Inflation Report Will Be Released Despite Government Shutdown

In a move that underscores the importance of economic data, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has announced that it will release the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for September, despite the ongoing government shutdown. To ensure the report’s timely release, the BLS is temporarily recalling some furloughed employees to work on the data.

The CPI is a crucial economic indicator that measures the average change in prices of a basket of goods and services over time. In this case, the September data is particularly significant, as it will be used to calculate the annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security beneficiaries. The COLA is a vital component of the Social Security program, as it helps ensure that beneficiaries’ payments keep pace with inflation.

The BLS’s decision to release the CPI report despite the shutdown highlights the significance of this data for policymakers, economists, and the general public. By making this data available, the BLS aims to provide essential information that can inform economic decisions and help shape monetary policy.

The recall of furloughed employees to work on the CPI report demonstrates the agency’s commitment to fulfilling its critical responsibilities, even during a government shutdown. The release of the CPI report will provide valuable insights into the state of the economy and help guide decision-making in the private and public sectors. As the government shutdown continues, the BLS’s efforts to release this important data underscore the importance of economic data in informing policy and driving economic growth.