State leaders visit AWC for town hall
Adrik Vargas
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – State leaders representing Yuma County came together Tuesday for a public town hall at Arizona Western College (AWC).
From the state budget to local needs, the event gave residents a chance to hear directly from their representatives. Lawmakers from both parties shared accomplishments from the last legislative session and answered questions from the audience.
Education was a major topic, with lawmakers highlighting the value that community colleges like AWC bring to the community.
State Representative Nick Kupper (R) said, “If you look at the outcomes of the students, you’re getting higher outcomes per dollar spent at the college than you are for your universities right now.”
The town hall also offered a look ahead at what legislators hope to focus on in the next session, including prison funding and sentencing laws.
State Representative Brian Fernandez (D) said, “If you get arrested for a serious crime in most places, you might serve five, 10, 15 years. In Arizona, you serve your entire life. You just kind of stay there.”
Lawmakers weren’t just talking about the issues, they also shared ideas for solutions.
Fernandez added, “I would like to see elderly people put in a facility. So, that health care be delivered there directly. We can get Medicare, Medicaid money, and then we can use that savings on education.”
The town hall served as a chance for lawmakers to work together and hear from the community they serve.
Kupper said, “It’s very important to make sure you know who you’re representing. You don’t just represent one party, you don’t just represent one city. You represent the entire district.”