The Massachusetts Senate just passed an immigration protection bill that will be conferenced with the House of Representatives version of the bill. This is just another example of the positive and progressive legislation that has historically made Massachusetts a leader in providing rights and protections for the citizens and all residents of this state.
It is unfortunate that simultaneously the legislative and executive officials are defying the will of a majority of citizens who voted for an audit of the Legislature. Transparency is so lacking at the federal level, where the degree of corruption may be unparalleled in the history of this country, that this refusal will ruin the careers of many Massachusetts elected officials who may be innocent of any wrongdoing but will be caught up in this seemingly undemocratic position.
It is not a state secret that Massachusetts is rated among the least transparent regarding the state government. Once again it is a glaring inconsistency with so many laws and judicial decisions that place Massachusetts among the most progressive states.
This audit will be the defining issue in the forthcoming election unless an agreement is reached and citizens believe their vote will be honored and true transparency becomes the norm. And several officials who are honorable and effective will be re-elected.
Betty Ussach-Schwartz
Southampton