Senate committee backs $1 million request for services serving older Arizonans who are blind

The Arizona Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Jan. 29 gave SB 1130 a due-pass recommendation to appropriate $1,000,000 from the state general fund in fiscal 2026 to the Department of Economic Security for the Older Individuals Who Are Blind program.

Advocates told the committee the funding would clear a substantial waiting list for rehabilitation and independent-living training that helps seniors who lose vision remain independent. Jordan Moon, legislative director of the National Federation of the Blind of Arizona, said Arizona has about 178,000 people who are blind or have low vision and that more than 40% are older than 65. “We are asking for a one-time appropriation because what this will do is eliminate the over 200 blind seniors who are on the waiting list,” Moon said.

The bill’s proponents said services include mobility training with the white cane, low-vision technology instruction and Braille. Multiple Arizonans who identified themselves as program participants described long delays to receive training and the consequences for daily living. Christine Sorp said she waited two years to begin mobility training after losing her sight and that the program has been a “lifeline.” Danny Roberts, a former mining-industry worker, said training allowed him to use a cane and an iPhone again. Linda Holman, who volunteers with senior resources in Sun City, said trained seniors are able to resume household tasks and trips to the store.

A Department of Economic Security representative was listed as available if needed but did not provide additional details in committee testimony. Vice Chair (mover) put the motion for SB 1130 with a due-pass recommendation; the committee roll call recorded 6 ayes, 0 noes and 1 not voting, and the committee issued a due-pass recommendation.

Why it matters: supporters told the committee the appropriation is intended to reduce preventable institutionalization, restore independence and avoid downstream costs that arise when seniors lose daily-living skills. The bill does not change eligibility criteria or program design; it would provide a one-time increase in funding to serve people already described as on the program waiting list.

Committee action and next steps: committee members moved SB 1130 with a due-pass recommendation. The committee vote tally was recorded as 6 ayes, 0 noes and 1 not voting; the measure will proceed through the legislative process and, if enacted, would require inclusion in the broader budget for the fiscal year noted in the appropriation.

Voices from the room: program participants emphasized practical outcomes — learning to cross streets, use phones and cook — and asked the committee to approve funding to shorten wait times and address an alleged long-term lack of increases since 2009. The committee did not amend the bill during the hearing.

Ending: SB 1130 advanced from committee with a due-pass recommendation; supporters asked lawmakers to press for the appropriation in upcoming budget negotiations.