Funding shortfall threatens future of Arizona disability program
PHOENIX (AZFamily) — The future of the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is uncertain due to massive budget shortcomings. The program is expected to run out of money by the end of the month.
Families who receive services from the program are now scrambling. That includes Brandi Coon. Her 10-year-old son Tyson had a traumatic brain injury when he was six months old, which led to cerebral palsy and epilepsy.
“I get the privilege of being his mother and his caregiver. And every single day, I will do everything in my power to keep him safe,” said Coon.
She said DDD is a life-saving and critical program for the 50,000 people it serves annually. It’s how Tyson can receive in-home care.
However, the DDD is running low on money, and Coon said it could dry up by the end of the month. If it goes under, Tyson would need to be institutionalized to get the care he needs.
“Nobody wants that for their child or for anyone else with disabilities in our state,” said Coon.
In February, Democrats introduced HB2816 to increase funding for DDD. Governor Katie Hobbs has been pushing for Republican support on the bill, but it’s been in limbo.
Republicans claim Hobbs fumbled the budget, which led to DDD’s $122 million shortfall.
“The supplemental request, as I’ve said over and over again, is a routine part of budgeting when caseloads are different than what was projected,” said Gov. Hobbs.
Earlier this week, the House Ad HOC Committee held a hearing. Republican Rep. Matt Gress said the governor and Democrats were a no-show, but he still doubled down on the GOP’s claims.
“It signals serious management, and we face even greater fiscal challenges looking ahead,” said Rep. Gress.
Coon said the budget problem should be dealt with, but she worries this political battle will only delay a time-sensitive solution. She is worried Republicans plan to drop their bill to help DDD. Coon believes they could’ve introduced a bill months ago if that’s the case.
“We need to take care of this population first and foremost and then conversations about reform or improvements can be made during the next year budget negotiations,” she said.
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