Questions About the Audit?

It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to serve the people of the 18th Middlesex District during my first term as your State Representative. This job is truly an honor, and every day I strive to serve our community to the best of my ability. 

When I took the oath of office on January 1, 2025, I swore not only to serve the people of my district, but also to support and uphold the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. That oath is one that I take very seriously, and it guides every vote I cast and every decision I make as your State Representative.

Over the past several months, there has been significant discussion regarding the State Auditor's effort to conduct an audit of the Massachusetts Legislature following the passage of Question 1 in 2024. I understand why many residents have questions about this issue, and I believe those questions deserve thoughtful and honest answers.

First, I want to be clear: I supported Question 1 because I believe transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining public trust in government. The voters spoke clearly, and it is our responsibility to respect that vote.

However, it is also our responsibility to ensure that any law enacted must complies with the Massachusetts Constitution. While the goal of greater transparency is one I share, we must also protect the constitutional principle of the separation of powers. Our Commonwealth was founded on a system in which the legislative, executive, and judicial branches are co-equal, with each branch having its own constitutional responsibilities and limitations. No single branch should exercise authority over another beyond what the Constitution permits.

That is why the House of Representatives worked to pass Bill H.5469. The purpose of this legislation is to honor the intent of Question 1 while ensuring that any changes are implemented in a manner that is consistent with our Constitution. The bill reflects the issues discussed during the proceedings before the Supreme Judicial Court and seeks to provide a constitutionally sound framework for increasing transparency.

One aspect of the legislation that has not received enough attention is its significant expansion of public access. For the first time in the history of the Massachusetts Legislature, the bill establishes a formal public records process for the Legislature by creating a dedicated office to receive, process, and respond to public records requests. This represents a meaningful step toward greater transparency and accountability while respecting the constitutional structure of our state government.

I encourage everyone to take the time to read the bill in its entirety. Public discussion is strongest when it is based on the full text of legislation rather than headlines, social media posts, or political rhetoric. It is important that we understand both what the bill does and why it was written the way it was.

At the same time, I believe we should remain focused on the issues that affect people's daily lives. Families across Massachusetts continue to face rising costs, a shortage of affordable housing, challenges in our public schools, homelessness, and concerns about protecting immigrant families and strengthening our local economy. These are the issues that my constituents ask me about every day, and these are the priorities that continue to guide my work.

My commitment remains unchanged. I will continue working every day to serve the people of the 18th Middlesex District with integrity, transparency, and respect for the Constitution. I welcome questions, I welcome constructive dialogue, and I will always do my best to explain my decisions openly and honestly.

Thank you for continuing to place your trust in me. It is an honor to serve as your State Representative, and I look forward to continuing our work together on behalf of our entire community.