DDD is At Risk Again!!

DDD is At Risk Again!!DDD is At Risk Again!!DDD is At Risk Again!!
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DDD is At Risk Again!!

DDD is At Risk Again!!DDD is At Risk Again!!DDD is At Risk Again!!
  • Home
  • Current Concerns
  • Take Action
    • Provider Agencies
    • DDD Members & Caregivers
    • Concerned Citizens
  • Myths & Truths
  • History of Events
  • Find Legislators
  • Calendar of Events
  • Links & Resources
  • Recall Volunteer Form
  • How to tell your story
  • About

We had a massive win tonight (4/23/25)!!

Rep Willoughby, Rep Gutierrez and the governors office hashed out the DDD funding bill this evening and they held a floor vote at 7 PM and it passed with bipartisan support!! 


We still need the Senate to pass it so we are asking everyone to participate in one last call to action for this movement!!! 


Please email all senators this evening and ask them to SUPPORT HB2945 as amended in the House on 4/23/2025 at 7:30 PM. We did this, let’s get one last big push!!

Sample Email: 


Dear Senator [Last Name],


As a constituent and [insert: parent / caregiver / concerned citizen], I respectfully ask for your YES vote on HB2945 as amended on the House floor on the evening of 4/23. This critical bill provides DDD gap funding and has guardrails the community supports!!


HB2945 as amended ensures greater accountability, sustainability, and fairness through:
• Responsible Medicaid funding through the Prescription Drug Rebate Fund
• Practical billing limits that reflect caregiving realities
• Improved assessments to match services with real needs
• Legislative oversight on expensive waiver amendments
• A special audit comparing PPCG to national best practices


This bill as amended protects vulnerable Arizonans and the families who care for them while ensuring taxpayer accountability. Please vote to support this bill as amended so we can secure DDD gap funding before May 1, 2025. 


Thank you for your leadership.
Sincerely,

[Your Name]


Senator Emails:
lalston@azleg.gov; hangius@azleg.gov; sbolick@azleg.gov; fbravo@azleg.gov; fcarroll@azleg.gov; eva.diaz@azleg.gov; tdunn@azleg.gov; mepstein@azleg.gov; dfarnsworth@azleg.gov; bfernandez@azleg.gov; mfinchem@azleg.gov; rgabaldon@azleg.gov; sgonzales@azleg.gov; dgowan@azleg.gov; thatathlie@azleg.gov; jake.hoffman@azleg.gov; jkavanagh@azleg.gov; lkuby@azleg.gov; vleach@azleg.gov; jmesnard@azleg.gov; cmiranda@azleg.gov; analise.ortiz@azleg.gov; kpayne@azleg.gov; wpetersen@azleg.gov; wrogers@azleg.gov; ksears@azleg.gov; jshamp@azleg.gov; tshope@azleg.gov; psundareshan@azleg.gov; cwerner@azleg.gov

Quick Click Navigation

The links below will help you quickly navigate to the topics within this page. 

In as little as 3 minutes make your voice heard with email templates and copy and paste legislator addresses. 

CLICK HERE TO WRITE EMAILS


In as little as 1 minute share the DDD funding crisis and raise awareness through posts, reels, or stories using these ideas, hashtags, and social media accounts to tag. 

CLICK HERE TO SHARE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS


Weigh  in on bills from the comfort of your office! Arizona’s Request to Speak  (RTS) is an online tool that lets everyday citizens give Arizona state lawmakers our feedback on bills.

CLICK HERE TO GET ACCESS TO RTS


In as little as 3 minutes make your voice heard with a phone call script and the most important people to call.  

CLICK HERE TO MAKE PHONE CALLS


Want to help hold legislators accountable? 

CLICK HERE TO HELP WITH RECALLS


There are events happening every week. 

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE CALENDAR OF EVENTS


3 Minute - Emails for Provider Agencies

 Provider Agencies - We need your Support! 


Ask HCBS/DDD provider agencies in Arizona to personalize and send an email to legislators. Provider agencies are welcome to share this Call to Action with anyone connected to their agency—staff, families, and community partners. Every voice matters.


Subject: Provider Perspective: Support for Balanced and Sustainable DDD Supplemental


To: LAUSTIN@azleg.gov, LALSTON@azleg.gov, HANGIUS@azleg.gov, aabeytia@azleg.gov, caguilar@azleg.gov, jake.hoffman@azleg.gov, WBLACKMAN@azleg.gov, SBLATTMAN@azleg.gov, lbiasiucci@azleg.gov, sbliss@azleg.gov, sbolick@azleg.gov, fbravo@azleg.gov, eburch@azleg.gov, mcarbone@azleg.gov, ncarter@azleg.gov, pcarter@azleg.gov, jcavero@azleg.gov, jchaplik@azleg.gov, jconnolly@azleg.gov, lcontreras@azleg.gov, pcontreras@azleg.gov, qcrews@azleg.gov, fcarroll@azleg.gov, LDIAZ@azleg.gov, odelossantos@azleg.gov, tdunn@azleg.gov, MEPSTEIN@azleg.gov, BFERNANDEZ@azleg.gov, MFINCHEM@azleg.gov, DFARNSWORTH@azleg.gov, lfink@azleg.gov, NGUTIERREZ@azleg.gov, MGRESS@azleg.gov, bgarcia@azleg.gov, jgillette@azleg.gov, ggriffin@azleg.gov, rgabaldon@azleg.gov, sgonzales@azleg.gov, dgowan@azleg.gov, rheap@azleg.gov, lhendrix@azleg.gov, ahernandez@azleg.gov, chernandez@azleg.gov, lhernandez@azleg.gov, thatathlie@azleg.gov, LKUBY@azleg.gov, JKAVANAGH@azleg.gov, rkeshel@azleg.gov, akolodin@azleg.gov, nkupper@azleg.gov, CLOPEZ@azleg.gov, DLIVINGSTON@azleg.gov, VLEACH@azleg.gov, sliguori@azleg.gov, eluna-Najera@azleg.gov, vleach@azleg.gov, amarquez@azleg.gov, dmarshall@azleg.gov, tmartinez@azleg.gov, cmathis@azleg.gov, smontenegro@azleg.gov, jmesnard@azleg.gov, cmiranda@azleg.gov, QNGUYEN@azleg.gov, analise.ortiz@azleg.gov, JOLSON@azleg.gov, mpena@azleg.gov, mpeshlakai@azleg.gov, bpingerelli@azleg.gov, kpowell@azleg.gov, kpayne@azleg.gov, wpetersen@azleg.gov, TRIVERO@azleg.gov, wrogers@azleg.gov, MSANDOVAL@azleg.gov, SStahlhamilton@azleg.gov, ssimacek@azleg.gov, jshamp@azleg.gov, tshope@azleg.gov, psundareshan@azleg.gov, STRAVERS@azleg.gov, jtaylor@azleg.gov, mtsosie@azleg.gov, KVOLK@azleg.gov, bvillegas@azleg.gov, eva.diaz@azleg.gov, MWAY@azleg.gov, JWENINGER@azleg.gov, JWILLOUGHBY@azleg.gov


Also send the email to Governor Hobbs through her website: https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/form/contact-governor-hobbs


SAMPLE EMAIL: 


Dear [Legislator’s Name],


On behalf of Arizona’s provider agencies serving individuals with developmental disabilities, we write to express our support for a balanced and sustainable supplemental funding package that prioritizes program stability, system integrity, and care continuity.


Provider agencies across the state are facing workforce shortages, increasing administrative burdens, and ongoing instability. The Parents as Paid Caregivers (PPCG) program has played a vital role in helping families fill gaps in care when traditional staffing models fall short. We believe the following compromise—developed in collaboration with stakeholders, families, and bipartisan legislators—offers a clear path forward.


These proposed provisions would improve transparency, maintain program structure, and allow for continued collaboration and data-driven decision-making:


What We Want to See in the Supplemental Bill


  • Oversight & Transparency
    • Require AHCCCS to notify the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) of any proposed changes to the 1115 Medicaid waiver. This ensures the Legislature has visibility into program changes and can act when necessary.
    • Require a new HCBS assessment that ensures every Attendant Care and Habilitation hour authorized for members meets the standard of extraordinary care. 


  • 40-Hour Cap for PPCG
    • Limit PPCG providers to a 40-hour weekly cap per child, effective July 1, 2025.
      Total hours must remain based on the child’s assessed needs and cannot exceed the authorized care plan.


  • Data & Reporting Requirements
    • Require quarterly reports from AHCCCS and DDD beginning July 1, 2025, including:
      • Number of PPCG participants
      • Authorized vs. utilized hours
      • EVV data on delivery by provider type (PPCG vs. non-PPCG)
      • Require annual reports on vendor call fulfillment, hospitalization rates, and incident reporting across the DDD system.


  • Responsible Funding Source
    • The supplemental should not draw from other vulnerable groups or critical services. The proposed use of the Prescription Drug Rebate Fund and general fund authority is a responsible approach that avoids further harm.


Provider agencies are committed to delivering high-quality care to DDD members and supporting a workforce that includes both traditional direct care workers and, when appropriate, qualified parent providers. These changes reflect a reasonable compromise that will strengthen oversight without destabilizing the system further.


Thank you for your leadership and for considering the provider perspective. We look forward to working with you to ensure Arizona’s DDD system remains strong, sustainable, and family-centered.


Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Agency Name]
[Contact Info]

1 Minute - Social Media Post

Use Your Voice—Online!


Over the next two weeks, we’re asking our community to create and share daily or every-other-day posts, reels, or stories on your preferred social media channels to raise awareness about the DDD supplemental funding crisis and the future of the Parents as Paid Caregivers (PPCG) program.

You don’t need to be a professional advocate to make a difference—just speak from the heart. 


PLEASE MAKE SURE ALL POSTS HAVE #FundDDD in them so we can find your posts and interact. 


Search the hashtag #FundDDD and "love", comment, etc on them. The more engagement the more our message gets picked up by the algorithms. "liking" on facebook isn't very effective so please choose the heart emoji or others if you wish. 

 

Here are content ideas and structure tips to help guide your posts and make them powerful, informative, and shareable:


POST IDEAS – What You Can Create Content About


Choose one or more of these topics and rotate them throughout the week:


  1. Your Personal Story (Most Powerful!)
    • Share who you care for and what makes their needs extraordinary.
    • Talk about how PPCG or DDD services have made a difference.
    • Mention what’s at risk if these programs are cut or restricted.


  1. Common Misconceptions to Correct
    • "Parents are paid just for parenting." (Explain the training, requirements, and medically necessary care.)
    • "PPCG is financially draining on the state" (Break down realistic hours, how much money the state saves by having continuity of care, low reimbursement rates, and the true caregiving workload.)
    • “There’s already plenty of provider availability.” (Share what you're experiencing in your area.)


  1. Capitol Updates – Be the Messenger
    • Recap legislative developments in simple terms:
      “SB1734 advanced today—here’s what that means.”
    • Share live updates from hearings, rallies, or floor votes.


  1. Break Down the Bill
    • Create short reels or carousel posts explaining:
      • What the 40-hour cap means
      • Why oversight ≠ legislative micromanagement
      • What EVV is and how it works
      • Why HCBS programs save the state long term


  1. Highlight Progress
    • Share wins, shifting support, or public responses.
    • Celebrate legislators who’ve shown leadership.


  1. Calls to Action
    • “Here’s how you can help: Call to Action”
    • Include links and tag elected officials.


TIPS FOR REELS AND STORIES


  • Start with a Hook: “Would you do this work for $16/hour?” or “My son’s care would collapse without this.”
  • Keep It Short: Under 90 seconds and focused on ONE message.
  • Show Your Day: Highlight care tasks, therapy time, or equipment setup—overlay with voice or text explaining the importance.
  • Use Captions: For accessibility and better engagement.
  • End with Action: “This is why we need the Legislature to act. Contact your rep today.”


Boost Visibility: Tag the Right People!


Be sure to tag legislators, media, influencers, and advocacy accounts. 


This increases reach and puts your story in front of the people who need to see it.


Find & Follow Brandi Coon on social media here:
https://linktr.ee/BrandiCoon

REQUEST TO SPEAK (RTS) Registration Link + Training

 Weigh  in on bills from the comfort of your office! Arizona’s Request to Speak  (RTS) is an online tool that lets everyday citizens give Arizona state  lawmakers our feedback on bills. It’s an easy way to get involved in  state politics, stay informed on the bills that directly affect us, and  make sure our elected officials honor the wishes of us, their  constituents. 


What you enter on the RTS is submitted as documentation on the bill. It is a very powerful way to have your position heard and documented on record. 


This does take patience - There are literal people at the capitol who will take your application and get your registered, so this can take some time. Create your account immediately as we only have hours left. There is no guarantee that there is enough time to get your account, but it's worth trying, so please do. 


https://www.cebv.us/rts.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawJk-OlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHg3FkDhu5VMNN-YuvhWgl9b66NqEX7EdyuSKACXtG5pwlqZUMwYBu50C3A7a_aem_N23_RAHVUqvrF3pApYbB2Q


Once you have your account: 

1) Log in


2) On the homepage click "New Request" 


3) Go to COMMITTEE click "select a committee" and in the dropdown select "Appropriations" 


4) Enter HB2945 and click SEARCH (when finished come back and search for SB1734)


5) Check to make sure it brought up the correct bill and click the "ADD REQUEST" 


6) The first question asks for your "Position on the Bill" as a thumbs up, thumbs down, or neutral. If you oppose the bill you would click "thumbs down," if you have a different position you would enter that here. 


7) Next "Do you wish to speak" -  It's fine to click "no."


8) Under comments, write why you feel the way you do about the bill. 


9) Click Submit and repeat these steps for SB1734

5 Minute - Phone Calls

 Phone Call Script: 


Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m a [parent/caregiver/community member/provider] calling from [City/Town]. I’m reaching out to ask Senator/Representative [Last Name] to support a responsible and sustainable DDD supplemental funding package.


Our community has developed a balanced proposal that strengthens oversight, ensures accountability, and protects access to essential services for individuals with developmental disabilities.  We want to see the following items in the bill:


  • Oversight & Transparency
    • Require AHCCCS to notify the Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) of any proposed changes to the 1115 Medicaid waiver. This ensures the Legislature has visibility into program changes and can act when necessary.


  • 40-Hour Cap for PPCG
    • Limit PPCG providers to a 40-hour weekly cap per child, effective July 1, 2025.
      Total hours must remain based on the child’s assessed needs and cannot exceed the authorized care plan.


  • Data & Reporting Requirements
    • Require quarterly reports from AHCCCS and DDD beginning July 1, 2025, including:
      • Number of PPCG participants
      • Authorized vs. utilized hours
      • EVV data on delivery by provider type (PPCG vs. non-PPCG)
      • Require annual reports on vendor call fulfillment, hospitalization rates, and incident reporting across the DDD system.


  • Responsible Funding Source
    • The supplemental should not draw from other vulnerable groups or critical services. The proposed use of the Prescription Drug Rebate Fund and general fund authority is a responsible approach that avoids further harm.


This is a thoughtful compromise supported by families, providers, and bipartisan legislators. Please urge [Senator/Representative Last Name] to support a clean supplemental bill with these protections.


Thank you for your time and for supporting Arizona’s disability community. 


End of call


If you only have time for 3 Phone Calls - Call your 3 District Legislators 


HOW TO FIND YOUR DISTRICT AND LEGISLATORS: 

  1. Click Link: https://www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator/
  2. Under instruction 2.1 select “Click Here” to find your legislative district
  3. Enter your street address, identify which district number you live in
  4. Return to https://www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator/ and select “Click Here” on number 3 
  5. You will be taken to the “Arizona State Legislature Member Roster.” You will want to locate  your specific legislators by identifying them through their district number. Each of us should have 2 House of Representative members and at least one Senate member. You will want to reach out to all of them.


If you only have time for 6 Calls - Call these Legislators 

  1. Senator Mark Finchem - 602-926-3631
  2. Senator John Kavanagh - 602-926-5170
  3. Senator Warren Petersen - 602-926-4136
  4. Representative Selina Bliss - 602-926-4018
  5. Representative Steve Montenegro - 602-926-3635
  6. Representative Julie Willoughby - 602-926-4153


If you only have time for 13 Calls - Call these Legislators 

  1. Senator Mark Finchem - 602-926-3631
  2. Senator Jake Hoffman - 602-926-3292
  3. Senator Dave Farnsworth - 602-926-3387
  4. Senator John Kavanagh - 602-926-5170
  5. Senator Janae Shamp - 602-926-3499
  6. Senator T.J. Shope - 602-926-3012
  7. Senator Warren Petersen - 602-926-4136
  8. Representative Walt Blackman - 602-926-3244
  9. Representative Selina Bliss - 602-926-4018
  10. Representative Matt Gress - 602-926-4105
  11. Representative Steve Montenegro - 602-926-3635
  12. Representative David Livingston - 602-926-4178
  13. Representative Julie Willoughby - 602-926-4153


If you have time - Call all Legislators in the House and Senate, and then call all Democrats in the House and Senate. 


Senate Roster - https://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster/?body=S#

House Rooster - https://www.azleg.gov/MemberRoster/?body=H#

Volunteer for Recalls

There are 4 recall petitions for legislators happening at the same time and we are asking for help. If you'd like to volunteer, please fill out this form. Your info will be forwarded to organizers and will not be used for any purpose other than the recall efforts. 

Volunteer for recalls

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