Press Release  Auditor Bump Provides Testimony On Legislation to Make State Government more Modern, Effective and Accountable

Boston — State Auditor Suzanne M. Bump testified today before the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight in support of two of her agency’s legislative priorities for the 2019-2020 session. Filed by the Office of the State Auditor (OSA), Bump provided testimony for H.6, An Act Improving Government Accountability, and H.5, An Act Improving the Internal Controls within State Agencies, both of which seek to make state government more effective, efficient, and accountable.

During her testimony on H.6, Bump noted the unique history and responsibilities of her office.

“When crafting this legislation, my staff and I sought to stay true to the mission with which the voters of the Commonwealth tasked us in the 19th century when they supported the establishment of an office whose mission would be to hold agencies accountable for adequately serving their constituents and provide recommendations to help those agencies work better,” said Bump during her testimony. “We did so, while also envisioning what my office would look like if it were created today, instead of in 1849.”

Bump pointed out that timely access to data and information for audits is one of the most significant challenges her office faces. She highlighted that this bill will require audited entities to provide the relevant information and data needed to complete her office’s audit objectives, in its native format, within ten business days—the same standard set by the state’s public records law. The bill will also allow her to require audited entities to develop corrective action plans to address issues identified by her audits. These plans would then be submitted to Bump’s office, the Governor’s office, and the Legislature. She also noted that the measure will make her office’s enabling statute gender neutral.

“Modern. Effective. Accountable. These are standards by which my auditors evaluate the activities of government agencies and contractors, and it is in these areas that this bill will help my office better meet our mission,” said Bump about H.6 during her testimony.

Additionally, Bump provided testimony for H.5, which will make changes to the state’s internal control law. Currently, state agencies must report lost, stolen, or damaged state property or funds to the State Auditor’s Office. The measure will allow the State Comptroller to promulgate regulations regarding this reporting process, including the creation of a reporting threshold. It will also extend this reporting requirement to independent state authorities. Finally, the bill will require the Comptroller to establish a training program for state agencies to assist them in developing and implementing required internal controls and reporting policies.

Bump's full testimony is available here.

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