In this episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman steps away from the Capitol and into the studio to unpack a debate that surfaced during caucus: Arizona's Rainy Day Fund — and whether it should even exist.

The discussion began around stabilizing funding for the Department of Public Safety (DPS). A proposal was floated to use interest earnings from the state's $1.5 billion Rainy Day Fund to support DPS operations. But that quickly sparked a bigger philosophical question raised by Representative Neal Carter - District 15

Why does the state need a Rainy Day Fund at all?

Birdman breaks down the numbers:

• $1.5 billion sitting in reserve

• What 1% interest generates annually

• How many Arizona taxpayers actually pay income tax

• What that reserve represents per taxpayer

The episode explores broader questions:

• Should the government operate like a business?

• Is holding large reserves responsible fiscal policy — or idle taxpayer capital?

• If a Rainy Day Fund exists, what qualifies as a "rainy day"?

• Should disaster relief, DPS funding, or economic downturns trigger its use?

This isn't framed as a partisan debate — but as a taxpayer's perspective on government budgeting, reserves, and accountability.

If you care about Arizona's budget, fiscal philosophy, tax policy, or government reserves, this episode dives into the numbers and the bigger question:

Should the government save money — or spend only what it collects each year?

In this episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman sits down once again in the office of Walt Blackman for a wide-ranging conversation during one of the busiest weeks of session — Crossover Week.

The discussion begins with Blackman's morning press conference recognizing Pediatric Cancer Awareness and addressing the funding gap between federal research dollars and Arizona's state budget priorities. Inspired in part by his nephew's cancer battle, Blackman argues that with a $17 billion state budget, Arizona can find room to prioritize pediatric cancer research and nonprofit support.

From there, the conversation shifts to:

• How the legislative process actually works

• Why the 4,000 number don't mean 4,000 bills

• The role of caucus meetings and "Committee of the Whole" (COW)

• What happens during second and third reads

• Why some bills pass unanimously while others split strictly along party lines

• The mechanics of Crossover Week between House and Senate

Blackman also discusses veterans legislation, including a unanimously passed veterans mental health measure, disability-based property tax reform proposals, and pilot programs aimed at reducing VA backlog wait times in Arizona.

Listeners get a real-time look at how legislation moves — and how it doesn't — including what it means when a bill clears committee, why Twitter doesn't equal lawmaking, and how constituents influence votes through direct outreach.

If you've ever wondered how bills really move through the Arizona Legislature — and what happens behind the scenes during the busiest part of session — this episode breaks it down.

In this special "West Lawn Compendium" episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman spends four hours—10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—interviewing advocates, parents, candidates, and citizens during Early Childhood Legislation Day at the Arizona Capitol.

Unlike official legislative agendas set by the House or Senate, advocacy days are organized by individuals and groups who come to lobby, educate, and share lived experiences with lawmakers. This particular day centered largely on early childhood development, childcare access, and family policy—but as always at the Capitol, the conversations extended beyond a single issue.

In this final segment from the West Lawn of the Arizona House of Representatives, Birdman speaks with an entire family advocating for House Bill 4032 — legislation aimed at expanding Arizona's tobacco tax to include vaping and other nicotine products.

The current tobacco tax funds early childhood health and development programs through First Things First, supporting children ages 0–5 with services like home visitation, professional development for early educators, and childcare access. But as cigarette use declines and vaping rises, funding has begun to shrink.

Amber Jones, a regional council member with First Things First, explains why advocates believe updating the tax structure is essential to maintaining critical early childhood programs.

Her daughter, Genevieve, shares her experience witnessing the legislative process firsthand — connecting what she's learning in social studies class to real-world policymaking. Meanwhile, her father, Travis Jones, reflects on civic engagement, grassroots advocacy, and why teaching children how government works is just as important as the policy itself.

This episode captures more than a policy debate — it highlights how families engage in the legislative process, how bills move (or stall) among 4,000 proposals, and why advocacy is often a marathon, not a sprint.

From early education funding to civic participation, this West Lawn conversation brings the legislative process into real life.

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This episode is brought to you with the support of our premium sponsor:

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In this special "West Lawn Compendium" episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman spends four hours—10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—interviewing advocates, parents, candidates, and citizens during Early Childhood Legislation Day at the Arizona Capitol.

Unlike official legislative agendas set by the House or Senate, advocacy days are organized by individuals and groups who come to lobby, educate, and share lived experiences with lawmakers. This particular day centered largely on early childhood development, childcare access, and family policy—but as always at the Capitol, the conversations extended beyond a single issue.

In this segment of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, another statewide candidate steps up to the tent — this time for Arizona State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Dr. Stephen Neal Jr., running under the Arizona Independent Party, outlines his vision for education in Arizona, emphasizing a "students over politics" approach. Having previously aligned with both major parties, Neal says his focus is not ideology — but outcomes.

The conversation covers:

• Raising math, reading, and writing scores statewide

• Reducing political division in education policy

• ESA (Empowerment Scholarship Account) programs vs. public schools

• Teacher workload, respect, and classroom autonomy

• Transparency and accountability in school funding

• The difference between policy-making and policy implementation

Neal argues that the debate shouldn't be ESA versus public schools — but how both systems can better serve students. He calls for collaboration, improved resource allocation, and restoring focus to academic fundamentals.

It's a conversation about education reform, school choice, accountability, and what it really means to put students first in Arizona.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

🌐 Official Site:

https://birdman.media

Support Our Sponsors

This episode is brought to you with the support of our premium sponsor:

Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation

Supporting our sponsors helps keep Birdman Media™ independent and producing the content others won't.

© Birdman Media™. All rights reserved.

In this special "West Lawn Compendium" episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman spends four hours—10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—interviewing advocates, parents, candidates, and citizens during Early Childhood Legislation Day at the Arizona Capitol.

Unlike official legislative agendas set by the House or Senate, advocacy days are organized by individuals and groups who come to lobby, educate, and share lived experiences with lawmakers. This particular day centered largely on early childhood development, childcare access, and family policy—but as always at the Capitol, the conversations extended beyond a single issue.

On this episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman continues his day on the West Lawn with a powerful and deeply personal conversation about child safety, faith communities, and systemic reform.

Heidi Miller joins the show to discuss the Sanctuary Movement for Children — an initiative focused on making churches, schools, homes, and public spaces safer for children. Drawing from her background in Christian studies and social work, Heidi highlights how abuse and domestic violence often go unaddressed in faith communities — and why education, awareness, and prevention must start at the pulpit.

She explains her "Sabbath for the Children" services, designed to educate congregations about child welfare and proper responses to abuse victims — including how mishandling disclosures can re-traumatize survivors. The conversation expands into:

• Faith community accountability

• National child protection training models

• Multidisciplinary abuse response teams

• The role of the National Child Abuse Hotline

• Reform ideas for Arizona's Department of Child Safety (DCS)

Heidi also shares firsthand experience navigating DCS systems and argues for streamlined, case-managed approaches that are both more effective and more cost-efficient.

This episode explores a topic that doesn't center around one specific bill — but around culture, systems, and responsibility. It's a candid look at how community institutions can either fail children — or protect them.

If you care about child safety, faith community reform, foster care systems, or DCS accountability in Arizona, this is a conversation worth hearing.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

🌐 Official Site:

https://birdman.media

Support Our Sponsors

This episode is brought to you with the support of our premium sponsor:

Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation

Supporting our sponsors helps keep Birdman Media™ independent and producing the content others won't.

© Birdman Media™. All rights reserved.

In this special "West Lawn Compendium" episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman spends four hours—10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—interviewing advocates, parents, candidates, and citizens during Early Childhood Legislation Day at the Arizona Capitol.

Unlike official legislative agendas set by the House or Senate, advocacy days are organized by individuals and groups who come to lobby, educate, and share lived experiences with lawmakers. This particular day centered largely on early childhood development, childcare access, and family policy—but as always at the Capitol, the conversations extended beyond a single issue.

🎙️ A Candidate's Vision: District 5 in Focus

As the crowds moved across the West Lawn, not everyone there was advocating for a bill — some were advocating for themselves.

I caught up with Gary R. Johnson Jr., who is running for the Arizona House of Representatives in District 5. He laid out why he's seeking office — and what he believes Arizona needs next.

From Ministry to Public Service

Johnson describes himself as a longtime public servant. For more than 20 years, he's worked as a pastor and community leader, starting in California. His background includes:

• Feeding over 100,000 people through food banks

• Working on Skid Row outreach efforts

• Supporting special needs students

• Operating private charter schools

• Serving in education leadership roles

His campaign message centers on bringing what he calls "a new vision" to Arizona.

🧒 Universal or Affordable Childcare

One of his top priorities is childcare reform.

Johnson shared that as a young father of four (three biological children and one stepchild), he faced weekly childcare costs of about $500 — not including housing and other expenses.

He says Arizona families need:

• Universal or affordable childcare options

• Financial breathing room for parents

• The ability to save for their children's future

He believes reducing childcare costs strengthens families economically and creates long-term stability.

📚 Education Reform & Teacher Pay

Johnson argues Arizona should be among the top three states in education performance.

His focus areas include:

• Increased teacher and principal pay

• Education reform strategies developed with superintendents

• Ensuring students have basic resources like nutrition and school supplies

He emphasizes that supporting educators directly impacts student outcomes.

🇺🇸 Veterans Services

In District 5, Johnson says he visited an American Legion post with 400 veterans operating out of a 400-square-foot space.

His proposal includes:

• Building a centralized veterans facility

• Expanding access to medical and mental health services

• Creating a Military Honor Park

• Providing a gathering space for community and support

He frames it as honoring those who served by investing in long-term care infrastructure.

🏪 Small Business Stability

Johnson believes many small businesses fail within their first two years due to lack of support.

He advocates for:

• Increased access to funding

• Structured support programs

• A five-year sustainability focus rather than short-term survival

His argument is that stronger small businesses strengthen local economies.

🏠 Housing & Crisis Reform

Johnson also spoke personally about his father's recent passing after a hit-and-run accident. He described the financial strain of covering funeral costs and the ripple effects crises can cause.

He suggests:

• Housing reform efforts

• First-time homebuyer programs

• Crisis relief systems for families facing layoffs or sudden loss

• Encouraging landlords to work with tenants experiencing hardship

He believes there should be structured "cushion" programs to prevent families from falling into homelessness due to sudden emergencies.

🛂 Immigration & Public Safety

On immigration enforcement, Johnson says reform should focus on safety and accountability.

He supports:

• Transparency measures such as body cameras

• Strategic reform rather than blanket opposition

• Policies that protect communities while avoiding unnecessary harm

He emphasized that not all immigrants are criminals and that enforcement must be balanced with fairness.

⚖️ Bipartisan Approach

Johnson describes himself as neither far left nor far right. His stated goal is working across the aisle and focusing on solutions rather than party identity.

🎤 And that's Gary R. Johnson Jr., making his case for District 5.

As always, the lawn at the Capitol isn't just where bills are debated — it's where campaigns begin.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

🌐 Official Site:

https://birdman.media

Support Our Sponsors

This episode is brought to you with the support of our premium sponsor:

Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation

Supporting our sponsors helps keep Birdman Media™ independent and producing the content others won't.

© Birdman Media™. All rights reserved.

In this special "West Lawn Compendium" episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman spends four hours—10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—interviewing advocates, parents, candidates, and citizens during Early Childhood Legislation Day at the Arizona Capitol.

Unlike official legislative agendas set by the House or Senate, advocacy days are organized by individuals and groups who come to lobby, educate, and share lived experiences with lawmakers. This particular day centered largely on early childhood development, childcare access, and family policy—but as always at the Capitol, the conversations extended beyond a single issue.

🎙️ Independents, Ballot Access & Open Primaries: A Press Conference on the Lawn

During Early Childhood Legislation Day, the West Lawn wasn't just filled with advocates for children. At one point, cameras from multiple Phoenix news stations turned toward a separate press conference—led by former Phoenix Mayor Paul Johnson, now chairman of the Arizona Independent Party.

The focus? Ballot access, open primaries, and the role of independent voters in Arizona politics.

The Signature Disparity

Johnson highlighted a striking imbalance:

• Republican or Democratic statewide candidates: ~6,000 signatures required

• Independent candidates: ~45,000 signatures required

Not 4,500 — forty-five thousand.

He argues that this disparity creates a structural barrier that effectively blocks independents from meaningful ballot access.

In response, the former No Labels Party reorganized as the Arizona Independent Party to create a pathway for independent candidates to qualify under equal signature requirements.

The Lawsuit & Legislative Pushback

According to Johnson, both major parties challenged the move legally. At the same time, the legislature introduced a bill—complete with an emergency clause—aimed at addressing ballot access changes.

Johnson's critique was pointed:

Why is there urgency around limiting independent ballot access, but not around education, healthcare, or budget reform?

The Primary Problem

Johnson also laid out a broader concern about Arizona's electoral structure:

• Roughly one-third of registered voters are Independent

• Primary turnout can represent as little as 8% of the total electorate

• In heavily gerrymandered districts, winning a primary often guarantees the seat

He argues that candidates in safe districts have little incentive to engage beyond their party base, which can amplify grievance politics over policy debate.

A Case for Cross-Aisle Politics

Johnson doesn't frame the issue as anti-party. Instead, he argues that both Democrats and Republicans bring value—but that independent voters can serve as a moderating force.

His philosophy centers on:

• Open primaries

• Reduced partisan barriers

• Encouraging candidates to engage beyond ideological silos

• Focusing on long-term structural issues like education, healthcare, and fiscal stability

In his words, disruption doesn't mean chaos—it means listening.

The Bigger Picture

While Early Childhood Legislation Day focused largely on family policy, the press conference underscored something broader happening at the Capitol:

There is an ongoing debate about who gets access to the ballot—and who ultimately shapes Arizona's political future.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

🌐 Official Site:

https://birdman.media

Support Our Sponsors

This episode is brought to you with the support of our premium sponsor:

Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation

Supporting our sponsors helps keep Birdman Media™ independent and producing the content others won't.

© Birdman Media™. All rights reserved.

In this special "West Lawn Compendium" episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman spends four hours—10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—interviewing advocates, parents, candidates, and citizens during Early Childhood Legislation Day at the Arizona Capitol.

Unlike official legislative agendas set by the House or Senate, advocacy days are organized by individuals and groups who come to lobby, educate, and share lived experiences with lawmakers. This particular day centered largely on early childhood development, childcare access, and family policy—but as always at the Capitol, the conversations extended beyond a single issue.

Segment 5 : Student Parents & Child Care Gaps: A Voice from the West Lawn

During Early Childhood Legislation Day at the Arizona Capitol, I spoke with Nora Salazar-Seller, a full-time student and single mother advocating for better child care access for student parents.

Her message was simple but urgent: student parents are falling through the cracks.

The Gap in the System

While programs like Arizona's Department of Economic Security (DES) provide child care assistance, eligibility rules often exclude full-time students who are working toward a degree. Nora shared that despite qualifying for programs like SNAP, she does not qualify for DES child care assistance because she is enrolled full-time as a student.

That creates a difficult tradeoff:

• Pursue higher education to improve long-term financial stability

• Or work full-time simply to afford child care

Without child care support, completing a degree becomes significantly harder—especially as a single parent.

The C-CAMPIS Push

Nora recently traveled to Capitol Hill to advocate for CCAMPIS (Child Care Access Means Parents in School), a federal grant program that provides child care support for low-income student parents.

Her argument is rooted in long-term investment:

Supporting student parents isn't dependency—it's economic mobility.

When you fund child care for student parents:

• You increase graduation rates

• You strengthen workforce participation

• You break generational cycles of poverty

For Nora, access to child care means being present both in the classroom and at home for her five-year-old son.

A Broader Reality

Nora also pointed out a larger truth: child care is no longer just a "single parent issue."

In today's economy:

• Two-parent households typically require dual incomes

• Grandparents are often still working

• Informal child care networks are stretched thin

The old support systems are not as accessible as they once were.

The Ask

Her message to lawmakers was clear:

• Don't cut child care funding

• Protect and expand access for student parents

• Recognize child care as workforce infrastructure

Because when student parents succeed, Arizona benefits from a more educated, self-sufficient population.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

🌐 Official Site:

https://birdman.media

Support Our Sponsors

This episode is brought to you with the support of our premium sponsor:

Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation

Supporting our sponsors helps keep Birdman Media™ independent and producing the content others won't.

© Birdman Media™. All rights reserved.

In this special "West Lawn Compendium" episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman spends four hours—10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—interviewing advocates, parents, candidates, and citizens during Early Childhood Legislation Day at the Arizona Capitol.

Unlike official legislative agendas set by the House or Senate, advocacy days are organized by individuals and groups who come to lobby, educate, and share lived experiences with lawmakers. This particular day centered largely on early childhood development, childcare access, and family policy—but as always at the Capitol, the conversations extended beyond a single issue.

Segment 4 : Brain Capital — A Conversation with Genein Letford

On the West Lawn during Early Childhood Legislation Day, I met Genein Letford, who wasn't there pushing a specific bill number—but an idea she believes Arizona cannot afford to ignore: brain capital.

Genein describes brain capital as the intersection of brain health and brain skills. It's a framework being discussed not just at state capitols, but in Washington, D.C., at the United Nations, and even in global economic forums like Davos. The premise is straightforward but powerful:

If we want strong economies, resilient communities, and innovative workforces, we must invest in the brain—early and often.

Why It Matters in Arizona

Arizona has one of the fastest-growing rates of Alzheimer's in the nation. Dementia cases are rising, impacting families, healthcare systems, and first responders.

Genein's argument reframes the issue:

The dementia crisis isn't only a senior issue—it's an early childhood issue.

Research shows that building cognitive reserve—the brain's ability to adapt, recover, and withstand decline—starts in utero and develops rapidly from birth to age five. That foundation influences everything from academic success to midlife brain resilience.

Brain Capital as Infrastructure

We talk about infrastructure in terms of highways and housing. Genein challenges policymakers to think of early childhood development as human infrastructure.

In an AI-driven economy, routine tasks are increasingly automated. What remains essential are uniquely human skills:

• Creativity

• Cognitive flexibility

• Emotional intelligence

• Adaptability

Those skills are built in the earliest years of life. Without early investment, the long-term economic costs show up later—in healthcare systems, workforce gaps, and diminished innovation capacity.

An Intergenerational Conversation

Genein emphasized that brain capital is not just about children. It's intergenerational:

• Educating parents and caregivers

• Supporting early childhood programs

• Promoting brain health in midlife

• Preparing for aging populations

Her work through the Lyrics and Leadership Institute for Brain Health integrates music and the arts as tools to strengthen cognitive development across generations.

The Bigger Takeaway

Early Childhood Legislation Day brought forward funding discussions, childcare access concerns, and workforce participation issues. Genein's contribution added another layer:

If Arizona wants to thrive long-term, the conversation must expand beyond short-term budgets to lifelong brain health.

Because the most valuable asset in any state isn't a building—it's the human brain.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

🌐 Official Site:

https://birdman.media

Support Our Sponsors

This episode is brought to you with the support of our premium sponsor:

Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation

Supporting our sponsors helps keep Birdman Media™ independent and producing the content others won't.

© Birdman Media™. All rights reserved.

In this special "West Lawn Compendium" episode of Birdman at the Arizona Legislature, Birdman spends four hours—10 a.m. to 2 p.m.—interviewing advocates, parents, candidates, and citizens during Early Childhood Legislation Day at the Arizona Capitol.

Unlike official legislative agendas set by the House or Senate, advocacy days are organized by individuals and groups who come to lobby, educate, and share lived experiences with lawmakers. This particular day centered largely on early childhood development, childcare access, and family policy—but as always at the Capitol, the conversations extended beyond a single issue.

Segment 3 : Midwives, Medication, and the Legislative Process

Music fades in…

As the morning continued on the West Lawn, I noticed two women walking by wearing matching advocacy shirts—something you see a lot at the Capitol. When people show up to support a bill, they wear it. Literally.

Their shirts read HB 2251 and HB 2252 — and yes, make sure when you look those up, you're searching the correct session year, because bill numbers recycle.

I sat down with Fatima and Teresa to talk about what those bills actually do and why they matter.

🏥 HB 2251: Life-Saving Authority for Midwives

The primary focus this year is House Bill 2251, which deals with home birth midwives and their ability to carry and administer life-saving medications during emergencies.

According to the advocates, this bill has been more than three years in the making. It has gone through amendments, negotiations, and revisions — and importantly, it cleared the Health and Human Services Committee, which is no small feat.

As I've said before, with nearly 4,000 bills introduced in a session, simply getting heard in committee is a major milestone. Many proposals never even make it that far.

If a bill survives committee, it usually moves to the House floor. After that comes crossover week — when House bills must pass over to the Senate and vice versa. That's where the next real hurdle begins.

👩‍⚕️ The Core Issue

Teresa explained the distinction between different types of midwives:

• Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) – typically hospital-trained.

• Certified Professional Midwives (CPMs) – licensed community midwives who often attend home births or birth center deliveries.

In Arizona, the debate centers largely around CPMs.

Supporters argue that the medications addressed in HB 2251 are already within their scope of training and certification. The concern, they say, is that regulatory decisions are being made by licensing boards that may not have deep expertise in midwifery practice.

The bill aims to ensure midwives can carry and administer specific emergency medications when needed — particularly in home birth settings where immediate hospital resources aren't available.

🚑 HB 2252: Transport Authority (This Year's Casualty)

The second bill, HB 2252, would have allowed midwives attending home or birth center deliveries to:

• Accompany patients in ambulances during emergency transport

• Provide medical history and assist in a "warm transfer" to hospital staff

• Continue using their skills during transport to support mother and baby

That bill, however, did not receive a hearing in committee this session — meaning it effectively died for the year.

But as we discussed, that doesn't mean it's gone forever. Many bills take multiple sessions to build support and momentum.

And supporters made it clear: they're not finished with it.

⚖️ Why This Matters

Advocates argue that ambulances are not always equipped with specialized maternal and neonatal supplies, nor are EMTs always trained in the nuances of birth-specific emergencies.

Their position is simple:

If a midwife has the training and medical history of the patient, having her present during transport could improve outcomes.

Whether lawmakers agree — and how the Senate responds — is the next chapter in this process.

🔎 Learn More

The advocacy group behind these efforts is the Arizona Community Birth Coalition.

If you're interested in tracking the bills or learning more about their policy goals, that's the place to start.

As always, what you see on the West Lawn is the front-facing version of a much longer process. Behind every shirt with a bill number on it are years of negotiation, regulatory debates, and families who feel strongly about the outcome.

And that's why we sit out there and listen.

I'm Birdman, and this is Birdman at the Arizona Legislature.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.

🌐 Official Site:

https://birdman.media

Support Our Sponsors

This episode is brought to you with the support of our premium sponsor:

Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation

Supporting our sponsors helps keep Birdman Media™ independent and producing the content others won't.

© Birdman Media™. All rights reserved.