Massachusetts towns and cities are grappling with whether to formally request that state lawmakers comply with a stalled legislative audit. The debate comes after the Reading Select Board recently urged House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka to allow the audit to proceed.
Growing Divide Among Municipalities
While select boards in Somerset and Wilmington have indicated support for a letter demanding enforcement of the audit, the Revere City Council voted against sending a similar message to Beacon Hill. In Revere, 11,542 residents – roughly 62% of the city’s voters – approved the ballot question in November 2024 calling for the audit.
City Councilor Michelle Kelley, who proposed the motion in Revere, argued that the council had a “responsibility to formally acknowledge the will of our voters.” However, other councilors disagreed, citing concerns about municipal jurisdiction and an ongoing lawsuit before the state Supreme Judicial Court.
Councilor Angela Guarino Sawaya expressed concern about setting a precedent for the council to weigh in on state-level political issues, while Councilor JoAnne McKenna noted the audit vote occurred before the Attorney General questioned the scope of the audit and the auditor’s response.
Legal Battle and Accusations
The dispute over the audit has escalated into a legal battle. In February, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio sued Speaker Mariano and President Spilka for refusing to comply with the audit. Attorney General Andrea Campbell is representing the legislative leaders in the case and has claimed DiZoglio has not adequately addressed questions regarding the audit’s scope, potentially violating the state Constitution.
DiZoglio’s office maintains it has answered the Attorney General’s questions. This week, DiZoglio publicly revealed that Campbell contacted her via personal cell phone shortly after a court decision moved the case to the full Supreme Judicial Court, a move DiZoglio alleges violates professional conduct rules.
Somerset Board of Selectmen Chairman Allan Smith has voiced strong support for the audit, citing the significant findings of DiZoglio’s previous audits and questioning what the Legislature might be “hiding” by resisting the review. Board member Lilia Maselli echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of accountability to voters.
Fraud Detection
DiZoglio’s office has demonstrated a track record of uncovering fraud, reporting $4.4 million in public benefits fraud within the first two quarters of the current fiscal year, including $2.4 million in SNAP fraud and $1.7 million in MassHealth and Medicaid fraud. Last fiscal year, her Bureau of Special Investigations identified nearly $12 million in fraudulent claims.
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted this push for an audit?
In November 2024, 72% of Massachusetts voters approved a ballot question calling for an audit of the state Legislature.
What is the Attorney General’s position on the audit?
Attorney General Andrea Campbell is representing House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka in their opposition to the audit, arguing that the auditor has not answered questions about its scope and that it may violate the state Constitution.
Which municipalities are considering supporting the audit?
The select boards in Somerset and Wilmington have signaled a willingness to support the audit, while the Revere City Council voted against sending a letter of support.
As municipalities weigh their options, the future of the legislative audit remains uncertain. The outcome of the legal challenge before the Supreme Judicial Court will likely play a crucial role in determining whether the audit will ultimately proceed.
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