MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2019 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Tollison, Dearing, Kirby, Barnett, Blackmon, Blackwell, Branning, Burton, Carmichael, Caughman, Chassaniol, Clarke, DeBar, Doty, Frazier, Gollott, Harkins, Jackson (15th), Jackson (32nd), Massey, McDaniel, McMahan, Moran, Parker, Parks, Seymour, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Turner-Ford, Watson, Whaley, Wilemon, Witherspoon, Norwood

Senate Concurrent Resolution 660

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND GOVERNOR PHIL BRYANT FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

     WHEREAS, known for strong integrity and leadership, Governor Phil Bryant is the 64th Governor of the State of Mississippi and is completing his second term of office; and

     WHEREAS, Phil Bryant was sworn in for his second term as Mississippi's 64th Governor on January 12, 2016.  Before becoming the state's Chief Executive, Bryant was Lieutenant Governor from 2008-2011.  He also served as State Auditor for 11 years and represented his legislative district in the Mississippi House of Representatives for five years; and

     WHEREAS, the son of Dewey C. and Estelle R. Bryant, a diesel mechanic and a mother who stayed home with her three boys, Bryant learned early the value of hard work and the importance of education.  The Moorhead native earned an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice from Hinds Community College and completed his Bachelor's Degree at The University of Southern Mississippi.  He holds a Master's Degree in Political Science from Mississippi College, and before assuming his role as Governor, Bryant served as an Adjunct Professor of Government at USM; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Bryant began his career as a Deputy Sheriff in Hinds County and later worked as an Insurance Investigator before being elected to the House of Representatives in 1991.  In 1996, then-Governor Kirk Fordice appointed him State Auditor, a position he was re-elected to in 1999 and 2003; and

     WHEREAS, as Lieutenant Governor, Phil Bryant continued to work to ensure accountability in state government.  In his first week of office, Bryant proposed webcasting of the Senate proceedings so taxpayers could see their government in action and hold their elected officials accountable.  Governor Bryant has a long history of fighting for conservative beliefs, like lower taxes and traditional values.  Because of his love of the outdoors and his belief in the 2nd Amendment, he has been a longtime member of the National Rifle Association's Institute for Legislative Action and is a recipient of the Kirk Fordice Freedom Award presented annually by the Central Mississippi Chapter of the NRA.  He served as the 2008 Honorary Chairman of the Republican Lieutenant Governors Association and is a past President of the Mississippi Republican Elected Officials Association; and

     WHEREAS, as Governor, Phil Bryant has led Mississippi in implementing transformational public education reforms, promoting economic development and building a competitive business climate that attracts major employers like Yokohama Tire Corporation and Continental Tire.  Under Governor Bryant's administration, over 27,500 jobs have been announced along with $5.19 Billion in new corporate investments; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Bryant and his wife, First Lady of Mississippi Deborah Bryant, have two adult children, Katie Bryant Snell and Patrick Bryant, and are active members of St. Marks United Methodist Church in Brandon; and

     WHEREAS, Governor Bryant's service has been marked by his commitment to success and recognized leadership, sound judgment and fairness.  He has set the highest standard in all of his many roles, as a father, husband, citizen, statesman and leader in the State of Mississippi and as a true friend:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and recognize Governor Phil Bryant, whose outstanding service as Governor enriched everyone in the State of Mississippi, and we wish Phil and his family much success in their future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Governor Phil Bryant and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.