Dear STARS Stakeholders and Community,
I want to take a moment to personally update you on the current legislative landscape that directly affects our programs, our members, and our shared peace of mind.
As you may have heard, Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) is facing a historic funding shortfall of $122 million. Without immediate supplemental funding, providers like STARS could begin experiencing delays in state payments as early as mid-May, threatening our ability to maintain critical services.
Much of this funding gap has been tied to increased costs from the Parents as Paid Caregivers (PPCG) program—a well-intentioned policy that grew significantly in cost without adequate fiscal planning. While the intent was to support families, the resulting strain on the broader DDD budget has left providers statewide in an incredibly vulnerable position.
On April 3rd, I sat in on a legislative hearing that was both illuminating and frustrating. While many lawmakers expressed sincere concern for the sustainability of our services, it was disheartening to witness a deep disconnect between political narratives and the lived realities of families and providers. Even legislators with personal connections to the disability community voiced opposition to supplemental funding—an indication of how politicized this issue has become.
The Good news:
There is now a proposed bill, HB 2945, which would provide the full $122 million in supplemental funding, drawn from alternative sources like the AZ Competes Fund and Housing Trust Fund. However, the bill also includes significant reforms that may complicate its passage, including reduced PPCG hours and new legislative oversight of AHCCCS.
At STARS, we are closely monitoring every development. Our leadership team is actively engaged in conversations with partner organizations, legislators, and families to ensure your voices are heard and our programs remain stable.
I also want to thank all of you who have advocated during this time—whether by attending rallies, sharing your stories, or reaching out to elected officials. Your voice matters. And in moments like this, collective advocacy is the most powerful tool we have.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or if you’d like support in contacting your representatives. We’ll continue to keep you informed as this situation evolves.
With appreciation and resolve,
Claudia Chavez, STARS Executive Director
