PHOENIX, AZ – Governor Katie Hobbs and Representative Nancy Gutierrez announced new legislation aimed at protecting critical medical care and services for Arizonans with developmental disabilities. The bill follows signals from Republican House Appropriations Chair Rep. David Livingston that funding cuts may be coming for the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), potentially jeopardizing care for thousands of families.
Governor Hobbs: “We Must Protect Arizonans with Disabilities”
“Extremist legislators are weaponizing a routine part of budgeting to force ‘hurt’ on Arizonans with developmental disabilities and their caregivers,” said Governor Hobbs. “They’re fighting to slash a program that provides essential services for Arizonans, helping them engage in their communities and achieve their dreams. Meanwhile, they refuse to bring accountability and transparency to their favorite billion-dollar ESA entitlement program, which has funded grand pianos, ski resort passes, and luxury car driving lessons for the wealthiest Arizonans. It’s time to prioritize those who truly need help.”
Rep. Gutierrez: “We Cannot Cut 25% of People’s Essential Needs”
“I am honored to introduce this bill to ensure families with developmentally disabled children and individuals with long-term care needs receive the funding necessary for their care,” said Rep. Nancy Gutierrez. “People with disabilities cannot reduce their needs by 25%. Supporting these families is crucial, and we must ensure this funding remains intact.”
Republican Push to Slash Services While Expanding ESA Entitlements
Despite supporting an extra $274.8 million for the ESA voucher program in FY24 and $113 million in FY25, Rep. Livingston has opposed supplemental funding to maintain services for DDD members and caregivers. Critics argue that Republican lawmakers have prioritized education vouchers for the wealthiest Arizonans while threatening essential disability services.
What DDD Provides
The Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) serves over 50,000 Arizonans each year, offering:
- Case management
- Medical and therapeutic care
- In-home treatments and services
- Support for individuals with autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, cognitive disabilities, and Down syndrome
These services are specialized and tailored to each individual to ensure they receive the care needed to live independently and achieve their goals.
Next Steps
The bill now moves to the Arizona Legislature, where Governor Hobbs and Rep. Gutierrez urge lawmakers to protect vulnerable Arizonans instead of funneling taxpayer dollars into unregulated entitlement programs.
