Committee recommends Michael Weishardt to lead Arizona Department of Economic Security after confirmation hearing

The Arizona Senate Committee on Director Nominations voted to recommend Michael David Weishardt for confirmation as director of the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) following a confirmation hearing in which members pressed him on program funding, fiscal controls and administrative details.

Committee Chair Jay Kaufman, speaking at the hearing, said the committee is “committed to a thorough review of nominations pursuant to the statutorily required check on executive authority under ARS 38‑2‑11,” and described confirmation as a check on executive appointment power. The committee voted 5‑0 to send the nomination to the full Senate.

Weishardt, who told the panel he has decades of experience in Arizona state government and previously led DES, described his management approach as measurement‑driven and focused on outcomes. “Ensuring the responsible and efficient use of taxpayer funds will continue to be a priority for me,” Weishardt said during his opening remarks. He described the agency’s mission as helping individuals toward self‑sufficiency and emphasized using data and “metric scorecards” to guide decisions.

Members questioned Weishardt on a range of operational and policy issues. On the developmental‑disabilities division, lawmakers pressed him about a recent fiscal shortfall tied to the Parents as Paid Caregivers (PPCG) program. A committee member said the governor requested about $339,000,000 in supplemental appropriations and that roughly $57,000,000 of the shortfall was attributed to PPCG, which the member said had driven more than an 11% increase in capitation rates year over year. Weishardt said he has spent the last several weeks examining the matter, has begun public forums and stakeholder talks, and committed to “deep and soul‑searching conversations” with providers, the governor’s office, federal partners and the legislature to “right‑size and modernize” the program while avoiding abrupt cuts that would harm vulnerable clients.

Senator Hatafley provided public testimony during the hearing highlighting long‑running problems with pandemic unemployment assistance (PUA) overpayment notices. Hatafley said hundreds of constituents received automated federal overpayment/fraud notices during 2020–2023 and described cases in which recipients received large alleged overpayments through an online portal without direct mailed notice. “My purpose here today is I want to correct this wrong,” Hatafley said, urging remedies for affected residents. Weishardt acknowledged the issue and the need for follow‑up and said DES has been holding meetings with the U.S. Department of Labor and others to understand waiver windows and prior practices.

Other topics raised with Weishardt included childcare policy and access, SNAP and nutrition policy, unemployment insurance modernization, use of technology including AI to improve service delivery and detect fraud, and a contracted position supporting veterans. On childcare, Weishardt said early childhood quality and access are priorities because they support future educational and workforce outcomes and keep parents in the labor force. On unemployment insurance, he said DES plans to roll out a modernized eligibility system to reduce delays and bureaucracy.

Members asked about a contractor currently working as a director of an Office of Veterans and Military Family Affairs role. Weishardt said the contractor (Lieutenant Colonel Almond) was engaged under a state contract to connect veterans with federal and state benefits; he estimated the contract “roughly in the $70,000 area” and agreed to provide the committee the contract documents and any related staffing details after the hearing.

Committee members repeatedly pressed Weishardt on preventing future unauthorized expenditures and respecting the legislature’s power of the purse. Weishardt said he is committed to transparency, regular communication with lawmakers and tighter internal controls, and he promised to brief legislative leadership as his plans develop.

The committee’s motion to recommend confirmation was made by the vice chair and the roll call recorded five ayes and no nays. Committee members who are recorded voting in favor during the roll call included Senators Flavio Bravo (aye), John Kavanaugh (aye), the nominee’s questioner Senator Ortiz (aye), Senator Schoep (aye) and Senator Hoffman (aye). The committee chair announced the recommendation will go to the full Senate for final confirmation.

Weishardt told the committee he plans to focus on preventing fraud, improving accessibility for rural and disabled Arizonans, using technology and private‑sector partnerships where appropriate, and ensuring DES programs produce employment outcomes for clients. He also emphasized maintaining “guardrails of the law” when implementing directives from elected officials.

The committee adjourned after approving its rules for the session by unanimous consent.

Votes and formal action from the hearing are recorded in the committee’s minutes and were transmitted to the full Senate for consideration.