Hobbs Declares Veto Power to Tackle Disability Funding Crisis

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs has announced her intent to veto any Republican-sponsored legislation until the supportive funding bill for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is passed. This bill aims to avert a financial crisis that the DDD is facing next month.

The GOP, which controls both chambers of the Arizona Legislature, claims to have proposed measures that would fund DDD through June 30, the end of the fiscal year. However, families affected by DDD programs, along with Governor Hobbs, have expressed concerns about severe cuts included in these proposals.

House Appropriations Committee Chairman David Livingston characterized Hobbs’ veto strategy as childish, asserting she is not getting her way. Many view this stance as dismissive of the thousands of families who rely on DDD support, suggesting potential harm to the welfare of Arizona’s children with developmental disabilities.

Christian Slater, spokesperson for Hobbs, retorted that Livingston’s rhetoric reflects a harmful approach that could adversely impact individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, and other conditions. “It’s not ‘whiny’ to defend the rights of Arizonans with disabilities,” he stated.

Senate President Warren Petersen indicated that the GOP funding proposal is in progress and expected adjustments to the bill’s language following a stakeholder meeting earlier in the week. Despite this, DDD advocates have voiced strong opposition, labeling the measures as impractical and unsustainable.

The fiscal dilemma centers around the Parents as Paid Caregivers (PPCG) program, which Jessica Grace, a representative parent, supports. This initiative allows parents to receive compensation for providing essential care to their children, often with complex needs. Grace highlighted the lack of alternative care options that would enable her to seek employment outside the home.

Amidst a significant budget shortfall that threatens DDD services, Livingston has attributed the financial crisis to mismanagement under the Hobbs administration. He has also called for reductions to the PPCG, accusing Hobbs of overreach by extending the program without legislative funding.

Opponents of the proposed cuts assert that shifting care responsibilities to third-party contractors is impractical due to a long-standing workforce shortage in the field. During a recent committee meeting, affected families implored lawmakers to maintain funding for the PPCG with a proposed 40-hour weekly cap on caregiver hours—an amendment that ultimately failed.

In a surprising turn, House GOP leaders adjusted committee membership shortly before a vote, a move viewed by some as politically motivated to ensure the defeat of a bipartisan amendment. “Representative Livingston must heed the voices of those advocating for the rights of disabled individuals,” Slater urged, calling for unity in addressing the issue.

Emotional moments were felt in the committee when Representative Julie Willoughby expressed her distress after the amendment’s failure, affirming her commitment to support families needing assistance throughout their children’s lives.

Both political parties have engaged in exchanging accusations regarding exploitation of vulnerable communities for political gain. In a heated response, House Speaker Steve Montenegro criticized Hobbs for leveraging her veto power as a means to exert influence in matters of state funding. “This is not leadership; it is political blackmail,” he charged.

In a parallel development, concerned parents initiated a recall petition against several Republican legislators, including Montenegro and Livingston, seeking to gather significant support by mid-August for a potential recall election. Livingston insinuated that this initiative may stem from political affiliations while conceding that discontent regarding funding decisions could be a motivating factor.