This week, I wrote a column about how in times of emergencies and extraordinary government power, we need more accountability and transparency, not less. And yet our reporting continues to identify ways Pennsylvania is falling short of providing a full picture of the pandemic.
Health systems, private labs and the state have failed to collect complete race, age, gender and location data for those who have been tested. And for those who have tested positive, there also is no reliable race data, despite indications the virus is disproportionately affecting black communities across the U.S.
Meanwhile, as health systems seek huge sums of taxpayer relief, the state is refusing to release hospitals' emergency plans for addressing a surge in demand. What's more, state officials are not ensuring health systems are following those plans, instead leaving oversight to their own lobbying group.
And then there's the continued issue of business waivers. We followed up on dozens of messages from across the state and found some employees at so-called "life-sustaining" businesses feared the work was not worth the risk, and in one case, a business shut down after we inquired about why it was still open.
Making matters worse, employees have few legal protections if they blow the whistle, and many said they are scared they will lose their job if they speak up.
No matter how long it takes, we will continue to demand more accountability and transparency. If you value this 100% essential effort, please consider making a donation now. We rely on your support to keep going.
If you have a story we should pursue, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
— Christopher Baxter, Spotlight PA | 
