Senator Kelly’s Visit to Cochise County
Arizona Senator Mark Kelly, a Naval Combat veteran, spent yesterday in Cochise County, where he engaged with local business leaders and first responders during his visit to Fort Huachuca and Sierra Vista. He held a town hall meeting at the Chiricahua Community Health Center, during which he addressed concerns regarding Trump and Republican-led initiatives, particularly around Medicaid and food aid programs.
At the town hall, Kelly listened to patients, healthcare professionals, and community members. One resident, Tara, shared her experience as a single mother relying on Medicaid and SNAP, stating, “I am deeply concerned about the proposed reductions in Medicaid, SNAP, and related programs. I know firsthand that they don’t just help families. They are often the only path to stability.” It’s a sentiment that resonates with many, I think.
Stephanie, who works at the local library in Huachuca City, spoke about their partnership with Tucson Food Bank. She mentioned they recently launched a summer kit program to provide snacks for low-income children. “We just started our summer kit program on Tuesday and have already seen a lot of people coming in because they can’t afford a snack for the kids,” she said. “For many of these kids, school lunches are the only decent meals they get.” That really hits home, doesn’t it?
Earlier that day, Kelly met with military personnel and leadership at Fort Huachuca to discuss the base’s critical role in national security and voiced concerns about proposed staffing reductions in various commands. It’s a complex situation, and the implications are significant.
In a meeting with local business leaders and officials in the Sky Island region, Kelly shared updates on his efforts in Washington to safeguard Arizona’s economy and healthcare system, specifically highlighting the potential fallout from the Medicaid cuts suggested in the Trump administration’s budget plan.
To wrap up his day, he stopped by Fry’s fire station to connect with local firefighters, serve coffee, and listen to the challenges they face, including staffing and wildfire preparedness. Notably, a cardiac monitor funded by federal resources is now being used directly by firefighter teams on-site.
Throughout his visit, Kelly reiterated his dedication to supporting Arizonans. He emphasized protecting essential missions at Fort Huachuca, defending healthcare access, and advocating for local first responders who work tirelessly for their communities.
