ICYMI: In Phoenix, Kelly Hosts Affordability Roundtable, Joins ASU Worker Picket Line, and Accepts Worker Power Hero Award

Kelly heard from small business owners, food truck operators, and working families about how rising costs are squeezing them at every turn

Kelly also joined approximately 40 ASU food service workers on the picket line

Kelly was presented with the Worker Power Hero Award at the Worker Power Institute's annual gala

In case you missed it, Arizona Senator Mark Kelly joined Arizonans at an affordability roundtable hosted by "Gorditas La Sena," a family-run food truck in Phoenix, hear firsthand how rising costs-from food and fuel to housing, health care, and utilities-are squeezing Arizona small businesses and working families.

At the roundtable, Kelly heard from Clarisa Nevarez, a Phoenix food truck owner, who described how rising costs for ingredients and fuel are hurting her family-run business. Nevarez shared that the price of key ingredients like poblano peppers has doubled in recent weeks, forcing difficult decisions about whether to raise prices on customers or absorb the losses.

Kelly also heard from community advocates who shared that residents are struggling with soaring utility costs, including one Tucson resident who reported paying as much as $900 a month for electricity in a one-bedroom home during non-summer months, emphasizing the growing burden of energy costs in Arizona.

Kelly also heard from Christine, a breast cancer survivor who shared that her doctor urged her to consider surgery now because she may soon lose access to the medication she relies on. She shared that without treatment, her cancer could return, forcing her to make a deeply personal and urgent medical decision based not on health-but on the fear of losing insurance coverage.

Sen. Kelly speaks to small business owners at "Gorditas La Sena."

Kelly also joined ASU food service workers organized by UNITE HERE Local 11 on the picket line outside the Panda Express on ASU's Downtown Phoenix campus, where workers have reported dangerous indoor heat conditions and inadequate protections that led to a recent worker hospitalization. Kelly engaged directly with workers, listening to their stories and underscoring that no one should have to risk their health to do their job.

"Workers across Arizona are doing everything right and still struggling to keep up with rising costs. They deserve a voice at the table, a safe place to work, and fair pay. They also deserve an economy that works for them so they can not just get by, but get ahead," said Kelly. "That's why I'll continue fighting to lower costs and stand with workers in their demands of dignity and respect in the workplace."

Prior to joining, Kelly sent a letter to Aramark expressing concerns about these conditions and potential violations of labor law, calling on the company to stop its unfair labor practices and return to the bargaining table in good faith.

Kelly is also a cosponsor of the PRO Act, which would make unionization easier, give the NLRB stronger enforcement tools, and protect workers from employer retaliation and interference.

Sen. Kelly joins ASU food service workers at the picket line.

Kelly finished the day by accepting the Worker Power Hero Award at the Worker Power Institute's 3rd Annual Democracy and Justice Awards Gala, recognized for his leadership in supporting working families and strengthening labor protections.

Sen. Kelly accepts the Worker Power Hero Award at the Worker Power Institute's annual gala.

Kelly's selection reflects his work to lower costs for working families, including his introduction of the Cost of Living Emergency Act, his push to suspend the federal gas tax, and his Working Americans' Tax Cut Act, efforts that underscore his commitment to ensuring Washington is actually fighting for working people, not making things more expensive.