BOSTON, MA (FRANKLIN COUNTY NOW) — A report from the State Auditor’s Office was released Monday reviewing the Massachusetts General Court’s performance, a normal practice for the Auditor’s Office. However, recently the Legislature has refused to participate in the audit, withholding necessary information and consequently highlighting the lack of transparency and accountability in the House and Senate.
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio was unable to access information on the Balance Forward funds, law-making equity practices, extent of member majority bills being taken into consideration, equity of applications of policies and procedures for all members of the Legislature, and the practices of nondisclosure and similar agreements and contracts.
The audit did find that the Senate and House did not ensure their financial audits were completed and processed appropriately, lack of transparency in the procurement of goods and services, the Legislature websites lacking information and ease of use that hinders the public’s ability to understand and engage with the Legislature, and a lack of transparency in the processes for nominating members for positions such as committee chairs.
From the Office of the State Auditor:
“This audit was conducted in accordance with Generally Accepted Government Auditing Standards set forth by the Government Accountability Office, with the intention of increasing transparency, accountability, accessibility, and equity to help make government work better,” said Auditor DiZoglio. “The Legislature is infamous for being a closed-door operation. Massachusetts continues to be ranked as having one of the least transparent and least accessible state legislatures in the nation. It is deeply concerning that legislative leaders have refused to cooperate with our office to help promote transparency and identify ways to improve service to the people of Massachusetts. Transparency and accountability are cornerstones of our democracy and enable the people to participate in government as intended in our Constitution, in a system of checks and balances. It is beyond past time that we return to the historical practice of this office auditing the Legislature, as has been the case for the vast majority of the history of this office. If there is nothing to hide, open up the doors and let the sunshine in. Sunlight is, after all, the best disinfectant.”