BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP)–The House of Representatives is proposing an alternative path to allowing the state auditor to examine the finances of the legislature.
Although Massachusetts voters approved the ballot question giving the auditor this task, top lawmakers are expressing concerns that it could violate the separation of powers clause of the constitution.
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The House voted on Friday to approval a different path, which would allow the state auditor to appoint an independent audit firm to look into their practices. House Speaker Ron Mariano explained the reasoning behind this rule change.
“This has got nothing to do with repealing anything…[this is] an opportunity to acknowledge the 70-30 vote of the electorate,” said Mariano.
The state auditor responded to this proposal saying it was “slapping voters in the face,” and made a public call for Governor Healey to exercise her veto powers.
Notably, the governor does not have veto authority over legislative rules. A spokesperson for Senate President Karen Spilka says the senate will not be enacting a similar rule.