PHX Reporter

Arizona House Republicans have issued a statement criticizing Governor Katie Hobbs for her handling of the Developmental Disabilities (DDD) program. The statement, released by Speaker Steve Montenegro, Majority Leader Michael Carbone, Majority Whip Julie Willoughby, and Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter, highlights a $122 million shortfall in the program.

"Governor Hobbs’ gross mismanagement puts Arizona’s most vulnerable citizens at risk," they said. They accuse the administration of "reckless spending decisions—made without consulting the Legislature" which they claim has led to an avoidable crisis. The statement also mentions that Governor Hobbs is seeking a taxpayer bailout "without accountability or reforms."

The House Republicans assured that the DDD program will not shut down and emphasized their commitment to resolving the crisis and ensuring its long-term stability. However, they criticized what they described as the Governor's "failed approach," which they believe has driven the program toward financial difficulties.

They pointed out that the cost of this $4 billion program is expected to double from FY23 to FY26, describing this trajectory as unsustainable. They also noted that instead of collaborating with lawmakers on solutions, Governor Hobbs took actions such as firing her budget director and demoting other officials while continuing to deflect blame.

The statement concludes with a call for an end to political games and urges Governor Hobbs to instruct her agency staff to work constructively with them. They assert that reforms are necessary to prevent similar issues in the future and emphasize that "Arizona taxpayers and families deserve better than empty rhetoric and mismanagement."

Information from this article can be found here.