ICYMI: Senator Gallego Brings Fight for Arizona’s Future to Southern Arizona, Hears Directly from Nogales Constituents

Senator Gallego Discusses Arizona’s Water Future at Southern Arizona Water Summit, Opens New Tucson Office ARIZONA — This weekend, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) traveled to Southern Arizona, to hear directly from residents and discuss some of the issues that matter most to Arizona families—from protecting the state’s water supply to expanding access to health care and lowering the cost of living. On Friday, Senator Gallego joined a panel at the Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber Arizona Water Summit to take part in a moderated discussion on the future of water in Arizona. The Senator was joined by U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva, Arizona Department of Water Resources Director Tom Buschatzke, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, and Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Jennifer Allen. Gallego speaks in panel discussion at the Arizona Water Summit in Tucson, AZ “Eighty percent of the country’s fruits and vegetables come from Yuma,” said Senator Gallego. “The tech industry that is leading the future of this country with CHIPS manufacturing is happening in Arizona. It’s not happening in the Upper Basin. So, if the federal government is going to move forward with these cuts, then they also need to release funding for investments in water retention and conservation programs.  If you want people to live in the Southwest, then give us the investments we need.” See coverage: Arizona Daily Star: Gallego, Romero call for New Deal-style Colorado River project [Tony Davis] KGUN 9: Arizona Water Summit tackles state’s future as Colorado River cuts loom large [Jacqueline Aguilar] Following the summit, Gallego cut the ribbon on his new Tucson office , bringing Senate staff closer to the people they serve and creating a direct connection between Southern Arizona and Washington. The event was attended by elected officials, veterans, members of local tribal communities, and community leaders including Graham County Chamber of Commerce Board President Taylor Banks. Gallego officially opens his new office in Tucson, AZ Later in the day, Senator Gallego visited historic Paul Bond Boots , a local company that embodies the spirit of the Southwest. He toured the shop to see how its world-class footwear is made and met with employees who have helped build a family business passed down through generations for more than 70 years. The company has also played an important role in driving Nogales’ local economy. Click here for video recap of the visit. To close out the day, Senator Gallego hosted a town hall in Nogales , at the historic 1904 Santa Cruz County Courthouse, where he heard directly from constituents and answered questions about how he plans to protect Medicaid and Medicare in rural communities, lowering the cost of groceries and gas, and ensuring OB-GYNs have the support and resources they need to be accessible to the women they serve. Gallego hosts town hall in Nogales, AZ “We are going to have to use every piece of leverage to try to turn these recent cuts around,” said Senator Gallego . “There is no reason to cut Medicaid– other than it’s the biggest bucket of money Republicans could find, in order to justify cutting taxes for corporations. There is no reason why we can’t turn that around. Extending Affordable Care Act subsidies also really matters, especially for rural health care centers that smaller communities rely on.” See more coverage: KJZZ: Sen. Gallego says he wants more resources dedicated to ports of entry along Arizona-Mexico border [Alisa Reznick] Nogales International: Gallego tells Nogales he’ll fight for port staffing, rural clinics [Alessandra De Zubeldia] We Love Nogales: Photo Gallery of the event: United States Senator Ruben Gallego presents: Town Hall on the Frontera [Nogales, AZ]