MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Tollison, Dearing, 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 31 STATE SENATOR AND FORMER SENATE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE TERRY C. BURTON FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE.
WHEREAS, District 31 State Senator and former Senate President Pro Tempore Terry C. Burton has announced that he will not be seeking reelection. He has represented Senate District 31, which includes portions of Lauderdale, Newton and Scott Counties, for 28 years. In Terry Burton, the citizens of District 31 have had effective representation from a dedicated public servant with business experience; and
WHEREAS, Senator Burton was elected to the Senate in 1992 and was recognized by his fellow Senators by his nomination and election to the position of President Pro Tempore of the Mississippi Senate in the 2016 Regular Session through the 2018 Regular Session of the Legislature; and
WHEREAS, Terry C. Burton's professional experience included working as a Director at Parent Training & Information Center; Marketing and Public Relations Consultant; Radio Consultant; Salesman; Radio Personality; Manager of WQST, WMOX and WMYQ Radio; and Owner/Manager of For Real Productions; and
WHEREAS, Senator Burton was Mayor of the City of Newton from 1989 to 1992; and
WHEREAS, at the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Senator Burton served on the following committees: Energy, Chair; Appropriations, Vice Chair; Legislative Reapportionment, Vice Chair; Universities and Colleges, Vice Chair; and Congressional Redistricting; and
WHEREAS, Senator Burton was an acknowledged expert in many areas of Mississippi government and was particularly knowledgeable in the details of agency budgets and the legislative budget process. He served on the Legislative Budget Committee for many years. Senator Burton served with distinction on the Judiciary Committee and had a practical understanding of the common law and statutes. He served on two occasions as Chairman of the Select Committee to Investigate Senate Election Contests, which was an extremely difficult task. Senator Burton's key legislative interests have included matters relating to Medicaid, Mental Health, Human Services, home health and assisted living licensure requirements. He introduced bills to address the needs of the more than 800,000 Mississippi caregivers, including legislation to require the caregiver to be present at the patient's discharge from the hospital to follow through on the medical plan when the patient returns home. Senator Burton was an active member of the Southern States Energy Board. Senator Burton was instrumental in the authorization of the Arts and Entertainment Center in Meridian, Mississippi. Senator Burton is an avid outdoorsman and is an active supporter of the Ole Miss sports teams; and
WHEREAS, Senator Burton is a York Rite Mason and a Shriner. He is a member of the Mississippi Home Corporation Oversight Committee, State Workforce Investment Board, Facilities Management Advisory Committee, Medical Care Advisory Committee, the Rotary, Newton Booster Club and the Newton Chamber of Commerce; and
WHEREAS, Senator Burton was born in Philadelphia, Mississippi, on January 31, 1956. He is married to the former Darleen Allday; they have two children and two granddaughters. His religious affiliation is United Methodist; and
WHEREAS, through longtime family friend, former Senator Bill May, Burton's family released this statement: "Terry loves serving the people of Mississippi. We hope and pray that he will return to do so as soon as possible"; and
WHEREAS, Senator Burton'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 and leader in the Mississippi Senate, and as a true friend. Terry'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 31 State Senator and former Senate President Pro Tempore Terry C. Burton for his distinguished service in the Mississippi Senate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Senator Terry Burton and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.