House Concurrent Resolution 18

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION URGING THAT STATE APPOINTMENTS FOR AGENCY DIRECTORS, COMMISSIONERS AND BOARDS BE MORE REFLECTIVE OF THE DEMOGRAPHICS AND DIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, state appointments for agency directors, commissioners and boards should be more reflective of the demographics and diversity of this state in order to provide holistic and thorough services to its citizens; and

WHEREAS, females of the state comprise 51.5% of the population, and males comprise 48.5% of the population; and

WHEREAS, African Americans of the state comprise 37.2% of the population, and Whites comprise 60.6% of the population; and

WHEREAS, Hispanic or Latino persons of the state comprise 2.2% of the population, and Asians comprise 0.85% of the population; and

WHEREAS, 28.9% of citizens of this state are employed in management, professional and related occupations, and 16.9% are employed in service occupations; and

WHEREAS, 24.7% of citizens of this state are employed in sales and office occupations, and 17.1% are employed in production, transportation and material moving occupations; and

WHEREAS, 75% of citizens of this state are employed as private wage and salary workers, and 18.2% are employed as government workers; and

WHEREAS, 14.5% of households in the state have incomes in the range of $35,000.00 to $49,999.00, and 1.8% of households have incomes that are more than $200,000.00; and

WHEREAS, being that our great state has such diverse demographics, such diversity would be a great benefit if it is utilized more when appointments are made on the state level to fulfill positions for agency directors, commissioners and boards:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That the State of Mississippi supports greater diversity in all state appointments for agency directors, commissioners and boards, which will provide a momentous positive impact for the state as those with varying backgrounds make significant contributions in their appointed positions that will reflect the needs of all Mississippians.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Lieutenant Governor and the Governor, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.