Overview
- The Massachusetts state auditor petitioned the Supreme Judicial Court to approve Shannon Liss-Riordan as a special assistant attorney general to represent her office in the audit lawsuit.
- Diana DiZoglio is seeking to compel House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka to produce records under a 2024 ballot law that granted audit authority with about 72% voter support.
- Legislative leaders argue an audit would violate separation of powers, the House hired outside counsel, and Attorney General Andrea Campbell says DiZoglio lacks authority to bring the case.
- DiZoglio cites her office’s finding of roughly $12 million in alleged public-assistance fraud in fiscal 2025 as justification for stronger oversight, separate from the proposed legislative audit.
- Parallel efforts include a taxpayer suit led by U.S. Senate candidate John Deaton and public backing from retired judge Carol Erskine, while DiZoglio launched a reelection bid emphasizing transparency.