TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — As the federal government shutdown entered its second full day, Southern Arizona Hispanic business leaders and activists gathered Tuesday on Tucson’s Fourth Avenue to discuss how the stalemate in Washington could ripple through local communities.

At the “Cafecito y Chisme” roundtable, local leaders joined Democratic state and county representatives to raise concerns over food assistance, healthcare access and other federal services. Activist Lindsay Heimm said the uncertainty is already weighing heavily on families she works with.

“I talk to community members that are relying on SNAP benefits,” Heimm said. “They’re relying on Medicare/Medicaid.”

She added that broad cuts to federal programs risk destabilizing households across the region. “They’ve taken a broad sw

See Full Page