SE Valley Times

Chairman Matt Gress has announced the inaugural meeting of the House ad hoc committee aimed at addressing concerns over executive budget management. The session will feature a presentation from the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) on the growth within the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), followed by discussions with state agencies on policy changes, the Section 1115 waiver process, and the scope of Home and Community Based Services associated with DDD.

Key figures slated to present include Carmen Heredia, Director of the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS), and Michael Wisehart, Director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). The committee will also receive insights from Idaho State Representative Megan Blanksma, who will speak on her state’s approach to managing developmental disabilities program growth.

Chairman Gress emphasized the committee's purpose: “This committee was created because Arizonans deserve answers. When basic financial management is ignored at the highest levels of the Executive Branch, it puts essential services at risk. We’re here to follow the facts, uncover the truth, and hold this administration accountable—because taxpayers deserve transparency, not surprises.”

The agenda is accessible online for the public, who can also view the meeting via livestream.

The committee was formed by Speaker Montenegro in light of financial issues during the Hobbs administration, highlighted by the near bankruptcy of the Department of Child Safety’s Congregate Care program. Legislative Republicans intervened by redirecting existing funds. Similar budget challenges have been noted within the Developmental Disabilities program and AHCCCS.

Committee members consist of Republican Representatives Matt Gress (Chair), Justin Olson (Vice Chair), Michael Way, Nick Kupper, Neal Carter, and Selina Bliss, alongside Democratic Representatives Nancy Gutierrez, Stephanie Stahl Hamilton, and Quantá Crews.