Gallego Makes First Official Visit to Graham, Greenlee Counties

GRAHAM COUNTY, Ariz. — This week, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) made his first official visit to Graham and Greenlee counties, meeting with the people who keep these rural communities moving and hearing firsthand what they need to continue building a strong future. “Rural Arizona is not an afterthought,” said Senator Gallego . “These communities are the backbone of our state. The people here are working hard, raising families and building the future of Arizona. Our job is to make sure they have the infrastructure, education, health care and economic opportunities they need to succeed right here at home.” Supporting Arizona’s ranchers and farmers Gallego began his visit with the Graham County Farm Bureau , where he met with local ranchers and agricultural leaders about the challenges facing the region’s farming and ranching communities. They discussed rising costs driven by tariffs and fuel prices, water shortages and the growing population of the Mexican gray wolf—all issues that can have a direct impact on families whose livelihoods depend on the land. “Western states are surrounded largely by federal land,” said Senator Gallego. “What we need to do as elected officials is make sure we’re advocating for our local communities and making sure our federal lands aren’t a hindrance to them. We need to find ways to responsibly reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens so ranchers, farmers and businesses that rely on agriculture in Southern Arizona can thrive.” Creating opportunities close to home At Eastern Arizona College , Gallego met with students and faculty as the new semester began and highlighted the college’s career and technical education programs. Gallego emphasized the importance of giving young people a reason to stay, return and raise their families in rural Arizona. “We’re focused on making sure that people can live, grow and really live their American dream where they want to,” said Senator Gallego . “They shouldn’t have to travel to Maricopa County, Pima County or New Mexico to find opportunity. They should be able to build a good life right here at home. That’s why investing in education and community colleges is so important.” Protecting rural health care Gallego also visited Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center , where he met with hospital leadership and toured the facility. Gallego highlighted the Protecting Health Care and Lowering Costs Act , legislation he sponsored to reverse health care cuts included in the Trump administration’s “Big Beautiful Bill” that he said could put additional pressure on rural hospitals and the patients who depend on them. “Medicaid and other insurance programs are very important to keeping rural hospitals open,” Gallego said . “If you don’t have a rural hospital nearby, people can be forced to drive two or three hours each way just to see a doctor. That’s time away from work and family, and it’s money out of people’s pockets. Some people will skip appointments altogether, and that can turn a manageable health problem into a serious one. Protecting rural health care has to be a priority.” Protecting the communities that protect us Gallego also toured the Safford Fire Department and met with Greenlee County officials for a forest tour, discussing the growing strain on volunteer firefighters and the need for better forest management. As extreme heat, dry conditions and increasingly unpredictable monsoon seasons increase the risk of wildfire, Gallego emphasized the need to invest in forest management and give rural communities the resources they need to protect themselves. Investing in the industries that power Arizona In Greenlee County, Gallego toured the Freeport-McMoRan mine in Morenci, one of the region’s largest economic engines and a major source of jobs and economic activity. Honoring those who gave everything Gallego’s visit ended with a visit to Morenci High School to paytribute to the Morenci Nine , nine young men who grew up together in Morenci, enlisted in the Marines and served during the Vietnam War, of which only six came home. “These memorials do matter,” said Senator Gallego . “They’re not just for the dead. They matter for the living—for us to remember the sacrifice they made and what it means to families, because they carry it forever.” “My mom will carry her fear forever. Certainly, the widows of the brothers and fathers killed will carry it forever. It’s a good reminder of what happens when we go to war. We love them, and we honor them for their faithful service.”