Certitude Group, LLC | Day Program | 1 W. Firestorm Way, Glendale, AZ, USA

On January 29, 2025, the House Appropriations Committee discussed budget deficits and the Governor’s budget recommendations for DDD and DES.
Committee members particularly scrutinized the Parents as Paid Caregivers (PPCG) program.
The committee made it clear that they expected a reduction in the DDD and DES budget by 25% to 50% before approving any additional funding.
Specifically, when asked if he was suggesting cutting services for disabled individuals to balance the budget Representative Livingston said, “yes.”

There is currently a DDD budget deficit due to a number of complex reasons. If appropriation for DDD and ALTCS programs is not provided by May 2025, funds will run out for ALL programs.
Reductions in the budget for DDD and DES would mean the reduction, or elimination, of the critical services that children with developmental disabilities need to participate in daily life and to reach their highest potential.
With a current budget surplus of approximately $600 million, Arizona can afford the recommended increases without dipping into its reserves.
Without these critical services, Arizona would face higher costs due to the institutionalization of disabled individuals, mass unemployment among providers, a significant increase in public service spending, and widespread housing instability.

Email your Arizona Legislators: Personalize the email and share your story to educate them on the budget discussions and the impact of proposed cuts.
Contact Legislators on Appropriations Committees: Educate them on the financial deficit and the impact of proposed budget cuts.
Involve Friends and Family: Ask them to complete the action items and participate in advocacy efforts.
Use this Call to Action toolkit created by Brandi Coon with input from many of us in the disability community. It can help you take Action today. https://raisingspecialkids.org/