MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Tollison, Kirby, Barnett, Blackmon, Blackwell, Blount, Carmichael, Caughman, Clarke, Jackson (11th), Jackson (15th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Massey, McMahan, Parker, Seymour, Witherspoon
A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND RECOGNIZE DISTRICT 37 STATE SENATOR BOB M. DEARING FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE.
WHEREAS, District 37 State Senator Bob M. Dearing has announced that he will not be seeking reelection. He has represented Senate District 37, which includes portions of Adams, Amite, Franklin and Pike Counties, for 36 years. In Bob Dearing, the citizens of District 37 have had effective representation from a dedicated public servant with business experience; and
WHEREAS, first elected to office in 1979, Senator Dearing served in the Mississippi Senate as a Democrat for eight terms, was defeated in 2011 and four years later recaptured the seat he once held. Proud of his accomplishments in the Legislature, Bob Dearing said he has always enjoyed working in the Senate and will miss it when he finishes this year; and
WHEREAS, Bob's education includes Delta State University, Bachelor of Science Degree in Education 1957; University of Southern Mississippi, ME 1965; and Honorary Doctorate in Public Service 2012. His occupation is an AFLAC Insurance Agent, former schoolteacher and restaurant operator; and
WHEREAS, at the beginning of the 2015 Regular Session, Bob served on the following committees: Public Property, Vice-Chair; Appropriations; Constitution; Energy; Highways and Transportation; Insurance; Ports and Marine Resources; and Public Health and Welfare; and
WHEREAS, Senator Dearing's tenure in the Legislature made him an expert in many areas of Mississippi government and he was particularly knowledgeable in the details of agency and university budgets. While serving as Chairman of the Fees, Salaries and Administration Committee, Senator Dearing conducted a two-year study of the salary level compensation of every state agency director and staff and the salaries of county and local officials which are set by statute, comparing salary levels to surrounding states in order to update and make public officials' compensation reasonable and competitive. Senator Dearing's key legislative interests have included matters relating to the administration of public schools, Medicaid, Mental Health and Human Services, and he was a longtime supporter of the historic Natchez Charity Hospital. In his last term in office, he took a particular interest in animal rights and sponsored a dog-fighting bill that Governor Phil Bryant signed into law; and
WHEREAS, Senator Dearing is a member of the Natchez Festival of Music, Board Member; Natchez-Adams County Humane Society, Board Member; Mississippi-Louisiana Charter National Football Foundation and Coaches Hall of Fame; Ducks Unlimited and the National Rifle Association. Senator Dearing said he plans to also help campaign for his daughter, Daye Dearing, who is running for Adams County Circuit Clerk this year; and
WHEREAS, Senator Dearing is married to the former Shelley Paige Ditzler and they have two other children, Bo and Paige. He is of the Presbyterian faith. Senator Dearing is an avid outdoorsman and was an active supporter of the Delta State University sports teams; and
WHEREAS, Senator Dearing's service has been marked by his commitment to success and recognized leadership, sound judgment, civility, courtesy and fairness. He has set the highest standard in all of his many roles: husband, father, businessman, statesman, community leader, leader in the Mississippi Senate, and as a true friend. Bob's service honored both the Mississippi Senate and this great state that he loved and served:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and recognize District 37 State Senator Bob M. Dearing for his distinguished service in the Mississippi Senate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Senator Bob Dearing and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.