Drew Stokesbary — Rejected the argument that constitutionality is only for courts to decide and said the Constitution is clear enough for legislators to understand.
Drew Stokesbary — Thanked for taking nearly all of the questions/answers during the media availability.
Drew Stokesbary — Again thanked for answering most of the questions.
Drew Stokesbary — Drew Stokesbary was referenced and then spoke about the legislative strategy around the bill, explaining that Democrats wanted to begin running it on Monday while Republicans asked them to wait until Tuesday morning. He said the goal was not to run out the clock, noted that Democrats had the votes to pass the measure, and argued that Republicans had represented their constituents well by extending the debate far beyond the previous record. He concluded by framing the outcome as showing Washington voters which side was on their side.
Chris Corry — Chris Corry, the House Republican Deputy Leader from the 15th District, is introduced and later noted as present in the meeting.
John Braun — John Braun is introduced multiple times as the Senate Republican Leader from the 20th District and as the Senate Republican counterpart. He then takes the floor and begins speaking, thanking the host and audience and moving into remarks about affordability and criticism of the majority’s tax-first strategy.
John Braun — The speaker continues a brief discussion by agreeing with John Braun and then reinforcing the point by referencing Chris’s prior comment as well, indicating shared support for the same broader position.
John Braun — The speaker echoes Senator John Braun’s prior point, citing Braun as the source of the argument being repeated.
John Braun — Noted as being off the call at the end of the event.
Keith Wagoner — Keith Wagoner is introduced and identified as the Senate Republican Whip from the 39th District, and later noted as the whip accompanying the speaker.
Jake Fey — Named as working closely on the bond bill.
Andrew Barkis — Andrew Barkis is discussed as a key collaborator on the bond bill, with the speakers noting that he has been working closely on it and praising him as the transportation lead who has done a fantastic job.
Simone Carter — Simone Carter of McClatchy was introduced, asked a question about Howard Schultz moving from Seattle to Miami and whether it was connected to the House-passed income tax, and was then offered a follow-up before moving on.
Sarah Mises Tan — Sarah Mises Tan is introduced as the next questioner and then asks about the next steps for the millionaire's tax, including whether it might ultimately go to the ballot.
Drew Mickelson — Reporter from King 5 asks whether the long debate was worth it and whether it could force a special session.
Joe Fitzgibbon — Rep. Fitzgibbon was referenced for saying he is not a lawyer and that questions of constitutionality should be left to the courts, with the speaker summarizing his floor remarks on that point.
Carleen Johnson — Carleen Johnson asks for an example of a bad bill Republicans successfully stopped this session, and the speaker responds that it is hard to choose just one.
Mitchell Rowland — Introduced the next reporter question and then deferred to colleague Alina Perry.
Alina Perry — Alina Perry of the Spokesman-Review is introduced and then asks whether using Climate Commitment Act funds to supplement the budget this year is appropriate.
Jeff Podiala — Reporter introduced the next question and then asked about the income tax or millionaires tax.
Laurie Jinkins — Referenced as the Speaker who can set an amendment deadline.
Jeff Wilson — Addressed by name in reference to the age of the record and the length of debate.
Drew Stokesbary — Carleen Johnson addressed him directly and asked him to restate his objection to Rep. Fitzgibbon's comments.
Drew Stokesbary — Argued that legislators have an oath-bound duty to judge constitutionality themselves, not leave it only to the courts.
Drew Stokesbary — Said the tax is plainly unconstitutional under existing state Supreme Court precedent and predicted it would be struck down 9-0 if reviewed.
Drew Stokesbary — Continued arguing that the legislature must follow existing precedent and should not enact a bill he believes is unconstitutional.
Drew Stokesbary — Drew Stokesbary is introduced as House Republican Leader from the 31st District, then gives opening remarks referencing the prior 24-hour debate over the House income tax. Later, he is asked about the transportation budget and bond bill and explains the vote threshold for the bond bill, noting that Democrats could pass it on their own.
Drew Stokesbary — Speaker agreed with Stokesbary's criticism of the rushed process.