Walt's Story
Blackman served in the United States Army for nearly 22 years as a front line tank commander, and a sexual harassment and assault prevention Senior Program Manager specialist. He earned a Bronze Star for combat action in Iraq, and a Meritorious Service Medal. He served 7 tours of duty in some of the most dangerous battlefields on Earth, including Kosovo, Afghanistan and Iraq where he fought in the Second Battle of Fallujah, which was the bloodiest battle in the entire Iraq War.
Upon completion of active duty, Walt moved to Snowflake, Arizona with his wife and children. The desire to serve his country continued, and with the support of his family, ran for the state legislature. Walt won a contested primary election and received the most votes in the 2018 Primary and General election.
As a freshman legislator, Walt became one of the most effective legislators at the Capitol. His focus on issues important to Arizonans, not partisan politics, has helped him become a rising star in Arizona.
Walt is committed to finding solutions for complex problems, and isn’t afraid to tackle the complex issues. He is guided by his principles and always doing what is right for the people in his district, and all Arizonans.
DISTRICT 6
OVERVIEW
Legislative district 6 covers a large portion of nothern Arizona. Our district stretches from the Roosevelt lake up to the White Mountains, and stretches from Payson to Flagstaff, and the beautiful red rocks of Sedona up to Tusayan and the base of the Grand Canyon. Our district encompasses a large and incredible portion of Arizona.
DEMOGRAPHIC
Our district has over 218,000 people and one of the premier universities in Arizona, Northern Arizona University.
ECONOMICS
Legislative district 6 is filled with natural resources and an abundance of opportunity. The large population centers of Phoenix and Tucson have been gaining jobs oftentimes at the expense of our district. Endless possibilities are available throughout the district, and I will fight to bring more jobs to our communities.
LEGISLATION
Wrote 87 Pieces of Legislation
Junior Reserve Officer Training; CTE signed into law
PT; distribution; community college districts.
Child Care Assistance Monies; Allocation
Appropriation; K-12 Rollover
Emergency Voting Centers; Limitation
Highway Safety Fee; Reduction
Victim's Rights (NOW: civil action; assault; limitation; applicability)
Municipal Tax; Exemption; Food
CTEDs; Letter Grades; Exclusion
Holocaust Education; Support; Schools
Vehicle License Tax; Alternative Fuel Classification; Repeal
PASSED INTO LAW AS A FRESHMAN
Monday - Friday 11:00 - 18:30
Saturday 11:00 - 17:00
Sunday 12:30 - 16:30
Junior Reserve Officer Training; CTE Signed Into Law
Highway Safety Fee; Reduction
Public Retirement Systems
Victims' Rights
(NOW: Civil Action; Assault; Limitation; Applicability)
CTEDs; Letter Grades; Exclusion
(NOW: CTEDs; Service Agreements; Letter Grades)
CO-SIGNED PASSED INTO LAW
K-12 $11.8 Billion Dollar Budget
$164.7 Million 5% Increase For Teachers
$3 Million New Funding For NAU T-Gen
$1 Million National Guard Tuition reimbursement
$114 Million School Facilities Board
$6 Million Towards NAU
$14.2 Towards Rural Community College
$800k Towards the Jake Flake Police and Fire Academy in Snowflake
K9 Police Working Dog Bill
ENDORSEMENTS
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Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce
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Arizona Fire Fighters Association
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Arizona Fraternal Order of Police Phoenix Police Association
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The National Rifle Association
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Arizona Right to life Association
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Payson Tea Party
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Navajo Country Republican Club National American Africa Republican Committee of Phoenix
RECOGNITION
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2018 National State-wide races to watch for in the 2018 midterm general elections for up and coming political stars.
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Statemen of the Year by the National American Africa Republican Committee,
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Walt was nominated as a Freshman Up And Coming Legislator to Represent Arizona at the next GOPAC 2019 Class of Emerging National Leaders
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Named The Republican Party of Arizona Rookie of the Year for 2019 for the 54th legislative session.
