Let's do this 💪 Here's everything you need to make it happen.
Why does this matter? Massachusetts voters approved Question 1 in November 2024 by a wide margin, authorizing the State Auditor to conduct an independent audit of the Legislature. Yet legislative leadership has resisted implementation. When towns like Reading take action and formally request their Select Board to support the audit, it creates momentum and demonstrates that constituents care about government transparency and accountability.
Below is a template you can customize and send to your town's Select Board or City Council. The goal is simple: ask them to write a letter to the Massachusetts Legislature supporting State Auditor Diana DiZoglio's audit of the Legislature itself.
How to use this template:
- Replace [XYZ Town] with your actual town name throughout.
- Replace the percentage placeholders with your town's actual voting data from Question 1. You can find a list of percentages by town here.
- Personalize the letter with your name and address.
- Print it out or email it directly to your Select Board members.
- Consider attending a Select Board meeting to present it in person—public comment makes a difference.
Dear Members of the [XYZ Town] Select Board,
As residents of [XYZ Town] overwhelmingly supported Question 1 on Nov 7th 2024, I am asking the [Select Board or City Council] to take action in support of the voters by sending a letter, similar to the one issued by the Reading Select Board, urging legislative leadership to honor the will of the voters and permit the State Auditor to audit the Massachusetts Legislature. I took the liberty of drafting a letter and included the voter data for [XYZ Town].
Thank you,
Name, Address
The Honorable Ronald Mariano
Speaker of the House of Representatives
State House, Room 356
Boston, MA 02133
The Honorable Karen E. Spilka
President of the Senate, State House, Room 309
Boston, MA 02133
Re: Legislature Audit
Dear Speaker Mariano and Senate President Spilka,
The [XYZ Town Select Board or City Council] writes to express our strong support for implementing Question 1 from the November 2024 ballot. [XYZ Town Select Board or City Council] voters approved Question 1 by [XYZ Town]%, joining with [XYZ Town]% of voters statewide, authorizing State Auditor Diana DiZoglio to audit the Massachusetts Legislature.
The Legislature remains the only state entity that does not permit oversight by the State Auditor's Office. While legislative leaders have claimed that internal audits conducted by a privately procured vendor are sufficient, the voters of Massachusetts have clearly expressed their desire for independent review. At a time when the Massachusetts Legislature ranks among the least transparent in the nation and is one of only four state legislatures exempt from public record laws, independent auditing is essential.
Government entities that self-regulate pose risks of self-interest and reduced accountability to voters. Implementing this audit would enhance government transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. The Massachusetts Legislature shouldn't be exempt from independent oversight, especially regarding the use of taxpayer funds.
We urge you to take the necessary steps to honor the will of the voters and allow the State Auditor's Office to proceed with this audit.
Sincerely,
[XYZ Town Select Board or City Council]
What happens next? If your Select Board votes to approve and send the letter, it joins the growing list of Massachusetts towns demanding that legislative leadership honor the voters' mandate. Each letter strengthens the case for transparency and holds elected officials accountable to the people they serve.
Reading did it. Now it's your town's turn. Let's make all 351 Massachusetts cities and towns heard. 💪