Lawmaker says they won’t back tax increases, declines to support motion

A lawmaker told the meeting they would not vote for any tax increases and therefore could not support a motion under consideration.

“Thank you, madam president,” the lawmaker said. “I’ve said from the outset that I wouldn’t vote for any tax increases. I haven’t wavered in that view. I think being consistent matters. It’s important to say what you mean and to mean what you say. And while I really respect the thoughtful work of all of my colleagues, I can’t support the motion. Thank you.”

The comments reaffirmed the speaker’s long-standing opposition to new taxes; the transcript provides no further details about the motion’s subject or any subsequent vote. The lawmaker framed the decision as a matter of consistency and personal principle while expressing respect for colleagues’ work.

The transcript does not record a vote or other formal outcome for the motion.