Phoenix, AZ - Today, Governor Katie Hobbs signed bipartisan legislation that will protect vital services for Arizonans with cerebral palsy, autism, Down syndrome, and other developmental disabilities. The signing comes after the governor led bipartisan negotiations to find common sense guardrails and funding solutions for the Parents as Paid Caregivers program (PPCG), and to ensure the DDD program remains funded to protect continuity of services for the nearly 60,000 Arizonans it serves.

Signed
HB2945, developmental disabilities; appropriations; waivers

“I’m proud to bring an end to the months of confusion and uncertainty that were forced on Arizonans who rely on the DDD program. Now, Arizonans with developmental disabilities and their families can feel some relief knowing services that allow them to maintain their independence and dignity will continue. This bipartisan deal prevents previously proposed 50% cuts to PPCG, adds common sense guardrails and ensures PPCG will not be held hostage by the legislature again. I am glad legislators on both sides of the aisle stayed at the table as we worked out this deal. Together, we showed Arizonans that bipartisanship can still deliver meaningful results for families in our state.”

The bipartisan, negotiated compromise to protect services for Arizonans with disabilities:

• Puts into statute the 40-hour cap on PPCG announced by Governor Hobbs in March.
• Creates key statutory accountability provisions to measure the utilization of PPCG, building on reforms announced by Governor Hobbs.
• Funds the DDD program through the end of the fiscal year using the Prescription Drug Rebate Fund, rejecting Republican proposals to cut housing funds. The approved funding mechanism protects down payment assistance for working class families and affordable housing funding for Veterans and seniors.
• Gives families certainty and ensures members who utilize the Parents as Paid Caregivers program, and all DDD services, continue to receive the care they need. 

With the signing of HB 2945, the governor’s bill moratorium is now lifted.