MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Flaggs

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MEMBERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WHO BEGAN THEIR TERMS IN 1980 FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SERVICE.

WHEREAS, of the 52 representatives who began their term in office in 1980, which is one of the largest freshman classes of legislators, 12 are currently serving the 1996-2000 term; and

WHEREAS, the Class of 1980, includes Tyrone Ellis, Timothy Alan (Tim) Ford, David Leo (David) Green, Clayton P. (Clayton) Henderson, Bennett Malone, William J. (Billy) McCoy, Thomas Upton (Tommy) Reynolds, II, Johnny William (Johnny) Stringer, Robert Earl (Robert) Vince, Joseph Lawrence (Joe) Warren, III, Percy Willis (Percy) Watson and Charles Lemuel (Charles) Young; and

WHEREAS, during their inaugural term of office, these representatives passed significant legislation, including the State Employee Variable Comprehensive Plan and the 1982 Education Reform Act; and

WHEREAS, during the 1984-1988 legislative term, this group of representatives passed legislation, including the largest pay raise for teachers in the state at that time; a massive reorganization of state boards and commissions, including abolishment of the old Budget Commission, the Building Commission and Medicaid Commission; the Business Investment Act was hailed by economic development officials as a landmark piece of legislation to stimulate economic growth; and a major four-lane highway program was enacted despite a gubernatorial veto; and

WHEREAS, legislation enacted during the term from 1988-1992 included the approval of a new Economic Development Highway Act to help build roads for major industrial prospects; the approval of a county-unit bill providing for people in each county to vote on a centralized system of road management; the adoption of the equity funding plan to assist local school districts and reduce financial disparities among districts; the approval of the Economic Development Reform Act to stimulate new business; and the replacement of the part-time State Parole Board with a full-time five member board; and

WHEREAS, some highlights of the 1992-1996 legislative term were: the Education Enhancement Act, the multi-million dollar prison construction program, the Alcohol Boating Safety Act, the establishment of the Department of Transportation and the creation of the intermediate Court of Appeals; and

WHEREAS, since 1996, the Legislature has passed important legislation such as the authorization of 32 new assistant district attorneys around the state, the enactment of the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, the approval of welfare laws to comply with federal mandates, and the creation of the Mississippi Prepaid Affordable College Tuition Program to help defray rising costs in attending college; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by such a remarkable group of individuals who came together to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Mississippi:

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 members of the House of Representatives who began their term in 1980 and are currently serving the 1996-2000 term, for their outstanding service to the people they represent and we extend to each member our heartiest wishes of success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to each member of the House of Representatives named in this resolution and members of the Capitol Press Corps.