Senate Resolution 32

A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND SENATOR MIKE CHANEY FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE.

WHEREAS, Senator Michael Jackson "Mike" Chaney is retiring from the Mississippi Senate to run for statewide office after serving 15 years in the Legislature (eight years in the Senate and seven years in the House of Representatives); and

WHEREAS, Senator Chaney is a man of integrity and hard work, and there is an acknowledged respect for the public, business and charitable endeavors of our esteemed colleague; and

WHEREAS, Senator Chaney represents the 23rd Senate District which includes Warren, Issaquena and Yazoo Counties. He has served as Chairman of the Senate Education Committee for the past four years and was Vice Chairman prior to this term. He also serves on the Senate Agriculture, Appropriations, Environmental Protection, Conservation and Water Resources, Insurance, Ports and Marine Resources, Universities and Colleges, and Congressional Redistricting/Legislative Reapportionment Committees; and

WHEREAS, as Chairman of the Education Committee, Senator Chaney has been in a leadership role in the complex issue of full funding of the Mississippi Adequate Education Formula and other high-profile issues regarding public education services in our state. The Education Committee has jurisdiction over K-12 public education issues, including early childhood education, K-12 reform efforts, the federal No Child Left Behind Act, school violence, special education, teachers and school finance and adequacy. Senator Chaney was Co-Chair of the Joint MAEP Study Committee which reviewed our state's funding formula compared to other states which have been the subject of equity funding legal challenges. Senator Chaney also took interest and was a leader in the critical subject of building code legislation which continues to be a central issue in the recovery of the Mississippi Gulf Coast in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Senator Chaney was also appointed by Lieutenant Governor Amy Tuck to serve on the State Flag Commission, whose actions were closely followed by the Mississippi press; and

WHEREAS, Senator Chaney is a proud Vietnam veteran, and is a champion of any program which assists our returning veterans. He is affiliated with Rotary, the Economic Development Foundation of Warren County, the Vicksburg-Warren Chamber of Commerce, the Mississippi Economic Council and the AWPA. He is a member of the VFW and the American Legion; and

WHEREAS, Senator Chaney is most active in the Episcopal Church where he serves on the vestry and is dedicated to the charitable affairs of his community, including the Good Shepherd Board for Children and various arts programs; and

WHEREAS, Senator Chaney was born January 6, 1944, in Tupelo, Mississippi. He is married to the former Mary Thurmond and is a proud father of 3 children and grandfather of 4 grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Mike was a source of tireless energy, often taking on many difficult concerns and situations. He dismissed no issue in which he truly believed. His thoughts were always channeled toward what was best for our state, and his record as Chairman of Education is recognized by all responsible citizens and public officials who attest to the tremendous progress made in public education programs while he served:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and recognize Senator Mike Chaney, whose long and outstanding service enriched everyone with whom he was associated, and we wish Mike, his wife, Mary, and Mike's family much success in their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Senator Mike Chaney.