Massachusetts' Recurring Failures in Taxpayer Accountability
Audits uncover millions in secret settlements and oversights—how much more proof do voters need to challenge a failing system?
In the heart of Massachusetts, a state long dominated by Democratic leadership, a persistent question arises amid mounting evidence of systemic shortcomings: how many more instances of mismanagement and opacity must accumulate before those who consistently back the party begin to scrutinize the mechanisms that repeatedly fall short for those footing the bill? The latest revelation comes from a comprehensive audit released in early 2026 by State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, examining settlement practices across 21 state agencies. This report exposes a troubling web of regulatory breaches, inadequate supervision, and the squandering of millions in public funds through agreements shrouded in secrecy. Far from an isolated incident, it underscores a recurring theme in the Commonwealth’s governance, where accountability often seems secondary to convenience, eroding public confidence and leaving residents to ponder the true cost of unchecked authority.
The audit, covering the period from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2024, scrutinized entities including state universities like Bridgewater State University and Worcester State University, community colleges such as Bunker Hill Community College and Springfield Technical Community College, and quasi-independent bodies like the Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) and the Office of the Attorney General. It identified at least 263 settlement agreements incorporating non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) or similar confidentiality provisions, amounting to roughly $6.8 million disbursed to former or current employees. These pacts, designed to resolve disputes ranging from discrimination claims to workplace grievances, frequently concealed the specifics of allegations and expenditures from public view. In one glaring example, Massport executed a $1.37 million settlement in 2022 that allegedly masked accusations of gender- and disability-based discrimination, as well as unequal pay. The auditor’s office has announced plans to pursue legal action against Massport for withholding additional records, highlighting a broader pattern of resistance to full disclosure.
