![Michelle Altherr and Michael Carbone attends a forum at Palo Verde Energy Education Center June 13, 2024. [Brian Petersheim Jr.]](https://inbuckeye.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/PJ_9743-1024x683.jpg)
Arizona House Majority Leader Michael Carbone, a Buckeye Republican, issued a statement today criticizing Governor Katie Hobbs for incompetence after recent budget shortfalls and resignations.
Carbone’s press release comes after Hobbs’ picks for the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System director and the Arizona Department of Health Services director resigned today.
Hobbs defended both members in a release, stating that their resignations were because the Republican-controlled Senate Majority would refuse to confirm their nominations.
Carbone disagreed, citing simple incompetence.
“Governor Hobbs continues to demonstrate that she is simply not up to the job of governing this state,” Carbone said, in the statement. “From agency scandals to budget shortfalls to revolving-door leadership, the common thread is a lack of basic competence and accountability at the top. The people of Arizona deserve better than an executive who deflects blame instead of solving problems. Until she takes her responsibilities seriously, this dysfunction will continue.”
In January, lawmakers and members of the House Appropriations Committee reviewed additional funding requests for agencies related to developmental disabilities and child safety. Republicans discovered that Hobbs’ administration overspent approximately $100 million for the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD), an agency for which she had initially requested an additional $100 million for, but was denied, according to reports.
Hobbs’ chief budget officer resigned in late January, weeks into the annual budget process.
Reclaim Our Arizona Representation, a recently formed political action committee focusing on the plight of disabled people, claimed Carbone is one of four lawmakers who've harmed DDD funding.
ROAR initiated a recent recall petition, which offers this rationale:
“Rep. Carbone supported harmful legislation and refused to fund DDD, putting vital services at risk. Rep. Carbone ignored his district’s pleas for dialogue, leaving families in crisis. Leaders must serve everyone. This recall demands accountability and compassion. Representative Michael Carbone has failed District 25.”
ROAR additionally claims on its website that Carbone was added to a House committee just minutes before an April 15 vote on funding for developmental disabilities, specifically to block the amendment as it was presented.
Carbone previously told InBuckeye his efforts helped put Arizona's Development Disabilities program on better footing.
“Republicans stood with families to protect vital services and secure real accountability," he said. "Arizona’s Developmental Disabilities program is now stronger, more stable, and better equipped to serve those who rely on it. This was the right outcome for the families who needed it, and we’re proud to have delivered it.”
Last year, eight recalls were initiated, with none making a ballot, according to Ballotpedia.
Republicans overwhelmingly won Arizona's Legislative District 25 in November.
Carbone and Nick Kupper, both Republicans, defeated William Olear, a Democrat, in the general election for District 25 on Nov. 5.
![State Representative Michael Carbone speaking with attendees at a water symposium at the El Chorro Lodge in Paradise Valley, Arizona. [Gage Skidmore]](https://inbuckeye.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/52557922854_79072fe9d0_c-768x512.jpg)
One Response
Reclaim Our Arizona Representation, a recently formed political action committee focusing on the plight of disabled people, claimed Carbone is one of four lawmakers who’ve harmed DDD funding.
ROAR initiated a recent recall petition, which offers this rationale:
“Rep. Carbone supported harmful legislation and refused to fund DDD, putting vital services at risk. Rep. Carbone ignored his district’s pleas for dialogue, leaving families in crisis. Leaders must serve everyone. This recall demands accountability and compassion. Representative Michael Carbone has failed District 25.”
Carbone, resigning after reading THIS, was not a bad move on YOUR PART. Instead of doing the REPUBLICAN thing by projecting onto others & failing to take OWNERSHIP of your bs.. against disabled people no less?!
Stop blaming others& take the ownership upon YOURSELF like an adult. Remember as well, in a swing state, Governor Hobbs has plenty of people like YOURSELF.