Plain Language: Improving Communications from the Federal Government to the Public


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What is Plain Language?> Government Mandates > President Clinton's memorandum

President Clinton's memorandum on Plain Language in Government Writing


THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON

JUNE 1, 1998

MEMORANDUM FOR THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES

SUBJECT: Plain Language in Government Writing

The Vice President and I have made reinventing the Federal Government a top priority of my Administration. We are determined to make the Government more responsive, accessible, and understandable in its communications with the public.

The Federal Government's writing must be in plain language. By using plain language, we send a clear message about what the Government is doing, what it requires, and what services it offers. Plain language saves the Government and the private sector time, effort, and money.

Plain language requirements vary from one document to another, depending on the intended audience. Plain language documents have logical organization, easy-to-read design features, and use:

  • common, everyday words, except for necessary technical terms:
  • "you" and other pronouns:
  • the active voice; and
  • short sentences.

To ensure the use of plain language, I direct you to do the following:

  • By October 1, 1998, use plain language in all new
    documents, other than regulations, that explain how to
    obtain a benefit or service or how to comply with a
    requirement you administer or enforce. For example,
    these documents may include letters, forms, notices,
    and instructions. By January 1, 2002, all such
    documents created prior to October 1, 1998 must also
    be in plain language.
  • By January 1, 1999, use plain language in all
    proposed and final rulemakings published in the
    Federal Register, unless you proposed the rule before
    that date. You should consider rewriting existing
    regulations in plain language when you have the
    opportunity and resources to do so.

The National Partnership for Reinventing Government will issue guidance to help you comply with these directives and to explain more fully the elements of plain language. You should also use customer feedback and common sense to guide your plain language efforts.

I ask the independent agencies to comply with these directives.
This memorandum does not confer any right or benefit enforceable by law against the United States or its representatives. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget will publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

 
Related Topics:
What is Plain Language

History of Plain Language

Definitions of Plain Language

Government Mandates

 
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