Arizona is experiencing a political standoff as Governor Katie Hobbs announced a veto on all bills not yet on her desk. This decision arises from a conflict with the Republican-controlled Legislature regarding funding for the state’s Division of Developmental Disabilities. This agency provides critical services to nearly 60,000 residents affected by autism, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, Down syndrome, and other cognitive and intellectual disabilities.
The governor insists on a bipartisan compromise to ensure funding through the fiscal year’s end. In contrast, Republicans are pushing for the introduction of operational restrictions, such as limiting the paid hours parents can receive for caring for their children with disabilities. Meanwhile, Democrats advocate for immediate funding approval, willing to discuss potential program reforms subsequently.
This strategic withholding of bill endorsements is not unprecedented. Previous Republican governors have similarly paused their signatures amid budgetary disputes. Tensions escalated when Hobbs requested an additional $13 million in supplemental funding for the division, despite having previously released her executive budget proposal. Republicans have raised concerns about the management of these funds, forming an ad hoc committee to address what they perceive as “executive budget mismanagement.”
Representative David Livingston, chair of the House Appropriations Committee, deemed it unacceptable for programs to potentially shut down in early May due to insufficient funding. House Speaker Steve Montenegro labeled Hobbs’ veto threat as “political blackmail.” In response, Hobbs, eyeing reelection in 2026, accused Republicans of exploiting the funding issue for “political warfare.” Her spokesperson emphasized that the governor remains committed to vetoing even the legislation she supports until a bipartisan resolution is achieved, underscoring the urgency as families face growing pressures.
