My story is not unusual. It is the story shared by many who work in or receive services from the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD). In just a few weeks, I may lose my job. Not because I’ve failed to serve my clients, but because our legislature has neglected its duty to 60,000 of Arizona's most vulnerable residents. This is due to a $120 million shortfall that Republicans in the state legislature refuse to fund. Many of these same lawmakers approved funds to cover a $274 million budget shortfall in the ESA program as it expanded far beyond budget projections last year.

Despite the harm this inaction could do, Republican leadership continues to block a funding solution proposed by Governor Hobbs-one that includes reforms to help prevent future budget overruns.

Democrats are in support, but without action from the majority, this crisis grows more devastating by the day. 

If we don’t do something quickly DDD's funding will dry up on May 1. This isn't just about job losses - this is about lives hanging in the balance. Without funding, 60,000 people with disabilities will lose access to critical life-sustaining services, such as personal care, therapies, and HCBS support. For these individuals, these services are not optional – they are essential lifelines. With DDD services, they can live independently in their communities. Without them, their health, safety, and dignity are at risk.

As a professional who provides these vital services to individuals with developmental disabilities, I have seen the panic that ensues as families scramble, providers are forced to retreat, and lives are left to chance. This is all because our leaders allowed a budget shortfall to extend into a monumental catastrophe.

We are appealing to the Arizona State Legislature to rectify this immediate crisis. We need action to restore the funding before May 1. Our leaders owe this to the 60,000 constituents whose futures and wellbeing they are entrusted with.

It's time for our voices to be heard. Act now to protect funding for the Arizona Division of Developmental Disabilities and the thousands of lives it touches every day.
Please, sign the petition.