150 - Question 1 Explained - Diana DiZoglio’s Journey to Legislative Fiscal Transparency
150 Question 1 Explained - Diana DiZoglio’s Journey to Legislative Fiscal Transparency
In this week's episode, Jennifer welcomes Diana DiZoglio, the Massachusetts State Auditor. Diana was previously the youngest woman elected to the Massachusetts House and Senate. She navigated a challenging primary without party support and has a track record advocating for transparency and accountability in government. Diana's candid approach to politics is shaped by her upbringing in a straightforward, self-speaking community. As a staunch critic of legislative secrecy, she’s pushing for a ballot initiative, known as "question one," to bring audits and transparency to the Massachusetts state legislature.
Jennifer and Diana dive deep into the critical issues of voter participation, transparency, and bipartisan cooperation in state and local government. They discuss the historical resistance to audits by the Massachusetts state legislature and Diana's bipartisan support for increasing government accountability. The episode also covers Diana’s political journey, from overcoming challenges in a 'legacy seat' to her continued fight against established legislative norms. The conversations are enriched with controversial ideas such as the call for public records laws to apply to the legislature, governor's office, and judiciary and the perennial issue of late budgets in Massachusetts.
“Public trust is built on transparency, not secrecy.” - Diana DiZoglio
This week on Political Contessa:
The importance of voting and voter participation
The historical resistance to legislative audits in Massachusetts
Bipartisan support for transparency initiatives
Diana DiZoglio's journey in politics
The call for public records laws to apply to all branches of state government
Issues with late budgets and their impact
The authoritarian control within Beacon Hill’s leadership
Legislative leaders' influence over financial transparency
Connect with Diana DiZoglio:
Connect with Jennifer: PocketbookProject.org
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