News Summary
House Bill 2945 aims to fill a $122 million budget shortfall impacting the Division of Developmental Disabilities in Arizona. The legislation seeks to sustain essential services for over 59,000 individuals while introducing limits on caregiver hours, raising concerns among advocates about future support for families. The bill emphasizes increased oversight of federal funds and is set to be heard in the legislature amidst political tensions and alternative proposals from Democrats. Families are anxious for a resolution as costs rise and funding issues persist.
Arizona House Republicans Step Up to Address Disability Services Crisis
In a significant development for those with disabilities in Arizona, the House Republicans have rolled out a bill that seeks to tackle a staggering $122 million budget shortfall affecting the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) program. Proposed on Monday, this legislation, known as House Bill 2945, is intended to ensure that over 59,000 individuals relying on these essential services won’t be left in the lurch come the end of April.
What’s the Plan?
The main aim of House Bill 2945 is to completely fill that budget gap, which has left many families anxiously awaiting answers about their future support. The bill will involve shifting funds from other sections of Governor Katie Hobbs’ budget to sustain DDD services through the end of the fiscal year, which wraps up on June 30. Alongside covering the shortfall, the proposed legislation will also introduce a cap on a specific program—the Parents as Paid Caregivers Program. Starting July 1, this cap will limit caregivers to 40 hours per week, and by October 1, that limit will reduce even further to 20 hours.
Increased Oversight and Future Changes
To ensure better management and oversight, the legislation also outlines requirements for state agencies to draft plans detailing how they will utilize federal funds and establish contingency plans for future funding shortages. This means that legislative approval will be necessary for both federal Medicaid waiver requests and the reauthorization of the Parents as Paid Caregivers Program, which will need reviewing again in 2027.
Concerns from Advocates
Political Tensions and Alternative Proposals
The Impacts of Rising Costs
The rising costs facing DDD, attributed to increased enrollment and rising demands for services, alongside shifts in funding from federal sources, have created an urgent need for a swift resolution. The agency has already said that without a solution in place, they might not be able to cover claims as early as May or June, leaving families and individuals feeling anxious and under pressure.
What Happens Next?
House Bill 2945 is slated for a legislative hearing next week, and families are holding their breath for news. As discussions unfold amid growing political tension, many are hoping for a resolution that not only fills the current budget gap but also provides a sustainable path forward for those who rely on DDD services. Yet, the proposed limits on caregiver hours have raised alarms, as critics fear this might lead families into deeper financial strain and a reliance on other social services.
Final Thoughts
The proposed measures come at a challenging time for families, service providers, and state policymakers alike, with each party navigating the complexities of the budget crisis while continuing to provide the necessary support for the vulnerable community. As all eyes turn to the upcoming legislative hearing, the key questions remain: Will House Bill 2945 pass? And how will it shape the future of disability services in Arizona?
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZ Family: Funding Shortfall Threatens Future Arizona Disability Program
- ABC15: Republicans Propose a Funding Fix for Arizona’s Disability Services
- AZ Mirror: Republican Plan to Prevent Disability Services Shutdown
- 12 News: Arizona Republicans Present Plan to Address Funding Shortfall
- Havasu News: Arizona Lawmakers Propose $122M Emergency Funding for Disability Services
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
