Recently, I had the opportunity to engage in a discussion with Steve Sherlock and Franklin Matters concerning audits and transparency. Steve has compiled a comprehensive resource on this topic, which includes a video recording of our conversation, accompanied by detailed show notes and links to pertinent documents. This resource enables citizens to examine legislative activities and assess how tax dollars are being utilized.

In the session, we talk about:

• Background on the audit issue
• What info is available today including annual audits
• The Supreme Judicial Court hearing on the Auditor vs. the Attorney General
• Legislation enhancing the audit process in light of the decision
• Records request process outlined

The show notes include links to the presentation doc and supporting material. 

The recording runs about 47 minutes, so let’s watch and/or listen in.

Video link – https://youtu.be/EakyZVjB64c 

Audio link – https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1764-state-rep-jeff-roy-explains-the-audit-issue-06-11-26/

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Presentation document – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TfRPWL7MprCn0AGkEiai7KmH6o_9eLdv/view?usp=drive_link 

Audit types  – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audit  

What is the “GAGAS” or Yellow book ?  https://www.gao.gov/yellowbook  

Details of the legislation discussed H.5469  – https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H5469   Note: H.5469 is now before the MA Senate where they will need to review and decide before moving to the Governor.

Representative Roy’s House page – https://malegislature.gov/People/Profile/JNR1 

The full Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) video session –  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EvtF3hgWgOc 

SJC audit ruling (extracted from the full docket)

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dnJpSOKv4_edgRaBQT_V77cz7Ta0FKl7/view?usp=drive_link

The link to the Climate bill public website reference: BU Student generate project archive with the info on the development of the major MA climate legislation passed in 2022 by Gov Baker – “Chapter 179, An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind” https://sites.bu.edu/masslaw/2023/02/10/chapter-179-an-act-driving-clean-energy-and-offshore-wind/