MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2020 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Kirby, Michel, Barnett, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), McMahan, Norwood, Simmons (12th), Simmons (13th), Thomas
A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND RECOGNIZE DISTRICT 48 STATE SENATOR DEBORAH (DEBBIE) DAWKINS FOR HER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE.
WHEREAS, State Senator Deborah (Debbie) Dawkins has represented Senate District 48, which includes West Harrison County, for 20 years. In Debbie Dawkins, the citizens of District 48 have had effective representation from a dedicated public servant with public health and business experience; and
WHEREAS, a Senator since 2000, Dawkins is a Surgical Technician and Marketing Consultant. She attended The University of Texas, the London School of Economics and graduated from The University of Southern Mississippi, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Debbie has two children: Keri Caruthers and Hunter Dawkins; three grandsons: Major, Brighton and Colby; and
WHEREAS, Senator Dawkins, a Democrat, was the first woman to serve on the Senate Committee on Ports and Marine Resources. She was Chair of the State Library Committee and Vice Chair of the Environmental Protection, Conservation and Water Resources Committee. She was a member of the Drug Policy, Finance, Forestry, Highways and Transportation, Insurance, Investigative State Offices, and Ports and Marine Resources Committees; and
WHEREAS, Senator Dawkins is a longtime member of the American Association of University Women, The University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association and the Sierra Club Committee on Ports and Marine Resources. Senator Dawkins serves as an Ex Officio Member of North Gulfport Land Trust. She was a dedicated member of the Coast Conservation Association, Board of Directors, Mississippi Museum of National Science, the League of Women Voters and the National Caucus of Environmental Legislators and;
WHEREAS, Senator Dawkins' tenure in the Legislature made her an expert in many areas of Mississippi government and she was particularly knowledgeable in the policy details of public health, health and care professional licensure and environmental law. Senator Dawkins' key legislative interests have included matters relating to the administration of public schools, Medicaid, Mental Health and Human Services, and she was a longtime supporter of historic Mississippi Gulf Coast structures and parks; and
WHEREAS, Senator Dawkins' service has been marked by her commitment to success and recognized leadership, sound judgment, civility, courtesy and fairness. She has set the highest standard in all of her many roles: mother, statesman, community leader, leader in the Mississippi Senate, and as a true friend. Debbie's service honored both the Mississippi Senate and this great state that she loved and served:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and recognize District 48 State Senator Deborah ("Debbie") Dawkins for her distinguished service in the Mississippi Senate.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Senator Debbie Dawkins and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.