STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX – Arizona House Speaker Steve Montenegro, Majority Leader Michael Carbone, Majority Whip Julie Willoughby, and Speaker Pro Tempore Neal Carter today released a joint statement condemning Governor Katie Hobbs’ failure to take responsibility for the $122 million shortfall in the Developmental Disabilities (DDD) program:

“Governor Hobbs’ gross mismanagement puts Arizona’s most vulnerable citizens at risk. Her administration’s reckless spending decisions—made without consulting the Legislature—have bankrupted the DDD program, creating an avoidable crisis. Now, she’s demanding a taxpayer bailout without accountability or reforms.

“Let’s be clear: Arizona families rely on the DDD program, and it will not shut down. House Republicans are committed to fixing this crisis and ensuring long-term stability. However, we will not rubber-stamp the Governor’s failed approach, which has already driven this program toward financial ruin.

“The numbers speak for themselves: This $4 billion program is set to double in cost from FY23 to FY26. That trajectory is unsustainable, and yet instead of working with lawmakers on responsible solutions, Governor Hobbs fired her own budget director, demoted the DES director, and removed her health policy advisor, all while continuing to deflect blame.

“Political games must end. Governor Hobbs must instruct her agency staff to work constructively with us. Reforms are necessary to prevent this disaster from repeating itself. Arizona taxpayers and families deserve better than empty rhetoric and mismanagement.”