Knowing where schools stand on reopening is critical for parents, educators and the public. Oregon should release regular, timely data in a format that's easy to use and understand.

As you take up police reform, we write to remind you of the old adage that sunlight is the best disinfectant. The proposed legislation now being discussed by the Legislature does not address several aspects of state law that serve to keep police misconduct from ever seeing the light of day. We are sending this letter in the hope that time remains for you to consider doing so.

We, the undersigned representatives of the news media, wish to share with you our heightened concerns about how Portland police officers under your command continue to use force on people engaged in journalism. We are requesting additional action that goes beyond what has already been requested, including your response and a public report.

In the last few months SPJ Oregon board members have lent our voice to efforts aimed at transparency in government, the safety of journalists during the pandemic and the targeting of journalists by law enforcement as they work to cover protests around the state.

As journalists spread out across the nation to cover protests against police violence, they too found themselves under attack by authorities. Police took aim at print and television reporters, photographers and freelancers, using intimidation, rubber bullets and tear gas.

Providing accurate, trusted information to communities is crucial as COVID-19 continues to spread throughout the state.

Journalists around Oregon are working long hours to inform their communities about school closures, graduation, meal sites, city hall closures and emergency response as well as countless other developments during this unprecedented time.

Journalists across the country and the world are working tirelessly to keep the public informed about the rapidly developing novel coronavirus, and it’s exhausting. But we have much more reporting ahead of us.

Oregon’s records law remains the public’s ally. Thanks to the law, prosecutors have secured public corruption convictions that include a Portland city manager. The law’s use has triggered important reforms and millions in savings.