Walt's Story
Representative 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 received the most votes and won in a contested primary election, and went on to win the General Election. This victory was repeated in 2020.
As a Freshman Legislator, Walt has been one of the most effective legislators at the Arizona Capitol.
His focus on issues important to Arizonans, not partisan politics and he has become a rising star in Arizona.
Not only has Walt proven his commitment to finding solutions for the complex issues that our state is faced with today, but he has also proven his capability of confronting them head on. Walt's fearless approach is the reason why he has, can, and will continue to tackle any and every issue out of love for his Country, his principles, and always fighting for what's right for all Arizonans.
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.
