Arizona Parents Fight for Disability Funds as Republicans Turn Focus on Governor

Families concerned about losing essential services for their children with disabilities gathered at the Arizona Capitol recently. Republican Representative Neal Carter assured them of GOP support, drawing a parallel between the potential funding shortfall at the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) and the stress of having a car repossessed due to missed payments. His comments elicited laughter from some attendees when he labeled Republican lawmakers as the “adults in the room.”

Despite these reassurances, the Ad Hoc Committee on Executive Budget Mismanagement did not propose any legislation to secure funding for DDD, instead attributing the budget shortfall to Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs. Committee Chairman Matt Gress emphasized that the hearing was meant to address the need for stability for families dependent on Arizona’s developmental disabilities program, yet he restricted public testimony from those directly impacted by these issues.

Gress, who previously served as budget director under Republican Governor Doug Ducey, criticized Hobbs for allegedly jeopardizing the DDD budget by expanding the Parents as Paid Caregivers Program (PPCG) without receiving specific funding from the legislature last year. Established during the COVID-19 pandemic, this program provides financial support to parents caring for children with disabilities, contingent upon a need for “extraordinary care.” However, federal funding for this program has reportedly dried up, shifting approximately 35% of costs to the state.

If no further funding is authorized, the repercussions could extend beyond the PPCG, threatening all DDD services and potentially forcing providers out of business. Since January, Governor Hobbs has sought an additional $122 million to address these funding gaps, only to face Republican backlash accusing her of reckless financial management.

Democrats boycotted a recent meeting, labeling it a “shameless political stunt,” and instead held a press conference advocating for supplemental funding. Advocates for the DDD community expressed their frustration, warning that families may have to choose between institutionalizing their children or facing financial ruin. Brandi Coon, an advocate for the PPCG, asserted, “We believe that every person who qualifies for services deserves to receive them at home and in their community.”

Parents voiced deep concerns over the possibility of losing their ability to care for their children at home. Jamie Kelly, a mother of a child needing hospital-level care, challenged the Republican lawmakers over what she saw as misplaced priorities. “Why must I continually remind them that there is nothing fiscally responsible about the dismantling of support systems for individuals with disabilities?” she questioned.

During the committee meeting, Gress expressed disappointment that Democratic lawmakers and key agency directors opted not to attend. “What she calls a ‘political stunt’ is actually legislative oversight— a constitutional duty that we will carry out whether she likes it or not,” he stated in an email.

Criticism of Governor Hobbs’ fiscal management has fired up discussions about increasing costs within the DDD, attributed to the expanded PPCG and rising enrollment figures. Hobbs increased her funding request from an initial $4 million to $122 million, acknowledging the urgent need for supplemental assistance.

While Republicans interrogated Hobbs over budget decisions, the recent context appeared inconsistent. Democrats noted that past Republican requests for supplemental funding from former Governor Ducey received a different level of response. With discussions about a proposed $500 million state investment in upgrading Chase Field, home of the Arizona Diamondbacks, activists expressed alarm at what they perceived as misplaced legislative priorities.

Advocates for disability services are ready to protest impending legislation affecting essential funding, highlighting the challenge families face as they grapple with these critical decisions and a volatile political landscape.