Governor Katie Hobbs Celebrates Legislation Protecting Lifesaving Services for Arizonans with Disabilities

News Release

April 30, 2025

Applauds bipartisan legislation, commends families for their tireless advocacy and legislators for their courage

Phoenix, AZ –  Today, Governor Katie Hobbs joined dozens of Arizonans with disabilities, advocates, and families to celebrate bipartisan legislation she signed that funds services for Arizonans with disabilities. Governor Hobbs praised the individuals who fought tirelessly and shared their stories, and commended legislators who reached a bipartisan deal. The signing concludes months of uncertainty and confusion about the future of services for Arizonans with disabilities. 

Governor Hobbs released the following statement:

“Today, we are delivering a bipartisan solution that protects lifesaving services for Arizonans with Down syndrome, autism, cerebral palsy, and other developmental disabilities. After months of delays, these critical services were in danger and these Arizonans were at risk of losing access to their daily care.

“But a community of Arizonans, including people with disabilities, families, providers, healthcare experts, and a group of courageous legislators, persisted, came together, and demanded action. While some cynically saw this as an opportunity to score political points instead of listening to their constituents and working to solve a problem, this community was undaunted.

“Against the backdrop of uncertainty and the threat of having lifesaving health care services ripped away from them, they showed up every day and stood in the breach. Their advocacy was and continues to be essential.

“Together, we showed Arizonans what is possible when we put partisanship aside, get to work, and stay laser-focused on delivering for the people we were elected to serve. As long as I’m governor, I will fight to protect essential health care for Arizonans with disabilities and their families.”

 

 

“When Governor Hobbs first asked me to run the bill for the clean supplemental, I was thrilled to do it because as a teacher, I felt like I was fighting for my special needs students,” said Representative Nancy Gutierrez (D-LD18). “We came together and did what was right and it feels so amazing because it’s not just about a win. This is about every single person that’s behind me and all of the people that they represent.”

“I’m proud to have worked with everybody that had anything to do with moving this forward. I’m thrilled that our caucuses were able to come together. I’m thrilled that we were able to get this done before the deadline,” said Representative Julie Willoughby (R-LD13).

“We organized, we built bridges, we proposed legislation, we walked the Capitol halls, we didn’t let up and until every voice was heard. And it worked…This isn’t just a win. It’s a revolution built on truth, love, and determination,” said Brandi Coon, a DDD parent, caregiver, and advocate.

“I…receive direct support services from DDD, and they help me to be a better father, a better husband, and also maintain a full time job so I can provide for my family. These services in this bill allow that to continue,” said Jason Snead, a DDD member and father to a DDD child.
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