The Arizona Globe is investigating $122M in mandatory funding shortfalls for the Division of Developmental Disability. Char Ugol, the parent who spurred HB2847, dubbed “Steven’s Law” and pushed for HB2042, “The Tamale Bill, notified the Globe that she has been unable to get any information from the Hobbs administration or the State Assembly. She stated that despite multiple attempts to reach out, including FOIA requests, she has yet to hear from anyone explaining why her son will not be able to receive funding guaranteed under the state law.

Ms. Ugol was a key impetus for the passage of Steven’s Law, which guaranteed that children with ASD (Autism spectrum disorder) would have access to quality services and lessened financial burdens on families and service providers. However, it appears that the $122M that was allocated may have been used for other purposes. Ms. Ugol stated that despite her best efforts to reach out to Gov. Hobbs’ office, she has been stonewalled.

The Globe sent information requests to several lawmakers last week, including Arizona Majority Whip Julie Willoughby (R-13), who is reportedly working on legislation to re-fund the program, Rep. Alex Kolodin (R-3) and Gov. Hobbs’ press relations department. To date, the only response the Globe has received is an email that reads, in part, “Thank you for contacting the office of Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs! This is an automated email confirming receipt of your inquiry.”

It is unclear why these funds appear to be misallocated. The Globe will follow up once more information becomes available.