The House Ad Hoc Committee on Executive Budget Mismanagement held its first hearing to investigate a $122 million shortfall in Arizona's Developmental Disabilities program. The committee, chaired by State Representative Matt Gress, proceeded despite Governor Katie Hobbs instructing her agency directors not to testify shortly before the session started, according to the Arizona House of Representatives.
Gress pointed out the lack of cooperation, saying, "The Governor pulled her directors because she can’t defend the damage she’s done." The committee, which did not include Democrat members, reviewed budget data and heard from experts, including former Idaho House Majority Leader Megan Blanksma, who shared her experience with a similar situation. The committee found that the Hobbs administration had expanded the Developmental Disability program, turning a temporary COVID-era initiative into a permanent one without legislative approval or proper funding, leading to a significant deficit, as reported by the Arizona House of Representatives.
During a legislative hearing, Gress stated, "If she had a plan, she would have sent her team to explain it. Instead, she’s hiding behind a press release while Arizona families face the consequences of her financial mismanagement." The committee called for the identification of federal funds to continue essential services and for annual reports to the Legislature on these funds, along with an exit strategy if funding stops. Gress emphasized the importance of developmental disability services and the Legislature's commitment to transparency and fiscal responsibility. House Republicans are working with stakeholders to ensure continued support and prevent additional financial burdens on taxpayers, as stated by the Arizona House of Representatives.
