In a move to bolster support for vulnerable groups, Representative Nancy Gutierrez proposed new legislation yesterday aimed at securing vital resources for individuals with developmental disabilities in Arizona. This bill is an attempt to ring-fence funding for services that assist over 50,000 Arizonans, ensuring those diagnosed with conditions like autism, cerebral palsy, and Down syndrome continue to receive necessary care.
The proposal arrives hot on the heels of comments from Republican House Appropriations Chair Rep. Livingston that foreshadowed potential financial cuts to the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). In a statement obtained by the Office of Arizona Governor, Governor Katie Hobbs criticized the suggested cuts as purposeful harm aimed at the state's most vulnerable, while contrasting it with the lack of financial scrutiny applied to the ESA entitlement program, notorious for its extravagant expenditures funded by taxpayer money.
Meanwhile, Assistant Democratic Leader Nancy Gutierrez emphasized the importance of the legislation, asserting that, "These families have higher costs for care than most." In her remarks, she pointed out the infeasibility of a proposed 25% funding reduction, given the immutable nature of these individuals' needs. Gutierrez's framing was clear, as reported by the Office of Arizona Governor.
The ESA entitlement program has previously been met with bipartisan support for its cost overruns, yet when it comes to the DDD - which delivers personalized care through case management, medical and therapeutic support, and in-home services - apprehension seems to manifest, notably by Rep. Livingston. Last year, he backed a $274.8 million surplus for ESA entitlements, followed by a further $113 million overrun just a year later.
Critics of the proposed cuts to DDD argue that the funds enable individuals with developmental disabilities to engage productively with their communities and pursue their aspirations. The bill introduced by Gutierrez, reflecting the governor's executive budget proposal, seeks to protect these essential programs and has garnered praise from disability advocates and families reliant on these services.
