MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2005 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Dawkins, Jordan, Butler, Jackson (11th), Frazier, Simmons, Thomas, Turner, Williamson, Bryan, Walls, Horhn, Jackson (32nd), Harden, Lee (47th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DESIGNATING THE MONTH OF APRIL 2005 AS "FAIR HOUSING MONTH" IN MISSISSIPPI AND ENCOURAGING ALL RESIDENTS OF MISSISSIPPI TO SUPPORT AND ASSIST EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY IN MAINTAINING FAIR HOUSING.
WHEREAS, the fundamental right of fair housing opportunities is one on which our country is based. The Congress of the United States passed the Civil Rights Act of 1968, of which Title VIII declared that the law of the land would guarantee the rights of equal housing opportunity; and
WHEREAS, in order that all who live here now may exercise these rights, maintaining and preserving them for the future, it is necessary for us all to know how to protect our fair housing rights; and
WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi is committed to providing housing options to persons with disabilities and families that include members who are persons with disabilities to be provided in the most integrated setting appropriate; and
WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi is further committed to developing a comprehensive plan to address needs, service options, opportunities and service settings appropriate for persons with disabilities and families that include members who are persons with disabilities so they may participate in community life to the greatest extent that is possible and that they desire; and
WHEREAS, public discussion of fair housing practices and awareness of laws and regulations regarding fair housing serve to counter discrimination in housing, and it is essential that all Mississippians be aware of the need for and benefits of fair housing practices; and
WHEREAS, "Fair Housing Month" is time set aside each year to remind Americans and Mississippians that we not only have the right to own and rent property, but it is an individual responsibility to guard this right from any infringement; and
WHEREAS, all residents of this state benefit from fair housing practices:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we hereby designate the month of April 2005 as "Fair Housing Month" in Mississippi and encourage all residents of Mississippi to support and assist equal housing opportunities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Institute for Disability Studies at the University of Southern Mississippi and the Southeast Mississippi Legal Services and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.