As Trump visits Bullhead City, Senate Democrats Demand Relief for Families Struggling to Afford Basic Needs

PHOENIX –  The results are in: Prices rose again in September, and Arizona families are stretched even more thin. As President Donald Trump visits Bullhead City today, Arizona Senate Democrats are demanding answers from Arizona Republican politicians who continue celebrating an economy that is devastating too many Arizona families.

The war in Iran has driven gasoline prices higher, adding to inflation and costing US households an average of $2,000 so far. Now September’s report shows that rising costs extend beyond the gas pump, with housing and other everyday expenses also climbing. Working families are being forced to make harder choices about what they can afford and what they must go without.

“Republicans keep telling Arizonans how great the economy is. Great for whom?” said Senate Democratic Leader Priya Sundareshan. “Families cannot pay their bills with political spin. Trump promised to make life more affordable. Instead, Arizonans are struggling. Republican legislators lauded the “Big Beautiful Bill” that is causing their constituents fall further behind, they need to explain why they keep defending Trump’s agenda.”

The Atlantic reported today that many Arizonans, even those who voted for Trump hoping for lower costs, now rely on food banks to feed themselves. The Big Beautiful Bill caused over 450,000 residents, including nearly 196,000 children to lose federal food assistance as Arizona has implemented the required changes under Trump’s HR1, which have been supported by every Republican legislator here at home. 

“No parent should have to skip a meal so their child can eat. No child, veteran or senior should have to wonder how many days their groceries will last,” said Senate Democratic Assistant Leader Catherine Miranda. “These families are doing everything they can to get by. Telling them the economy is booming shows just how out of touch Republican politicians have become. Arizonans need relief, not another speech telling them they should feel better.”

Across the state, food banks are facing their greatest demand in a decade as more families are turning to emergency help to meet their basic needs.

“Arizonans deserve an economy that works for them—not one that forces families to make impossible choices between putting food on the table, filling their gas tanks, and keeping a roof over their heads,” said Senate Democratic Whip Rosanna Gabaldón. "We may disagree with the policy, but we should all agree that working families deserve a fair opportunity to get ahead. Arizona families need more than promises; they need practical solutions that bring down costs and make everyday life more affordable.”

“An economy should be judged by whether people can afford to live in it,” said Senate Democratic Caucus Chair Lela Alston. “Working hard should mean being able to keep a roof over your head, buy groceries and meet your family’s needs. Senate Democrats will keep fighting for an Arizona we can afford, because families deserve the opportunity to get ahead instead of constantly struggling to get by."