"U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, visited the University of Arizona campus on Tuesday, Sept. 23, to speak with young Democrats at the Student Union Memorial Center.
The visit gave students a chance to ask questions and hear his perspective on issues affecting young Arizonans, including the cost of education, housing affordability and immigration policy.
According to Gallego, economic pressures are affecting young people. “Middle-class families face challenges affording housing, transportation and higher education,” Gallego said. “And student loans remain a major concern.”
On housing, Gallego suggested selling federal buildings to develop affordable condos for first-time buyers under 40. “When you graduate, you could buy an affordable condo. You would own it and sell it to someone else under 40. It’s not a rental. That way you can start building wealth,” Gallego said.
Gallego also spoke about economic development in the region. According to Gallego, Tucson and southern Arizona have missed many job opportunities that the rest of the state has, and efforts are underway to reverse that trend. “We are trying to bring more jobs here and work with private industry and the university to create good paying jobs so people can stay if they want,” Gallego said."