Fighting for Government Accountability
Anne Brensley is taking legal action to enforce the will of Massachusetts voters and demand transparency from Beacon Hill
What Happened?
On November 5, 2024, over 2.3 million Massachusetts voters (71.6%) approved Ballot Question 1, "A Law Expressly Authorizing the Auditor to Audit the Legislature." This overwhelming mandate gave the State Auditor the clear authority to audit the accounts, programs, and activities of the Massachusetts Legislature.
The law became effective on December 5, 2024. Yet, nearly a year later, House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka have refused to comply with the law and provide the State Auditor with the documents and materials needed to conduct the audit.
The People Spoke. Beacon Hill Ignored Them.
Senate President Spilka has claimed the Legislature already audits itself, that the current State Auditor has "political motives," and that she's disqualified because she was once a member of the Legislature. None of these excuses hold legal water.
"Voters spoke loud and clear — they want transparency on how their tax dollars are spent. Nearly a year later, legislative leaders have ignored that mandate and refused to comply with the law. This isn't about politics — it's about accountability to the people."
Why Anne's Case Is Different
Previous lawsuits filed by private citizens to compel the audit were dismissed because the courts found those plaintiffs lacked standing under the Public Right Doctrine, which allows citizens to enforce certain government duties only when they can demonstrate a clear, particular interest.
Anne Has Standing
Anne's case is materially different. As both a Massachusetts taxpayer and a candidate for statewide office, she has a direct, personal, and legal interest in ensuring the audit is completed.
- As a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Anne must understand the state's budget in full to responsibly assist in future fiscal planning.
- By refusing to provide audit materials, legislative leaders are depriving her — and other challengers — of access to financial information that could reveal misuse of taxpayer funds, spending overruns, and contract irregularities.
- This information is currently withheld from the public and opposition candidates, giving entrenched political leadership an unfair advantage.
"Other lawsuits failed because their plaintiffs didn't have a direct stake. I do. As a candidate for statewide office, I need accurate budget data to propose real fiscal reforms. The Legislature's refusal to follow the law doesn't just violate voter intent — it actively hinders fair elections and informed policymaking."
Anne's Legal Action
Brensley v. Mariano & Spilka
Filed October 30, 2025 in Middlesex Superior Court
As a resident of Massachusetts, a Selectwoman in Wayland, and a candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Anne Brensley has filed a lawsuit seeking a declaratory judgment and writ of mandamus to enforce the law and protect the will of the voters.
The lawsuit asks the Court to:
Declare House Rule 85A Insufficient
The Legislature's self-audit rule does not satisfy the voter-approved law requiring an independent audit by the State Auditor.
Affirm Auditor's Authority
State Auditor Diana DiZoglio is fully authorized to conduct the audit regardless of her prior service in the Legislature.
Order Compliance Within 30 Days
Compel legislative leaders to provide all necessary documents to the State Auditor within 30 days of the Court's order.
"This case is simple. The people voted for an independent audit of the Legislature. Leadership ignored them. It's time for the courts to enforce the law and restore trust in Beacon Hill."
— Anne Brensley
Read the Full Lawsuit
View the complete legal complaint filed in Middlesex Superior Court to see the full details of Anne's fight for government accountability.
Read Full LawsuitWhy This Matters
This lawsuit is about more than just one audit. It's about whether the people of Massachusetts have the right to know how their government spends their money. It's about whether elected officials can simply ignore laws they don't like. And it's about whether Beacon Hill will continue to operate in the shadows or finally face the sunlight of transparency.
"When 2.3 million voters speak with one voice, their elected officials have a duty to listen. Beacon Hill's refusal to comply with this law is an insult to every Massachusetts voter who cast a ballot for transparency and accountability."
— Anne Brensley
As your next Lieutenant Governor, Anne will continue to fight for transparency, accountability, and the principle that government works for the people—not the other way around.
Stand With Anne
Support Anne's fight for government accountability and transparency in Massachusetts.