"State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has filed a lawsuit to enforce the overwhelmingly approved ballot initiative giving her authority to audit the State Legislature - but without the support of Attorney General Andrea Campbell. "This day has been a long time coming," DiZoglio, a Democrat, said during a press conference Tuesday announcing the lawsuit filed in the state's highest court, the first court action to enforce the ballot question."
"The Legislature itself refused to participate in her first audit before the ballot question, and House leaders have indicated they will not comply in the future. Campbell's office, which represented elected officials in court, has also refused to represent DiZoglio's office in court. "This is not just about an audit anymore," DiZoglio said. "This behavior is permeating state government and it is causing people to lose trust and faith in their state government, in their leaders, in their courts, in their lawmakers across the board.""
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio filed a lawsuit in the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to enforce a ballot initiative that grants her authority to audit the State Legislature. Nearly 72 percent of voters approved the measure 15 months earlier. The Legislature previously refused to participate in her audit and House leaders indicate future noncompliance. Attorney General Andrea Campbell's office declined to represent DiZoglio in court. DiZoglio named House Speaker Ronald Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, and House and Senate clerks as defendants. Senate officials say independent audits occur annually and framed DiZoglio's efforts as politically motivated.
Read at Boston.com
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