Stephen D Watt

The lawmaker opposes the funding because significant sums have already been invested in the project without showing positive results, suggesting a need to stop further spending.

The lawmaker opposes the amendment because it adds to major maintenance costs and should be fully vetted through the commission process before funding is authorized.

The lawmaker opposes using general fund dollars for this purpose because he urges caution on spending given that the body has already spent a significant amount of money today.

The speaker emphasizes that many defendants in capital cases cannot afford quality attorneys, leading to unprepared representation and the potential for wrongful executions of innocent individuals.

The lawmaker argues that employers have expanded benefits due to policy certainty and urges a vote against the bill as a step backward, noting complaints came from politicians rather than workers.