House Republicans Slam Governor Hobbs Over Developmental Disabilities Program Mismanagement

Arizona’s House Republican leadership has criticized Governor Katie Hobbs for her management of the state’s Developmental Disabilities (DDD) program, citing a troubling $122 million budget shortfall and alleged mismanagement. In a joint statement issued last week, Republican leaders accused the governor of fiscal irresponsibility and failing to engage with the legislature, claims they argue have exacerbated the financial crisis impacting this essential program.

House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Majority Leader Michael Carbone, Majority Whip Julie Willoughby, and Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter expressed their concern over Hobbs’ accountability regarding the challenges confronting the DDD program. Serving some of Arizona’s most vulnerable citizens, the program has faced increasing costs, leading to an unsustainable financial outlook.

The DDD program, a $4 billion initiative, delivers critical services to individuals with developmental disabilities. House Republicans highlight that costs are projected to double from fiscal year 2023 to fiscal year 2026, creating a significant budget gap that they assert the governor’s office has failed to address effectively.

Republican leaders specifically targeted Governor Hobbs’ management, describing her spending decisions as reckless, which they claim have contributed to the program’s current plight. They noted a lack of collaboration with the legislature in devising solutions, leading to unilateral actions that worsen the situation.

“Governor Hobbs’ gross mismanagement puts Arizona’s most vulnerable citizens at risk,” the statement read. “Her reckless spending decisions—made without consulting the Legislature—have effectively bankrupted the DDD program, creating an avoidable crisis. Now, she’s demanding a taxpayer bailout without accountability or reforms.”

Compounding these criticisms are recent upheavals within the governor’s administration, including the resignation of her budget director, the demotion of the director of the Department of Economic Security (DES), and the dismissal of her health policy advisor. Republican lawmakers argue these changes indicate a troubling lack of leadership and accountability.

House Republicans contend that rather than seeking bipartisan solutions to mounting concerns, Governor Hobbs has shifted blame and emphasized political strategies over substantive problem-solving. They assert that the leadership changes reflect a failure to effectively manage the challenges confronting the DDD program.