Call to Action - Arizona Budget Negotiations
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Make Your Voice Heard
Legislative budget negotiations are happening right now—behind closed doors—and some lawmakers are still trying to insert harmful restrictions into the DDD budget.
We’ve fought hard this year to protect the services our loved ones depend on, but we cannot let up now. This is a critical moment, and your voice is needed more than ever. Lawmakers must hear from the families, providers, and self-advocates directly impacted. They must understand that we’re paying attention—and we expect a community-informed budget that protects care without turning people with disabilities into political pawns.
What’s included below:
We’ve created simple email templates for different groups in our community to use. Whether you’re a caregiver, DDD member, provider agency, concerned voter, or supportive friend or family member—you’ll find a version below that fits your voice and experience.
Next Steps:
Please copy and paste the email template that best applies to you, add your personal touches, and send it to your legislators today.
Last Step:
Personally ask 4–5 friends, family members, or coworkers to send an email too. Share what’s happening, explain why it matters to you, and invite them to join this call to action. When lawmakers see that their entire community is paying attention, it makes a difference.
Choose one meaningful event to share with legislators that shows why DDD services have mattered for you and/or your family. If you are comfortable, include a picture of your DDD member and/or your family.
- Was it the therapy that helped your child take their first step?
- The care that kept them out of the hospital?
- The provider who finally understood how to connect with them?
Email YOUR Legislators:
Follow these 3 quick steps to find and contact them:
- Go to https://www.azleg.gov/findmylegislator/
- Click the link under Step 2.1: “Click Here to find your legislative district”
- Enter your home address and it will show you your district number
- Go back and click “Click Here” under Step 3 to view your House and Senate members
- Each person has 1 Senator and 2 House Representatives
- Click on their names to find their email and phone number
Reminder: Personalized and individual emails to legislators are the most effective. However, if you're short on time, feel free to BCC the full group lists above to ensure your voice is still heard.
TEMPLATE #1 – From a DDD Caregiver
Subject: Protect My Child’s Care – Support DDD Funding
Dear [Legislator's Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am the primary caregiver for my [son/daughter/loved one] who relies on services through Arizona’s Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
As budget negotiations are happening right now behind closed doors, I am reaching out to urge you to prioritize full funding for DDD—without political restrictions or policy riders that put families like mine at risk. We cannot afford half-measures or power grabs when lives are on the line.
Let me share just one moment that shows what’s at stake:
[Insert personal story: e.g., “When my child finally took their first independent step after months of therapy, I cried—because that progress was made possible through the DDD system.”]
Without consistent services—like therapy, respite, habilitation, and caregiving support—our family would face burnout, regression, or hospitalization.
We are watching this budget process closely. Please do your part to ensure that DDD funding remains whole and free of harmful restrictions. Stand up for the families in your district who are counting on you.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your City, Optional Legislative District]
[Your Contact Info]
TEMPLATE #2 – From a DDD Member
Subject: My Services Matter – Please Support the Community Compromise
Dear [Legislator's Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am a person with a developmental disability who receives support through Arizona’s DDD system. I’m writing to ask that you support DDD funding in the state budget this year—without adding new limits over my care.
These services help me live, learn, and participate in my community. They are not extras—they are how I survive.
Please make sure people like me are included in your decisions. I am watching what happens with this budget. Please stand up for your disabled constituents.
Thank you,
[Your Full Name]
[City / Optional District]
TEMPLATE #3 – From a Family Member or Friend, or Community Member
Subject: I Stand with DDD Families
Dear [Legislator's Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I am writing as someone who deeply loves and supports a person with developmental disabilities who receives DDD services in Arizona.
As the legislature negotiates the annual budget, I am urging you to fully fund the DDD system without adding harmful provisions that could restrict care access for families.
I’ve seen firsthand how life-changing these services are:
[Insert story: “My nephew has flourished thanks to consistent habilitation hours and a caregiver who truly understands his needs.”]
Please don’t let this year’s budget harm the most vulnerable in our state. The stakes are too high.
Thank you for doing the right thing.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City]
TEMPLATE 4 – From a Community Ally / Concerned Voter
Dear [Legislator's Name],
I am writing as an Arizona resident and voter who is deeply concerned about the future of services for people with developmental disabilities.
As budget negotiations take place, I urge you to fully fund the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) without inserting policy restrictions that undermine care.
This isn’t about politics—it’s about protecting people. Thousands of Arizonans depend on these programs to stay safe, supported, and at home.
Please make this a budget that reflects compassion and common sense.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your City]
TEMPLATE 5 – From a Provider Agency
Dear [Legislator's Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I represent [Agency Name], a provider agency that delivers critical services to DDD members across Arizona.
We are reaching out to urge you to ensure that the annual budget includes full funding for DDD without restrictive or political language that makes service delivery harder. Arizona’s provider network is already under strain from staffing shortages, low reimbursement rates, and increased administrative burdens.
We cannot afford more uncertainty. Our agency serves [#] individuals and employs [#] staff who are directly impacted by this funding. If additional hurdles are added or funding is compromised, the stability of the system will be at risk.
Please do right by Arizona’s most vulnerable residents and the providers who serve them.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Agency Name]
[Your Contact Info]