A significant legal battle has emerged in Massachusetts as State Auditor Diana DiZoglio has filed a lawsuit against her own party to investigate potential fraud within the state legislature. This move follows her discovery of nearly $12 million in suspected fraudulent activities linked to social services programs. DiZoglio is seeking to enforce a voter-approved measure that grants her authority to audit the legislature, a step that has encountered resistance from fellow Democrats.
DiZoglio, who appeared on the Fox News program “Saturday in America,” expressed her determination to uncover the truth behind the alleged fraud. She stated, “What are they hiding? If there’s nothing to hide, open up the doors, let the sun shine in. Let’s do this audit.” Her legal action is directed towards the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, aiming to invoke a measure that passed with 72 percent voter support in the 2024 election.
The Massachusetts State Auditor’s Office reported identifying approximately $12 million in possible fraud for the fiscal year 2025. DiZoglio emphasized that access to legislative documents is critical for transparency and accountability. She highlighted the bipartisan nature of the voter support, noting, “You had progressive Democrats joining together with conservative Republicans. And essentially saying that they want this audit to get done.”
The conflict escalates as DiZoglio’s attempts to gain access to necessary documents have been met with resistance from legislative leaders and the state attorney general’s office. Joy Campbell, the state Attorney General, criticized DiZoglio’s actions, claiming they circumvent the required approval process. In a statement, she argued, “This is another ploy to sidestep the required approval of my office and will bring her no closer to auditing the Legislature.” Campbell further challenged DiZoglio to address the constitutional privileges granted to the legislature, which she believes complicate the auditor’s authority.
In defending her position, DiZoglio asserted, “The constitution is there to protect the people, not the politicians.” She reiterated her commitment to rooting out waste and fraud within the system, emphasizing the importance of effective and efficient programs for those who rely on them. “A lot of people rely on these programs,” she stated, “but folks who are committing fraud need to be held accountable.”
In the previous fiscal year, DiZoglio’s office completed 4,179 fraud investigations, uncovering $4.1 million in fraud within the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and more than $1.3 million in the MassHealth health care program. These findings have fueled her resolve to pursue a thorough audit of the legislature.
As the situation unfolds, it highlights the ongoing tensions within Massachusetts politics and the challenges faced by those seeking greater transparency in government operations. DiZoglio’s legal action may set a significant precedent for how state audits are conducted and the accountability of legislative bodies in Massachusetts.
