STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – House Appropriations Chairman David Livingston today sent a letter to Governor Katie Hobbs, calling on her to take responsibility for the $122 million shortfall in the state’s Developmental Disabilities (DDD) program and work with the Legislature on a real solution. Despite repeated requests for meaningful discussions, the Governor and her staff have refused to engage, opting instead for public statements and political posturing while Arizona families remain uncertain about critical services.

A copy of the signed letter is attached, and its full text is provided below:

Dear Governor Hobbs,

For the past seven weeks, I have held seven Appropriations Committee hearings, laying out in clear detail how your administration’s budget mismanagement is creating serious financial risks for the state. At every turn, I have asked for serious, responsible discussions to address this situation, yet your office continues to say you “aren’t ready.” Meanwhile, rather than engaging with the Legislature in good faith, you and your staff have chosen to issue public statements, assign blame, and demand more taxpayer dollars—without addressing the broken system that led us here.

Here’s the reality:

• The $122 million shortfall in the Developmental Disabilities (DDD) program stems entirely from unilateral decisions made by your administration. The Legislature was never consulted before these funds were spent, yet now taxpayers are being asked to cover the consequences.
• Last week, Democrats attempted to force through $122 million in additional spending without any structural reforms or accountability measures—a short-term band-aid that does nothing to prevent future financial shortfalls. Republicans rejected this reckless approach because real solutions require responsible budgeting, not knee-jerk political stunts.
• Your budget proposal is grossly unbalanced, leaving out over $800 million in expenses. Yet, your office suggested to reporters that lawmakers should simply “pass it” and trust the same administration that created this crisis to handle the details. That is not how responsible government works.

Governor, you have a choice: You can work with us to fix this problem responsibly, or you can continue making public statements while Arizona families and service providers face uncertainty. What we need is real accountability, long-term planning, and meaningful reforms to ensure this program is funded properly—not just for today, but for the future.

The Republican Majority in the House and Senate is committed to responsible budgeting and ensuring that Arizona families have the services they need—without reckless overspending. It is time for you to step up, take responsibility, and come to the table.

Sincerely,

David Livingston

Chairman, House Appropriations Committee

A copy of Chairman Livingston’s letter was also shared with members of the Appropriations Committee.

David Livingston is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 28 in Peoria. He also serves as Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee. Follow him on X at @Livingston4AZ.