A Democratic state auditor in Massachusetts is taking legal action against the state’s legislative leaders, including his party members, to enforce auditing laws that were approved by voters. This comes after a significant report revealing nearly $12 million in alleged fraud within welfare programs.
“What are they hiding? If there’s nothing to conceal, let’s conduct an audit,” Massachusetts State Comptroller Diana DiZoglio remarked during a segment on “Saturday in America.”
DiZoglio, who has previously served in both the Massachusetts House and Senate, is pursuing a case in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court aimed at implementing a 2024 voting measure. This law, receiving 72% voter support, would empower his office to perform legislative audits.
The legal push follows a finding from the Massachusetts Office of the Comptroller, which pinpointed almost $12 million in fraudulent activities in fiscal year 2025 across various public assistance programs.
DiZoglio mentioned that she had earlier informed legislative leaders of her intention to initiate a performance audit, but was met with refusals to supply the required documents. Additionally, the state attorney general chose not to intervene.
She emphasized, “This is a measure that 72% of people supported across party lines.” DiZoglio expressed concerns about what she perceives as a collaboration among progressive Democrats and conservative Republicans to halt the audit.
Notably, DiZoglio pointed out that Massachusetts is the only state where its legislature, governor’s office, and court system are not bound by public records laws. She believes the newly authorized auditing powers are essential to achieving transparency regarding taxpayer-funded records, encompassing fiscal documents and state contracts.
“This is fundamentally about transparency and accountability,” she added.
DiZoglio insists that addressing fraud is crucial for maintaining welfare programs that people genuinely need. She shared her personal background of having relied on assistance programs during a challenging period in her life.
“Many individuals depend on these systems,” she stated. “However, those committing fraud must be held accountable. We need to eliminate waste and abuse so that these benefits reach those who truly require them.”
Efforts to contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office for a response yielded no immediate outcome. According to reports, the attorney general argues that DiZoglio lacks the legal authority to initiate this lawsuit.
In response, the attorney general suggested that this move might be an attempt to bypass necessary approvals and restrict her from Congressional audits. DiZoglio expressed hope that the state Supreme Court will ultimately side with the voters.
“The Constitution should protect the people, not politicians,” she stated.
