In this episode, Birdman broadcasts from the lawn of the Arizona State Capitol for a conversation with Krystyn Paulatof the Children's Action Alliance, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization advocating for policies that strengthen the well-being of Arizona's children and families.

Paulat, who focuses on early learning and education policy, explains the goals behind HB 2239, legislation developed in partnership with Representative Blackman to address the growing childcare gap in rural Arizona. The bill is modeled after a successful, federally funded initiative launched under the Ducey and Hobbs administrations, which used ARPA dollars to expand childcare capacity statewide—creating more than 2,000 new childcare slots across every legislative district.

The discussion highlights a key challenge facing rural communities: while funding programs may exist, infrastructure often does not. Paulat outlines how HB 2239 would help licensed and aspiring childcare providers overcome startup barriers by supporting planning and design, technical and business assistance, workforce development, and facility costs—critical components needed to open and sustain childcare centers in rural areas.

The episode also explores the interconnected relationship between housing, workforce development, and childcare, emphasizing that economic growth cannot succeed without reliable early care options for working families. Paulat underscores the importance of early childhood development, noting that 90% of brain growth occurs by age five, and points to Arizona's heavy reliance on federal funding for early care compared to K–12 education as a policy gap that deserves urgent attention.

Listeners interested in Arizona legislation, rural childcare solutions, early education policy, workforce development, and family affordability will find this conversation both informative and timely.

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