Press Release  Suzanne Bump Sworn-in for Second Term as State Auditor

Boston — Suzanne Bump was sworn in today for her second term as State Auditor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. First elected in 2010, Bump is the 25^th State Auditor and is the first woman to hold the position.

“I ran for this Office in 2010 because I saw in the Auditor’s office the opportunity to address a problem that truly threatens our democracy - the growing lack of public trust in government,” said Auditor Bump. “I wanted to counter this cynical trend by demonstrating that elected officials can be trusted to be good stewards, and that government is capable of self-examination and self-correction.”

Governor Charlie Baker administered the oath of office in the State House’s Nurses Hall.

"I am pleased to administer the oath of office to Suzanne for another term as our state's auditor," said Governor Baker. “I am confident we will work together for transparency and efficiency for all the citizens of the Commonwealth."

Since taking office, Auditor Bump has striven to make government work better in Massachusetts. Auditor Bump has prioritized the effective management of public resources, child welfare and education, integrity in the public benefit programs, and improving the municipal and state relationship.

In her remarks, Auditor Bump explained how she finds motivation from her staff.

“Attracting and developing a diverse cadre of top-rate talent and providing them with the resources they need has proven to be a winning strategy. In the next four years I intend to build on our success and continue this office’s evolution.”

For her second term, Auditor Bump has prioritized advancing the office’s use of technology, a continued commitment to child welfare, and expansion of her reach with access to new data for her audits and fraud investigations.

“I believe that government becomes stronger, not weaker, when its leaders are willing to confront its inefficiencies and mistakes and then act to protect taxpayers and improve public services,” said Auditor Bump. “Making government work better. That will continue to be my priority as your State Auditor.”

Lenox State Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli served as master of ceremonies for the event with Father Michael McGarry from the Paulist Center of Boston providing the invocation and students from the Conservatory Lab Charter School of Boston providing musical performances. Featured speakers included Pittsfield State Senator Benjamin Downing and Dr. Chris Scott, Executive Director of the Valley Collaborative.

The Valley Collaborative, formerly known as the Merrimack Special Education Collaborative, is a regional educational program in Billerica that provides public special education services. Auditor Bump’s report on the Merrimack Special Education Collaborative led to major reforms of the school and entire education collaborative system.

“It was the Auditor’s work that I credit for the creation and unanimous passing of this legislation that now holds Collaboratives throughout the Commonwealth accountable to the laws and regulations of various state agencies and ultimately to the public by standards similar to those applied to K-12 public schools systems,” said Dr. Scott.

The Office of the State Auditor conducts performance audits of state government’s programs, departments, agencies, authorities, contracts, and vendors. With its reports, the OSA issues recommendations to improve accountability, efficiency, and transparency.

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