## Massachusetts Lawmaker Faces Scrutiny from Campaign Finance Regulators
**Massachusetts Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante**, a prominent name in Gloucester and vice chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, is under the microscope after receiving a rebuke from campaign finance regulators. The Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) pointed out significant lapses in her financial disclosures, raising questions about transparency in political funding.
### Excess Donations and Late Filings: What Happened?
According to a letter dated **May 27**, Rep. Ferrante accepted **$1,025 in excess contributions** from five lobbyists and failed to promptly report **$29,301 in credit card expenditures** using campaign funds. The findings, which surfaced last week, have raised legitimate concerns about compliance with Massachusetts campaign finance laws.
**William Campbell**, OCPF Director, articulated these frustrations, stating, “The delay in filing required reports frustrates the public’s interest in accurate and timely disclosure of campaign finance activity.” However, he also noted that appropriate **remedial actions** had been taken, concluding that “no further action is warranted at this time.”
### How Ferrante Responded to the Infractions
To resolve the situation, Ferrante reimbursed the state **$1,025** from her campaign fund and submitted the overdue credit card reports detailing payments made between July and November **2024**. Massachusetts law restricts lobbyists to donations of **$200** per year per candidate, making exceeding this limit a serious violation.
In addition, she was tardy in filing reports for two reimbursements relating to campaign expenditures and also delayed on clarifying **$22,000** worth of expenses. Fortunately, these discrepancies have been addressed.
Ferrante attributed her late filings to **serious health issues** and the recent loss of her father. “Although challenging issues may arise, I understand these responsibilities are mine and must be fulfilled,” she explained. To that end, she has implemented **new systems** to enhance her campaign’s financial management.
### Political Landscape: A Pattern of Issues
The scrutiny over Ferrante’s campaign is the latest in a troubling trend among Massachusetts lawmakers. Ferrante is only the second representative this year to face violations from the OCPF. Earlier, **Rep. John Lawn** of Watertown received a penalty for “inadequate” record keeping and late filings, resulting in a purge of **$14,000** in donations and a personal payment of **$500** to rectify his issues.
### Looking Ahead: Ferrante’s Future
Despite these challenges, Rep. Ferrante is maintaining a strong political presence. She was **reelected** in November after cruising through an unopposed Democratic primary, capturing **66%** of the votes against unenrolled candidate **Steven LeBlanc, Jr.** As of late April, Ferrante had over **$18,000** in campaign cash on hand, indicating that her political journey is far from over.
#### Conclusion
As the Massachusetts political landscape continues to evolve, the case of Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante underscores the importance of **transparency and accountability** in campaign financing. With systems for improvement in place and a robust campaign fund, Ferrante aims to navigate these challenges as she continues to serve her constituents.
For more information on campaign finance regulations in Massachusetts, visit [OCPF’s official site](https://www.ocpf.us/).
