Senate Republicans Express Commitment for Uninterrupted Services for the Developmental Disabilities Community, Despite the Mishandling of Programs by Governor Hobbs and State Agencies

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                  

Thursday, March 13, 2025

Senate Republicans Express Commitment for Uninterrupted Services

for the Developmental Disabilities Community, Despite the Mishandling

of Programs by Governor Hobbs and State Agencies

PHOENIX, ARIZONA— Arizona Senate Majority Leader Janae Shamp, Majority Whip Frank Carroll, Senator David Gowan, and Senator Vince Leach are issuing a joint statement critical of how Governor Katie Hobbs and the state agencies that fall under her responsibility have contributed to the $122 million shortfall in the program that oversees the delivery of services for those with developmental disabilities.

"It is beyond comprehension that Governor Hobbs and those she entrusted to manage the care for our most vulnerable residents would unilaterally overspend tax dollars without regard for how their actions would jeopardize the state’s ability to provide such critical services for those with developmental disabilities", said Majority Leader Shamp. "Our compassion for the individuals and their families does not forsake our responsibility to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars."

"Despite the irresponsible actions of Governor Hobbs and her state agencies, we are steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that these critical services continue to be provided without interruption, as the individuals and their families rightfully deserve and expect consistency and reliability from their state government," said Majority Whip Carroll.

"In our commitment to appropriating the necessary supplemental funding to sustain services for those with developmental disabilities, we are equally unwavering in the need for increased accountability and related reforms to prevent this mismanagement from being repeated in the future by this or any other administration," said Senator Leach.

"The quality of life for real people is at stake," said Senator Gowan. "We must make this right in the most expeditious and responsible manner possible. We expect the Department of Economic Security and the Administration to be accountable and contribute to the solution."

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For more information, contact:

Kim Quintero

Director of Communications | Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus

kquintero@azleg.gov