MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1999 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Ford

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE EXCEPTIONAL LEGISLATIVE CAREER OF REPRESENTATIVE ED PERRY AND EXPRESSING APPRECIATION FOR HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE PEOPLE OF HIS DISTRICT AND THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Representative Felix Edwin "Ed" Perry, a resident of Oxford, Mississippi, will retire after his eighth consecutive term in the Mississippi House of Representatives, having served as a representative since 1968; and

WHEREAS, after graduating from University High School in Oxford, Representative Perry received a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi in 1964 and his law degree from that university's school of law in 1967; and

WHEREAS, Representative Perry, representing House District 12 in Lafayette County, is tied with only one other current member of the House, Speaker Pro Tempore Robert Clark, for the most years of continuous service; and

WHEREAS, throughout his long and distinguished legislative career, Representative Perry, Chairman of the Judiciary "A" Committee, has held numerous positions of leadership, including having served as former Chairman of the House Appropriations, Constitution and Municipalities Committees and as a long-time member of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee; and

WHEREAS, under his outstanding leadership as Chairman of the Appropriations Committee, the state General Fund budget grew from Nine Hundred Seventy Million Dollars to over One Billion Six Hundred Million Dollars; and

WHEREAS, Representative Perry has served as a member of numerous special committees, including a joint legislative study committee on capitated managed care for Medicaid recipients; the Joint Committee on Compilation, Revision and Publication of State Legislation; a special committee to evaluate the medical malpractice insurance program in the state; and study committees on governmental reorganization, improving the state's educational system and the need for an intermediate appeals court; and

WHEREAS, Representative Perry has been a strong advocate of improving education, including the institutions of higher learning and worked tirelessly to provide adequate funding for the state's universities and related educational programs; and

WHEREAS, a leader in promoting law and order, Representative Perry handled the legislation in 1996 to authorize 32 new assistant district attorneys around the state and to provide for additional criminal investigators in four districts; and

WHEREAS, as a founding member of the Joint Legislative Budget Committee, Representative Perry assisted the Legislature in charting a new course of formulating our state's budget when a court case about the separation of powers between the three branches of government required a change in the process; and

WHEREAS, through his dedication and progressive leadership, Representative Perry has earned the respect of his fellow House members and his congenial nature has had a positive influence on all who have had the pleasure of working with him and hearing him say in tense moments of the legislative process, "Now, let's all be sweet;" and

WHEREAS, Representative Perry, noted for his oratorical skills and personal integrity, will leave a legacy of service, a tradition of compassion and excellence, a record of significant accomplishment and a host of friends, colleagues and fellow workers who will sorely miss his counsel, inspiration and fellowship:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and express our sincere appreciation to Representative Ed Perry for his many noteworthy contributions for the people of Mississippi and extend our best wishes for his continued success in all future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Representative Perry and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.