Arizona House Bill HB2654

Arizona 2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/7/23

Caption

Appropriation; older individuals; blind

Impact

By allocating these funds, HB 2654 is set to have a significant impact on state laws concerning social services. The additional funding signifies the state's commitment to assist older individuals who are blind, enhancing support mechanisms that could lead to improved quality of life for these individuals. Such funding could also facilitate better access to resources, support services, and specialized programs tailored to meet their unique needs.

Summary

House Bill 2654 is focused on appropriating financial resources for the benefit of older individuals who are blind. Specifically, the bill earmarks $1,000,000 from the state general fund for the fiscal year 2023-2024 to the Arizona Department of Economic Security. This funding is designated for the ongoing support of programs assisting older blind individuals, with the intent that the funding will continue into subsequent years. The bill aims to bolster financial and service provisions for a vulnerable community demographic.

Contention

While the bill appears to address an important need in the community, there may be discussions among lawmakers regarding the sufficiency of the proposed funding and the long-term sustainability of such financial appropriations. Some legislators may express concerns about the overall fiscal impact on the state budget, particularly in light of competing priorities for funding across different social programs. The bill faces scrutiny on whether $1,000,000 is adequate to meet the growing needs of the population it aims to serve.