by Staff Reporter | Oct 3, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Republican lawmakers pushed for reforms to the state’s disability assessment policies before they took effect this week.
House Majority Whip Julie Willoughby and State Senator Janae Shamp issued a press release on Tuesday raising concerns about the reasonableness and evidence basis for the latest assessment policies from the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) and Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
Per Willoughby and Shamp, coalitions of parents, advocates, and direct care workers reported having little opportunity for meaningful discussion or improvement regarding the new assessment policies, which they described as “extreme and unsustainable.”
Stakeholders allege the new assessment model from DES and AHCCCS will cause bigger burdens for everyone across the board: families, health care providers, and the state. As one example, they argue against the shift of habilitation services to an age basis instead of a skill basis, citing the long-term costs and setbacks from late intervention.
“Lives are at stake, and we must act now to ensure our disability support system functions for the best possible outcomes,” said Shamp.
The main source of contention concerns rollbacks to a program that paid families to be caregivers to their own children with special needs, the Parents as Paid Caregiver (PPCG) service model. Under the policy changes, children under 10 years old won’t qualify for state-backed attendant care. The changes also implement age limits on habilitation.
“We are urging DES and AHCCCS to pause these harmful changes and sit down with families and providers to develop an approach that works,” said Willoughby and Shamp in a joint statement. “Creating this tool is a huge responsibility, and we need people at the table who have real-life experiences and expertise to ensure the best possible outcomes for our people.”
DES and AHCCCS hosted two public forums earlier this month to review policy updates. Details, including the slideshow and a recording, of that meeting were posted online.
In a joint statement, DES and AHCCCS said the updates were made to address medical necessity and cost effectiveness concerns.
“AHCCCS revised its assessment tools and service policies in collaboration with Managed Care Organizations, providers and stakeholders. These updates are in response to conditions in the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) waiver approval and to comply with House Bill 2945, which was signed into law in April 2025, and provided the supplemental funding for DDD. Initial proposed policy and procedural revisions were open for public comment from May 9, 2025 through July 9, 2025.
As a part of the policy changes, AHCCCS also updated the assessment tools used to determine eligibility for medically necessary Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) for individuals under age 18 enrolled in Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS), which includes the Developmental Disabilities (DD) and the Elderly and Physically Disabled (EPD) programs. These tools now include standardized developmental milestone metrics to help case managers and support coordinators assess whether a child’s needs meet the definition of extraordinary care and should be further assessed for certain tasks/supports. This may include changes in the number of service hours children are approved to receive. The new assessment tool will take effect on October 1, 2025, and will be applied during each member’s regularly scheduled quarterly review thereafter.”
A spokeswoman for Governor Katie Hobbs said the policy changes were necessary to ensure the state funded appropriate treatments for children with special needs. Hobbs promised there would be alternatives beyond PPCG for families who relied on that service model.
“These changes were made to ensure services remain clinically appropriate for children while protecting the long-term viability of critical programs,” said Hobbs press secretary Liliana Soto. “We also recognize the need for additional support beyond these assessed services and our office, in collaboration with AHCCCS and DES, is actively exploring solutions to provide connections for families navigating these transitions.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Oct 1, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Arizona State Representative Walt Blackman, Chairman of the House Government Committee, urged Governor Hobbs to declare a State of Emergency in Gila County following catastrophic flooding. The flooding that began on Thursday, September 25, 2025, has already claimed at least three lives, with one still missing.
Hobbs waited days before declaring an emergency, finally declaring one on Saturday, September 27.
The floods have washed away vehicles, damaged historic buildings, and scattered hazardous debris, leaving the communities in a state of disaster.
Search and rescue operations, supported by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management, Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS), and cadaver dogs, continue across Globe and Gila County.
“The people of Gila County are facing a disaster that has taken lives, destroyed homes and businesses, and left our communities in crisis,” said Representative Blackman. “I am in constant contact with local and state officials and working around the clock to make sure families get the help they need. I urge Governor Hobbs to act immediately so state resources can be mobilized for rescue, recovery, and rebuilding.
He added, “Gila County residents need help now. I am calling on the Governor to issue this declaration without delay. Every hour counts when lives and property are at risk.”
The state’s emergency operation center is operating at level 1 with 24-hour staffing from 20 agencies and over 45 personnel.
Globe Mayor Al Gameros confirmed three deaths and one missing as of Monday, September 29, 2025.
“This morning (Sunday), we brought in an incident command team, type 3 team from the state, and they bring in so many resources,” said Mayor Gameros. “They bring in over 150 team members … We also have helicopters on standby.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Ethan Faverino | Sep 30, 2025 | News
By Ethan Faverino |
Congressman Andy Biggs (AZ-05) is the clear frontrunner in the Arizona Republican gubernatorial primary, leading businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson by a 24-point margin, according to an exclusive Pulse Decision Science poll.
The survey conducted September 8-10, 2025, among 502 likely Republican primary voters, shows Biggs commanding 55% of the vote compared to Robson’s 31%, with 14% of voters undecided.
The poll highlights Biggs’ strong position as he and Robson look to challenge incumbent Governor Katie Hobbs in the 2026 general election.
If Rep. David Schweikert (AZ-01) were to enter the race, the survey indicates he would place third with just 11% of the vote, while Biggs maintains a 22-point lead over Robson, in a three-way contest, getting 48% to Robson’s 26% and Schweikert’s 11% with 15% undecided.
In a head-to-head matchup, if Robson dropped out of the race, Biggs would still be on top with 61% to Schweikert’s 23%.
“Congressman Andy Biggs enters August as the clear favorite in the GOP Primary Election and stands well-positioned as the strongest candidate to defeat Katie Hobbs in November 2026,” said Drew Sexton, a spokesperson for Biggs. “He’s the only candidate to be endorsed by President Donald J. Trump and Charlie Kirk, the only candidate with an impeccable conservative voting record, and the only candidate with the governing experience at the state and federal level to provide strong leadership for Arizona from Day One.”
Biggs’ campaign is further booming, with Turning Point USA’s PAC investing around $500,000 in his favor, as announced back in June.
Rep. Eli Crane (AZ-02) noted that Biggs can effectively spread conservative messages without creating enemies.
“I don’t know if you’ve ever spent much time with Biggs. But unlike a lot of America First fire-breathers that fire up the crowd, Biggs is kind of a happy warrior,” said Crane. “He’s got friends everywhere, and it’s not to say that there are some people that you know are in opposition to him, but he doesn’t pick personal fights with people. He keeps everything professional.”
Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link.
by Staff Reporter | Sep 30, 2025 | News
By Staff Reporter |
Governor Katie Hobbs has rejected the Federal Drug Administration’s restrictions on the new COVID-19 vaccine.
The FDA limited administration of the 2025-26 formula for the COVID-19 vaccine to individuals 65 and older. However, last week, Hobbs issued an executive order expanding access to anyone over the age of six months old.
The governor claimed she issued the executive order to ensure Arizonans’ health and safety.
In explanations of its August announcement to the media, the FDA explained it recommended limitations on the newest vaccine formula in order to address safety and efficacy concerns.
“The American people demanded science, safety, and common sense,” said Secretary Robert Kennedy. “This framework delivers all three.”
In a May report, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary and FDA Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Director Vinay Prasad recommended randomized clinical trials to prove the vaccines’ safety and efficacy.
The FDA did recommend allowing immunization to those as young as six months on the condition that they have “at least one underlying condition” rendering them “at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19.”
The CDC defines these underlying conditions to include: Asthma; cancers; cerebrovascular disease; chronic kidney disease; chronic lung diseases limited to bronchiectasis, COPD, interstitial lung disease, pulmonary embolism, pulmonary hypertension; chronic liver diseases limited to cirrhosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, autoimmune hepatitis; cystic fibrosis; diabetes; heart conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies; HIV; mental health conditions limited to mood disorders including depression and schizophrenia spectrum disorders; neurologic conditions limited to dementia and Parkinson’s disease; obesity; physical inactivity; pregnancy; primary immunodeficiencies; smoking, current and former; solid organ or blood stem cell transplantation; tuberculosis; use of corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medications; epilepsy; hemophilia; sickle cell disease; and substance use disorder.
Despite the conflict with FDA recommendations, the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) teamed up with Hobbs to expand eligibility to those as young as six months in Arizona.
ADHS determined outside FDA recommendations that the the Moderna Spikevax is appropriate for children aged six months to 11 years, the Pfizer BioNTech (Comirnaty) is appropriate for children aged five to 11 years, and the Moderna (Spikevax), Novavax (Nuvaxovid), and Moderna (mNEXSPIKE) are appropriate for children 12 years and older.
Dr. Richard Carmona, ADHS Public Health Medical Advisor and former U.S. Surgeon General, indicated the 2025-26 formulation was as safe and effective as prior formulations.
“Vaccines are one of the most important tools we have to protect our communities,” said Carmona. “The COVID-19 vaccine has proven to be safe and effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Vaccines help us limit the spread of disease and reduce pressure on our healthcare system.”
ADHS interim director Sheila Sjolander called the updated FDA recommendations a “confusion” that the governor and ADHS clarified.
“We understand the federal changes have caused confusion about eligibility for vaccination,” said Sjolander. “We are committed to keeping the public updated on our recommendations throughout this respiratory season. ADHS has updated our website with the latest information on what the standing order means for Arizonans.”
AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link.
by Matthew Holloway | Sep 28, 2025 | Education, News
By Matthew Holloway |
Governor Katie Hobbs has sparked controversy by appointing James “Jimmy” McCain, son of the late Senator John McCain, to the Arizona Board of Regents.
The decision raised eyebrows due to McCain’s opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, the Arizona GOP’s censure of the late senator, and James McCain’s role at Hensley Beverage Company, a key sponsor of Hobbs’ inaugural committee.
“Jimmy McCain is a veteran, a businessman, and native Arizonan who is passionate about connecting every Arizona community to the education they need to thrive,” Hobbs said in a statement about the McCain-Hensley family heir.
“His long track record of public service and knowledge of the unique challenges and opportunities of northern Arizona make him well-positioned to advocate for the students of the region,” she added. “With his deep Arizona roots and passion for serving the people of our state, I know he will be a tireless advocate for northern Arizona. I look forward to seeing Jimmy deliver for our students, universities and communities while serving on the Board of Regents.”
Absent from the Governor’s remarks were any references to the $10,000 donated to her inauguration fund from Hensley Beverage Company, as reported by the Arizona Republic in 2023.
“I am deeply honored that Governor Hobbs has entrusted me with the opportunity to serve on the Arizona Board of Regents,” said Jimmy McCain. “As the Regent representing northern Arizona, I am excited to help strengthen higher education across our state and ensure that students from every background, especially those in our Tribal and rural communities, have access to the educational tools they need to succeed. Arizona’s public universities are the economic engine of our state, and I look forward to working with my fellow Regents, President Cruz Rivera, President Crow, and President Garimella, to advance our collective mission.”
According to the Daily Courier, McCain, like his father before him, opposes President Donald Trump and the MAGA Republican movement, and departed the Republican Party in 2016 after Trump’s first electoral win. After registering as an independent for eight years, he changed parties and became a Democrat in 2024, stating that he would vote for then-Vice President Kamala Harris.
Senator McCain’s widow, Ambassador Cindy Hensley-McCain, also endorsed former President Joe Biden in 2020 but told reporters she remains a registered Republican. She also remains Chairwoman of Hensley Beverage Company.
A press aide for Hobbs, Liliana Soto, told the Courier that McCain’s party change did not contribute to the Governor’s decision to appoint him. “Jimmy McCain has a strong track record of leadership, collaboration, and service,” Soto told reporters. She added that Hobbs believes he is, “committed to keeping Arizona’s universities affordable and innovative.”
Hobbs’ first pick for the Board of Regents, Liz Archuleta, was not given a hearing by the Republican-led state Senate.
Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com.
