Boston, MA - In a blatant rejection of government accountability, House Democrats blocked a Republican-led rule change, offered by Minority Leader Brad Jones, that would have required the chamber to undergo an audit by Auditor DiZoglio’s office, as mandated by Ballot Question 1—an initiative overwhelmingly approved by voters. The measure failed by a vote of 24-127, with every Republican voting in favor of the rule change and the Democratic supermajority opposing transparency. MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale condemned the move as a deliberate attempt by Democratic leadership to shield themselves from scrutiny.

“The voters spoke loud and clear when they passed Question 1, yet far too many elected Democrats are doing everything they can to ignore them,” said Carnevale. “Instead of respecting the democratic process, House Speaker Ron Mariano and his allies are stonewalling Republican efforts to uphold the will of the voters.”

“This is nothing more than a legislative power grab,” Carnevale continued. “The Democrats claim to support transparency, yet at every turn, they block oversight, consolidate their power, and keep taxpayers in the dark. What are they so afraid of?”

Rather than allowing true accountability, House Democrats instead adopted watered-down rules that merely allow the auditor to recommend an outside financial audit-offering no real enforcement or transparency. Additionally, the new rules package was rushed through with minimal public input, further reducing government openness.

“The Massachusetts Democratic supermajority has a long history of backroom deals and unchecked power,” said Carnevale. “Now, they’re once again rewriting the rules to protect themselves from scrutiny. Massachusetts voters deserve better.”

MassGOP Calls for Real Reform

The MassGOP is calling on Democratic leadership to stop blocking accountability and allow real oversight of taxpayer dollars.

“The people of Massachusetts deserve a government that works for them—not one that operates in secrecy and puts its own interests above the public good,” Carnevale concluded.