EDITORIAL: GOP Maryland Governor Targets Resources to Minorities Most in Need, In RI No Data

EDITORIAL: GOP Maryland Governor Targets Resources to Minorities Most in Need, In RI No Data

Republican Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has his state tracking the cases of coronavirus by race, saying his administration is dedicating a majority of their resources to help the hardest-hit communities.

“This disparity among African-Americans is very disturbing,” the Maryland Republican said Sunday on ABC’s “This Week.” “It’s where we’re directing all the resources.”

In Michigan and Illinois, more than 40% of deaths are among African Americans, who make up just 14% and 15% of their populations, respectively. In Louisiana, African Americans represent 70% of deaths but account for only 33% of the state’s population.

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In Rhode Island, Governor Gina Raimondo’s administration has continued to refuse to release racial data.

Of the 63 who have died in Rhode Island, no demographic data has been released, other than age and gender.

For the more than 2,600 confirmed cases in Rhode Island, no demographic data has been released.

Over the past few weeks, Rhode Island's media has been requesting data and for weeks the Raimondo administration has stonewalled requests.

It is hard to target resources to the neediest if there is no data.

It is hard to be held accountable if you refuse to release data.