Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema visited the Phoenix campus of Pima Medical Institute, Tuesday, September 18 as part of a town hall at the medical career college. Nearly 200 students, faculty and staff were in attendance as Sinema answered questions and discussed her current run for the Senate. She had a clear message for students to get involved in the election process, regardless of party affiliation.
“Unfortunately, a lot of folks—younger people especially—look at the politicians and the circus in Washington and think that none of it makes any difference to them. But it does,” Sinema said. “When someone holds elected office, they make decisions that affect all of us. Things like your student loan interest rates, how much you pay for healthcare, and what kind of jobs are available. If you choose not to vote, you’re letting someone else make those decisions for you.”
Pima Medical Institute has hosted elected officials in the past and in 2016 was the site of a town hall with the late Senator John McCain. “We were honored to have Congresswoman Sinema come to our Phoenix Campus and talk to our students and staff about the importance of getting involved in the election process, said Kristen Torres, Regional Operations Director, Pima Medical Institute. “Congresswoman Sinema was gracious in her time answering questions and discussing issues that are important to our students.”
In addition to pointing out the importance of getting involved in the voting process, Sinema took time to discuss the issue of crippling student loan debt and school accountability. Sinema has been a proponent of vocational and technical training. With a background in social work, she said she understands what it means to want a career that serves others, and she believes every Arizonan should be able to access opportunity, including through a nontraditional college or university.
Sinema added, “We should not dissuade students or create regulations that make it harder for people to engage in professions where they are providing the greatest level of service to their fellow Arizonans.”
Pima Medical Institute’s Phoenix campus opened in 2015 and serves the western Phoenix area of Glendale, Peoria, Sun City, Goodyear, Scottsdale and other nearby cities. The campus offers associate degree programs in; diagnostic medical sonography, surgical technology, veterinary technician associate degree programs and dental assistant, medical assistant, medical administrative assistant, phlebotomy technician, sterile processing technician and veterinary assistant certificate programs.
For more information on Pima Medical Institute go to pmi.edu