Erica Groshen
@ericagroshen.bsky.social
Economist, Sr. Econ Advisor at Cornell -ILR.
14th Commissioner of BLS.
Formerly at NY & Cleveland Federal Reserve Banks. Now in Seattle!
14th Commissioner of BLS.
Formerly at NY & Cleveland Federal Reserve Banks. Now in Seattle!
Pinned
Erica Groshen
@ericagroshen.bsky.social
· Feb 12
To Bureau of Labor Statistics data users & staffers: be EYES & EARS for the Friends of BLS
These days, the Co-chairs seek news about user experiences & internal changes. We’ll honor your confidentiality.
Share this ask with others & reach out directly with news to Bill Beach, Paul Schroeder or me.
These days, the Co-chairs seek news about user experiences & internal changes. We’ll honor your confidentiality.
Share this ask with others & reach out directly with news to Bill Beach, Paul Schroeder or me.
Reposted by Erica Groshen
On Oct 23, the #FriendsofBLS hosted a webinar featuring @ericagroshen.bsky.social, @erikamcentarfer.bsky.social and Bill Beach giving an update on BLS and #FriendsofBLS activities as well as issuing a call to action.
www.friendsofbls.org/updates/2025...
www.friendsofbls.org/updates/2025...
VIDEO: Friends of BLS Member Webinar - Oct 2025 — The Friends of the Bureau of Labor Statistics
On Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Friends of BLS hosted a webinar featuring three former BLS Commissioners: Erika McEntarfer, Bill Beach, and Erica Groshen. The webinar gives an update o...
www.friendsofbls.org
October 27, 2025 at 8:33 PM
On Oct 23, the #FriendsofBLS hosted a webinar featuring @ericagroshen.bsky.social, @erikamcentarfer.bsky.social and Bill Beach giving an update on BLS and #FriendsofBLS activities as well as issuing a call to action.
www.friendsofbls.org/updates/2025...
www.friendsofbls.org/updates/2025...
Reposted by Erica Groshen
Just realized.... BLS's CPI Q&A page recently added an answer on "Is tipping included in the CPI?"
the answer is quite detailed!!
the answer is quite detailed!!
October 25, 2025 at 3:29 AM
Just realized.... BLS's CPI Q&A page recently added an answer on "Is tipping included in the CPI?"
the answer is quite detailed!!
the answer is quite detailed!!
Reposted by Erica Groshen
Come work with me! I'm hiring a data scientist to join me at @harvardkennedy.bsky.social @shorensteinctr.bsky.social
careers.harvard.edu/job/senior-d...
careers.harvard.edu/job/senior-d...
October 25, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Come work with me! I'm hiring a data scientist to join me at @harvardkennedy.bsky.social @shorensteinctr.bsky.social
careers.harvard.edu/job/senior-d...
careers.harvard.edu/job/senior-d...
Reposted by Erica Groshen
"We're being thrown back into the late 19th century." - @ericagroshen.bsky.social on going without federal statistics during the shutdown
Join the Friends of BLS - www.friendsofbls.org/join - and help us advocate for funding and modernization of federal statistics. Save-Our-Stats #EconSky
Join the Friends of BLS - www.friendsofbls.org/join - and help us advocate for funding and modernization of federal statistics. Save-Our-Stats #EconSky
October 23, 2025 at 5:05 PM
"We're being thrown back into the late 19th century." - @ericagroshen.bsky.social on going without federal statistics during the shutdown
Join the Friends of BLS - www.friendsofbls.org/join - and help us advocate for funding and modernization of federal statistics. Save-Our-Stats #EconSky
Join the Friends of BLS - www.friendsofbls.org/join - and help us advocate for funding and modernization of federal statistics. Save-Our-Stats #EconSky
Reposted by Erica Groshen
#CornellILR senior econ. advisor @ericagroshen.bsky.social says private-sector alternatives to government jobs data "can't fully substitute, because they just don't have the breadth, the transparency, the historical track record data that really allows you to compare current conditions to the past."
Alternatives to the monthly jobs report during the government shutdown
Economists are seeking alternatives while the government shutdown has the monthly jobs report on ice. We asked former BLS chiefs what they watch
qz.com
October 13, 2025 at 2:13 PM
#CornellILR senior econ. advisor @ericagroshen.bsky.social says private-sector alternatives to government jobs data "can't fully substitute, because they just don't have the breadth, the transparency, the historical track record data that really allows you to compare current conditions to the past."
Reposted by Erica Groshen
In a discussion at the Cato Institute, @ericagroshen.bsky.social, #CornellILR senior labor market advisor and former Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner, comments on the importance of the trustability of statistical agencies, revisions to jobs numbers under the Obama administration, and more.
Former heads of US Bureau of Labor Statistics say Trump's attacks erode trust in data reut.rs/4h5uBsb
Former heads of US Bureau of Labor Statistics say Trump's attacks erode trust in data
President Donald Trump's unwarranted attacks on the integrity of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics were undermining trust in economic data and had accelerated retirements of key personnel at the agency, former BLS commissioners said on Wednesday.
reut.rs
October 9, 2025 at 3:38 PM
In a discussion at the Cato Institute, @ericagroshen.bsky.social, #CornellILR senior labor market advisor and former Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner, comments on the importance of the trustability of statistical agencies, revisions to jobs numbers under the Obama administration, and more.
Reposted by Erica Groshen
“Private data are very useful complements — they can be more timely and give you granularity — but they’re also fundamentally dependent on federal data,” said #CornellILR's @ericagroshen.bsky.social. “Data has to be re-weighted to represent everyone, and that weighting is based on federal data.”
The government isn’t releasing economic data. Private firms are stepping in.
The government shutdown has prompted private firms to release their own economic data, filling a gap left by the absence of official figures.
www.washingtonpost.com
October 9, 2025 at 1:24 PM
“Private data are very useful complements — they can be more timely and give you granularity — but they’re also fundamentally dependent on federal data,” said #CornellILR's @ericagroshen.bsky.social. “Data has to be re-weighted to represent everyone, and that weighting is based on federal data.”
Reposted by Erica Groshen
#CornellILR's @ericagroshen.bsky.social, senior labor market advisor and former BLS commissioner, cautions that unreliable or unavailable government data complicates economic decision-making during periods of economic slowdown and uncertainty.
US delays key jobs report due to government shutdown
The United States suspended the publication of a key employment report Friday as a partial government shutdown entered its third day, casting a fog over the health of the world's biggest economy.
www.france24.com
October 6, 2025 at 1:54 PM
#CornellILR's @ericagroshen.bsky.social, senior labor market advisor and former BLS commissioner, cautions that unreliable or unavailable government data complicates economic decision-making during periods of economic slowdown and uncertainty.
Reposted by Erica Groshen
“Without today’s jobs report and next week’s scheduled inflation release, the Federal Reserve, U.S. treasury, financial markets, businesses and households will be flying blind,” said @ericagroshen.bsky.social, #CornellILR senior economics advisor and former BLS commissioner.
US ‘flying blind’ at critical moment for economy, experts warn, with no jobs data amid shutdown
Data was collected for closely-watched jobs report before shutdown, but Trump officials so far defy calls to publish it
www.theguardian.com
October 3, 2025 at 7:13 PM
“Without today’s jobs report and next week’s scheduled inflation release, the Federal Reserve, U.S. treasury, financial markets, businesses and households will be flying blind,” said @ericagroshen.bsky.social, #CornellILR senior economics advisor and former BLS commissioner.
Reposted by Erica Groshen
The White House has withdrawn its nomination of E.J. Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
@ericagroshen.bsky.social, senior economics advisor at #CornellILR and former BLS commissioner, provided expert commentary:
@ericagroshen.bsky.social, senior economics advisor at #CornellILR and former BLS commissioner, provided expert commentary:
October 2, 2025 at 6:31 PM
The White House has withdrawn its nomination of E.J. Antoni to lead the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
@ericagroshen.bsky.social, senior economics advisor at #CornellILR and former BLS commissioner, provided expert commentary:
@ericagroshen.bsky.social, senior economics advisor at #CornellILR and former BLS commissioner, provided expert commentary:
Reposted by Erica Groshen
2/ Bureau of Labor Statistics data inform spending, investment, and location decisions. Former BLS Commissioner @ericagroshen.bsky.social cautions that BLS disruptions could stall choices and raise risks for U.S. households, firms, and the wider economy.
October 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM
2/ Bureau of Labor Statistics data inform spending, investment, and location decisions. Former BLS Commissioner @ericagroshen.bsky.social cautions that BLS disruptions could stall choices and raise risks for U.S. households, firms, and the wider economy.
Reposted by Erica Groshen
#CornellILR senior econ. advisor @ericagroshen.bsky.social—who was BLS commissioner from 2013-2017—says that “it’s a particularly fraught time because of the economic conditions right now.”
Following a 16-day shutdown in 2013, BLS released info when the govt was back up & running, Groshen explains.
Following a 16-day shutdown in 2013, BLS released info when the govt was back up & running, Groshen explains.
The shutdown means no jobs data—conveniently for Trump
"To lose this source of data at this critical time, it's just a real problem."
www.motherjones.com
October 3, 2025 at 1:06 PM
#CornellILR senior econ. advisor @ericagroshen.bsky.social—who was BLS commissioner from 2013-2017—says that “it’s a particularly fraught time because of the economic conditions right now.”
Following a 16-day shutdown in 2013, BLS released info when the govt was back up & running, Groshen explains.
Following a 16-day shutdown in 2013, BLS released info when the govt was back up & running, Groshen explains.
Reposted by Erica Groshen
#CornellILR senior economics advisor and former Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner @ericagroshen.bsky.social said the president’s next pick for BLS commissioner “needs to be up to a difficult job.”
Donald Trump pulls ally EJ Antoni’s nomination to lead statistics agency
White House also drops bid to name Brian Quintenz as chair of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
www.ft.com
October 1, 2025 at 7:31 PM
#CornellILR senior economics advisor and former Bureau of Labor Statistics Commissioner @ericagroshen.bsky.social said the president’s next pick for BLS commissioner “needs to be up to a difficult job.”
Reposted by Erica Groshen
“It’s another obstacle being thrown in their path,” said @ericagroshen.bsky.social, #CornellILR senior labor market advisor and former Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner, about the potential impact of a federal government shutdown on the bureau’s efforts to hire new staff.
Friday's jobs report will provide key evidence on whether slower hiring is turning into deeper weakness in the labor market.
If there is a jobs report on Friday at all.
My story on how a shutdown could leave us flying blind at a vital moment for the economy. #EconSky
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/b...
If there is a jobs report on Friday at all.
My story on how a shutdown could leave us flying blind at a vital moment for the economy. #EconSky
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/30/b...
Government Shutdown Could Delay Economic Data at a Critical Moment
www.nytimes.com
September 30, 2025 at 11:37 PM
“It’s another obstacle being thrown in their path,” said @ericagroshen.bsky.social, #CornellILR senior labor market advisor and former Bureau of Labor Statistics commissioner, about the potential impact of a federal government shutdown on the bureau’s efforts to hire new staff.
Here's a new GAO report on the federal statistical system's need to modernize and adapt to a rapidly changing data landscape--based on a forum GAO held in 2024 with experts and stakeholders.
#econsky
www.gao.gov/products/gao...
#econsky
www.gao.gov/products/gao...
www.gao.gov
September 24, 2025 at 9:36 PM
Here's a new GAO report on the federal statistical system's need to modernize and adapt to a rapidly changing data landscape--based on a forum GAO held in 2024 with experts and stakeholders.
#econsky
www.gao.gov/products/gao...
#econsky
www.gao.gov/products/gao...
12 Senators want to know the Administration's plans for federal #statistics by 10/6.
“The integrity of America’s #economicdata is fundamental to our economic prosperity and global leadership – it is not a partisan issue...”
www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
#econsky
“The integrity of America’s #economicdata is fundamental to our economic prosperity and global leadership – it is not a partisan issue...”
www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
#econsky
www.banking.senate.gov
September 24, 2025 at 2:20 AM
12 Senators want to know the Administration's plans for federal #statistics by 10/6.
“The integrity of America’s #economicdata is fundamental to our economic prosperity and global leadership – it is not a partisan issue...”
www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
#econsky
“The integrity of America’s #economicdata is fundamental to our economic prosperity and global leadership – it is not a partisan issue...”
www.banking.senate.gov/imo/media/do...
#econsky
Yeah for transparency!
I hear that staffing in CPI is down by 30%--a loss of some of their most experienced staff. That means BLS has less ability to keep to deadlines when a glitch happens. Modernization, generally a very good thing, is prone to glitches.
I hear that staffing in CPI is down by 30%--a loss of some of their most experienced staff. That means BLS has less ability to keep to deadlines when a glitch happens. Modernization, generally a very good thing, is prone to glitches.
Today we got a (very reasonable & completely warranted) explanation from the Bureau of Labor Statistics for why they are delaying publication of the annual Consumer Expenditure Survey (CEX) by about a month.
Transparency is good!
www.bls.gov/cex/notices/...
Transparency is good!
www.bls.gov/cex/notices/...
Consumer Expenditures 2024 News Release Rescheduled
Consumer Expenditures 2024 News Release Rescheduled (9/22/2025)
www.bls.gov
September 22, 2025 at 10:32 PM
Yeah for transparency!
I hear that staffing in CPI is down by 30%--a loss of some of their most experienced staff. That means BLS has less ability to keep to deadlines when a glitch happens. Modernization, generally a very good thing, is prone to glitches.
I hear that staffing in CPI is down by 30%--a loss of some of their most experienced staff. That means BLS has less ability to keep to deadlines when a glitch happens. Modernization, generally a very good thing, is prone to glitches.
Reposted by Erica Groshen
No need to distort the data. Just don't collect it: Trump administration cancels an annual USDA survey on food insecurity. “This nonstatutory report became overly politicized ...was unnecessary to carry out the work of the Department,” a USDA spokesman said.
www.wsj.com/economy/trum...
www.wsj.com/economy/trum...
Exclusive | Trump Administration Cancels Annual Hunger Survey
The government has been measuring food insecurity since the mid-1990s, but now says the report has become “overly politicized.”
www.wsj.com
September 20, 2025 at 6:44 PM
No need to distort the data. Just don't collect it: Trump administration cancels an annual USDA survey on food insecurity. “This nonstatutory report became overly politicized ...was unnecessary to carry out the work of the Department,” a USDA spokesman said.
www.wsj.com/economy/trum...
www.wsj.com/economy/trum...
#BLS has delayed the 2024 Consumer Expenditures Survey annual release. This is likely due to the severe understaffing in the agency.
Staff losses and hiring freeze are taking their toll.
www.bls.gov/cex/notices/...
#econsky
Staff losses and hiring freeze are taking their toll.
www.bls.gov/cex/notices/...
#econsky
Consumer Expenditures 2024 Data Release to be Rescheduled
Consumer Expenditures 2024 Data Release to be Rescheduled (9/19/2025)
www.bls.gov
September 19, 2025 at 10:17 PM
#BLS has delayed the 2024 Consumer Expenditures Survey annual release. This is likely due to the severe understaffing in the agency.
Staff losses and hiring freeze are taking their toll.
www.bls.gov/cex/notices/...
#econsky
Staff losses and hiring freeze are taking their toll.
www.bls.gov/cex/notices/...
#econsky
Reposted by Erica Groshen
Just pointing out the incoherence of ‘we must replace BLS leadership because of falling response rates’ and ‘we aren’t going to let you stem falling response rates by following up when they don’t respond’. (Census collects data for BLS too.)
Extent of the threat to the integrity of the 2030 Census in the House funding beggars belief. Not only did the Committee narrowly approve eliminating undocumented persons from apportionment counts (in violation of the 14th A), it also handcuffs Bureau’s ability to do nonresponse followup. 1/2
September 12, 2025 at 7:03 PM
Just pointing out the incoherence of ‘we must replace BLS leadership because of falling response rates’ and ‘we aren’t going to let you stem falling response rates by following up when they don’t respond’. (Census collects data for BLS too.)
Reposted by Erica Groshen
The big story here is of an agency of dedicated statisticians and public servants working tirelessly to improve economic data in a climate of budgetary cuts to data collection. They have been very innovative in meeting that mandate. But we should also just fund our economic infrastructure.
Important to remember that thanks to the dedicated public servants at BLS, employment estimates have become MORE accurate over time
And the final version of the preliminary revision reported today will probably be smaller when it is incorporated early next year
And the final version of the preliminary revision reported today will probably be smaller when it is incorporated early next year
The preliminary benchmark revision of -911K amounts to -0.6% to March 2025 payroll employment. Combined with 2-month revisions, recent total revisions are big but hardly unprecedented, & smoothed over the business cycle the payroll survey has gotten more accurate over time.
September 9, 2025 at 4:27 PM
The big story here is of an agency of dedicated statisticians and public servants working tirelessly to improve economic data in a climate of budgetary cuts to data collection. They have been very innovative in meeting that mandate. But we should also just fund our economic infrastructure.
3 ways to honor the fearless Bureau of Labor Statistics staff
-JOIN Friends of BLS & invite others www.friendsofbls.org
-LEARN and reassure yourself & others that BLS data are good AND could be better w/ adequate support from Congress & White House
-PARTICIPATE in BLS surveys--you & your employer
-JOIN Friends of BLS & invite others www.friendsofbls.org
-LEARN and reassure yourself & others that BLS data are good AND could be better w/ adequate support from Congress & White House
-PARTICIPATE in BLS surveys--you & your employer
The Friends of the Bureau of Labor Statistics
www.friendsofbls.org
September 14, 2025 at 9:52 PM
3 ways to honor the fearless Bureau of Labor Statistics staff
-JOIN Friends of BLS & invite others www.friendsofbls.org
-LEARN and reassure yourself & others that BLS data are good AND could be better w/ adequate support from Congress & White House
-PARTICIPATE in BLS surveys--you & your employer
-JOIN Friends of BLS & invite others www.friendsofbls.org
-LEARN and reassure yourself & others that BLS data are good AND could be better w/ adequate support from Congress & White House
-PARTICIPATE in BLS surveys--you & your employer
Reposted by Erica Groshen
If you’ve been confused by revisions to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers, I encourage you to listen to this excellent conversation between Jonathan Schwabish and former BLS commissioner Erica Groshen.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...? i=1000725506552
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...? i=1000725506552
The PolicyViz Podcast
Business Podcast · Updated Semimonthly · Learn how to be a great data communicator and visualizer with host Jon Schwabish. Hear from experts in the fields of data science, data visualization, and pres...
podcasts.apple.com
September 8, 2025 at 11:41 PM
If you’ve been confused by revisions to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers, I encourage you to listen to this excellent conversation between Jonathan Schwabish and former BLS commissioner Erica Groshen.
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...? i=1000725506552
podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/t...? i=1000725506552
Here's my chat about #BLS #statistics with @pkrugman.bsky.social! Jobs revisions, meddling, modernization and more...
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/talking-wi...
#econsky
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/talking-wi...
#econsky
Talking With Erica Groshen, Former BLS Commissioner
When labor data become a political issue
paulkrugman.substack.com
September 13, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Here's my chat about #BLS #statistics with @pkrugman.bsky.social! Jobs revisions, meddling, modernization and more...
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/talking-wi...
#econsky
paulkrugman.substack.com/p/talking-wi...
#econsky
Reposted by Erica Groshen
Statistical agencies need to continually modernize, because the economy + tech are changing, says @ericagroshen.bsky.social. New methods of data collection require investment, but instead, BLS funding "has declined by 20% in last 15 years, and this administration is proposing cutting by another 8%."
Former head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics discusses future of U.S. labor data
NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Erica Groshen, former head of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, about employment data and what politicization of the agency could do to future numbers.
www.npr.org
September 9, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Statistical agencies need to continually modernize, because the economy + tech are changing, says @ericagroshen.bsky.social. New methods of data collection require investment, but instead, BLS funding "has declined by 20% in last 15 years, and this administration is proposing cutting by another 8%."