“Ford’s underlying message to attendees: ‘“You matter.”’

Last week, Attorney General Aaron Ford spoke to a packed room in Mesquite to discuss his plans to make Nevada more affordable and strengthen our schools with rural voters. From lowering the costs of prescription drugs to the Medicare-negotiated price for all Nevadans to investing in vocational education, Ford’s agenda focuses on uplifting working families.

See more from Ford’s visit to Mesquite here:

Mesa Valley Progress: Attorney General Aaron Ford Visits Mesquite

Terri Fitzsimmons

• “We’re broke, but we’re not broken.”
  
  

• Aaron Ford’s mother used these words often to instill in him the importance of resilience and hope. On Oct. 1, the current state Attorney General and Democratic candidate for governor spoke with over 40 attendees at the Democratic Center in Mesquite.
  
  

• Ford arrived at the meeting late due to an accident on the freeway. In the meantime, attendees discussed upcoming events. Minddie Llyod, running for Clark County public administrator, gave a short speech. As Ford entered the room, attendees applauded. Without missing a beat, he strode to the front of the crowded room, beginning his speech, sharing his personal background.
  
  

• One program started Ford on the right track: Upward Bound, a federally funded program helping the children of low-income families. He spent the summer practicing for the SATs, developing skills and motivation for success in higher education.
  
  

• Ford went on to earn five degrees: four in education and one in law. In 1993, he became a single father and was determined not to drop out of school. Once again, government assistance helped him with food and housing.
  
  

• These interventions serve as motivation for Ford today as he advocates for free school lunches, protecting Upward Bound and protecting Medicaid. Ford said over 100,000 people in Nevada, mainly seniors, are in danger of losing their benefits due to the “Big Beautiful Act.” Ford is concerned about the possibility of the demolition of the Department of Education. He believes that access to education, including vocational education, is crucial.
  
  

• Ford added that families are being exploited not only by housing costs but also by rising medical costs. One attendee interjected with, “My wife works at the Salvation Army Food Bank. Every month between 900 and 1,000 people come through those doors.”
  
  

• Others expressed their concerns about the cost of prescription drugs.
  
  

• After Ford’s speech, attendees shared comments or asked questions, which varied from sanctuary cities to medical costs. Ford reiterated his stance on public education: “We need to properly fund public schools. Also, there has to be teacher accountability, parent accountability, along with student accountability.”
  
  

• Ford’s underlying message to attendees: “You matter.”
  
  

• The evening ended with a group picture with the attorney general and one-on-one discussions with him. He plans to revisit Mesquite next month.

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