years after a question is added, the Secretary of Commerce must report to Congress on what the data shows and whether the question should be continued or changed, with the report also posted online.

Where does it stand?