In response to the recent removal of critical datasets from federal government websites, we have written a letter to Connecticut's Congressional delegation urging restoration of public data. These datasets are crucial for investment and planning decisions across Connecticut's private, public, and nonprofit sectors. We encourage you to join us in advocating for this vital public good by contacting your representatives (click here for contact information).

Preserving Public Access to Federal Data 

Dear Members of the Connecticut Congressional Delegation: 

Since January 20th, 2025, the current federal administration has been removing critical datasets from federal government websites, severely restricting public access to essential information collected by the CDC, Census Bureau, and other agencies. This action has blocked access to both historical and current data about our nation's population and health. 

The Connecticut Data Collaborative (CTData) is very concerned about the removal of critical datasets. Public data informs investment and planning decisions by Connecticut constituents in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. Further, many of these datasets are the only source of information pertaining to our population. The Youth Risk Behavioral Surveillance System is the only source for understanding teen bullying and suicide ideation. 

This removal of taxpayer-funded information violates the foundational principle that public data should serve the public good. More troubling, it sets a concerning precedent: any administration could restrict access to public data at any point for any reason. 

Further, this restriction of access to public data was done without regard for legal and administrative precedent. Federal laws, including the Paperwork Reduction Act, Title 44 of the U.S.C., and the Evidence Based Policymaking Act, are but a few of the major laws governing the collection, dissemination, and protection of federal data. 

Federal statistical agencies play a vital role in our democracy by producing and disseminating credible, accurate, and objective data. This information enables evidence-based decision-making across all sectors of society, supporting efforts to advance equity in Connecticut and beyond. 

The impact to Connecticut constituents is tangible and immediate. Communities have lost access to crucial information that addresses pressing issues such as teen mental health, bullying, and violence prevention. By removing this taxpayer-funded data from the public domain, the administration has undermined both the mission of the federal statistical system and the public's right to access resources they funded and rely upon. 

On behalf of all the public data users in Connecticut, CTData urges the immediate restoration of public data assets. 

Thank you for your attention to this matter.