House Concurrent Resolution 100

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE ESTEEMED LEGISLATIVE CAREER AND PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE MOST HONORABLE AND DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN FROM HANCOCK COUNTY, REPRESENTATIVE DAVID BARIA, UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

WHEREAS, the honorable Gentleman from Hancock, Representative David Baria has announced his plans for retirement from the Mississippi House of Representatives at the conclusion of the 2019 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature, after tirelessly working on behalf of the citizens of House District 122; and

WHEREAS, before assuming his seat as the member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from District 122 in 2011, Representative Baria, a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice before going on to earn his law degree from the University of Mississippi Law School, where he attended a summer program at Cambridge University; and

WHEREAS, upon his election to the Mississippi Senate in 2007, as an ambassador for the citizens of Senate District 46, David Baria became the distinguished Gentleman from Hancock upon being sworn into office, and wasted no time requesting legislation, amendments and reports that would help effectuate policy changes that would benefit his constituents; and

WHEREAS, Representative Baria's respect for the Legislature as a hallowed institution is constantly evidenced by his passion to advance the direction of the state's economic, educational and political climate; and

WHEREAS, during his tenure as a legislator, Senator Baria transitioned from the Senate to the House of Representatives in 2011, and upon his installation, the newly elected Representative Baria was selected as a House Floor Leader in 2012, became a founding Board Member of the Mississippi Democratic Trust in 2016, was elected by his fellow House Democrats to a four-year term as a House Minority Leader in 2016, and was named as an inaugural member of Mississippi's Top 50 Most Influential People; and

WHEREAS, not one to limit his community involvement to the Legislature, Representative Baria, has always been active in his district and dedicated to improving the quality of life for all citizens, as evidenced by his service and affiliation as a member of the American Lung Association, the Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities, the American Federation of Teachers and the Mississippi Association for Justice, and he is a board member of United Policyholders, a nonprofit voice for insurance consumers in all 50 states and was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement award from the Mississippi Association for Justice; and

WHEREAS, the members of the House of Representatives will cherish the bond and common goals for the betterment of this great state shared with the Honorable Representative David Baria over the course of the past eight years and to the esteemed and revered institution of the Mississippi Legislature the last 12 years, and that his impeccable service was unparalleled to the Mississippi Legislature and to the constituents of District 122; and

WHEREAS, the laudable service of Representative Baria would be without gratification but for the continued support and love of his wife, Marcie Fyke Baria, and their three children, Merritt, Bess and Max, who have sacrificed countless hours without him to fulfill his legislative obligations; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to honor the impressive legacy of remarkable service of our colleague and friend, Representative David Baria, who represented his district, this body and the people of this state with honor and dignity:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the esteemed legislative career and public service of the honorable Gentleman from Hancock, Representative David Baria, and express best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Representative David Baria and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.