[20020618]RS21245_连锁消费价格指数：简要说明.pdf

1 Actually, there are two CPIs. The consumer price index for all urban consumers (CPI-U) andthe consumer price index for urban wage earners and clerical workers (CPI-W). Social Securitybenefits are indexed to the CPI-W, and income tax brackets are indexed to the CPI-U.2 In 1996, a group commissioned by the Senate Finance Committee issued a report whichexamined the CPI and made specific recommendations. See: Toward a More Acurate Measureof the Cost of Living, Final Report to the Senate Finance Committee from the AdvisoryCommission to Study the Consumer Price Index, Michael Boskin, Chairman, Dec. 4, 1996. Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS21245June 18, 2002The Chained Consumer Price Index:A Brief ExplanationBrian W. CashellSpecialist in Quantitative EconomicsGovernment and Finance DivisionSummaryThe consumer price index (CPI) is probably the most important measure ofinflation published by the federal government. It is used to adjust Social Securitybenefit payments as well as personal income tax brackets to keep up with inflation.Nonetheless, it has been subject to criticism. Because the CPI does not t