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Oregon's public records law is so badly broken in relation to data and the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here's but one example:
This graphic is included in each of the @OHAOregon weekly reports. It categorizes how cases are spread.
Useful information to have, right? (A thread)
Here's but one example:
This graphic is included in each of the @OHAOregon weekly reports. It categorizes how cases are spread.
Useful information to have, right? (A thread)
So yesterday I asked @OHAOregon to provide the underlying data for the graphic.
I'd like to total all the cases, since the start of the pandemic, to determine what share are sporadic/outbreak/etc.
Seems like that should be easy enough, right?
I'd like to total all the cases, since the start of the pandemic, to determine what share are sporadic/outbreak/etc.
Seems like that should be easy enough, right?
So I file a public records request.
Under virtually any other situation, this would be the most basic of public information. It would be readily provided.
Under virtually any other situation, this would be the most basic of public information. It would be readily provided.
But this involves public health data.
And @OHAOregon has REPEATEDLY used a terrible, horrible law (ORS 433.008) to shield basic data from disclosure.
And @OHAOregon has REPEATEDLY used a terrible, horrible law (ORS 433.008) to shield basic data from disclosure.
Now, again, let's think about this for a moment.
The @OHAOregon published a graphic -- based on numbers -- for the public to understand more about this pandemic.
But if the public wants to know the actual numbers used to make the graphic?
Exempt.
The @OHAOregon published a graphic -- based on numbers -- for the public to understand more about this pandemic.
But if the public wants to know the actual numbers used to make the graphic?
Exempt.
I'm, frankly, sick of this circular maneuvering by @OHAOregon.
The agency is abusing this exemption.
And I told them as much.
The agency is abusing this exemption.
And I told them as much.
Concerned that there was maybe some miscommunication over email, I responded again ...
Just to make sure that @OHAOregon really wasn't going to release the underlying numbers it used to make a graphic.
Just to make sure that @OHAOregon really wasn't going to release the underlying numbers it used to make a graphic.
And @OHAOregon doubled down.
No miscommunication at all.
The agency isn't going to release the numbers. Citing this terrible law.
No miscommunication at all.
The agency isn't going to release the numbers. Citing this terrible law.
Now, don't get me wrong.
I understand why the law exists in theory.
If there's a salmonella outbreak, someone shouldn't be able to file a public records request and subsequently obtain personally identifiable information about people who are sickened.
But that's not this.
I understand why the law exists in theory.
If there's a salmonella outbreak, someone shouldn't be able to file a public records request and subsequently obtain personally identifiable information about people who are sickened.
But that's not this.
We are living in a 100-year pandemic.
These anonymized public health data points are important for understanding what's happening; how the state is responding; and areas where we could improve.
But under this terrible law, @OHAOregon has SOLE DISCRETION over what to release.
These anonymized public health data points are important for understanding what's happening; how the state is responding; and areas where we could improve.
But under this terrible law, @OHAOregon has SOLE DISCRETION over what to release.
So what's the point of the Tweet thread?
It's time to step up, Oregon Legislature.
Is this really what you intended -- that basic public data during a pandemic can be hidden?
The law needs to change. Now!
CC: @ORSenDemocrats, @ORSenateRs, @OregonHouseGOP, @ORHouseDems
(End)
It's time to step up, Oregon Legislature.
Is this really what you intended -- that basic public data during a pandemic can be hidden?
The law needs to change. Now!
CC: @ORSenDemocrats, @ORSenateRs, @OregonHouseGOP, @ORHouseDems
(End)
