MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Ward, Frazier, Butler (36th), Dickerson, Burton, Blount, Stone, King, McDaniel, Dearing, Chassaniol, Hopson, Lee (47th), Mettetal, Clarke, Jackson (15th), Hudson, Davis, Carmichael, Fillingane, Albritton, Flowers, Watson, Butler (38th), Montgomery, Hewes, Yancey, Moffatt, Jackson (32nd), Collins, Wilemon, Jackson (11th), Tollison, Turner
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION PROVIDING THAT THE OPENING DAY PROCEEDINGS OF THE 2012 REGULAR SESSION OF THE MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE SHALL BE HELD IN THE HISTORIC HOUSE AND SENATE CHAMBERS OF THE RESTORED OLD CAPITOL BUILDING.
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Legislature convened their first session in the Old Capitol Building 172 years ago in 1839. When the Old Capitol was built, it sat in the middle of a small town of less than 1,000 residents, indicating that early Mississippians possessed real confidence in their state government. The classic Greek Revival design by William Nichols, with its large open galleries, allowed citizens to watch legislators in action, an open government concept perfectly suited to the Capital City named for the father of "Jacksonian Democracy"; and
WHEREAS, on January 6, 2009, the Mississippi Legislature held opening day proceedings for the 2009 Regular Session in the newly renovated Old Capitol Building following the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina; and
WHEREAS, the Old Capitol Building has returned to a thriving museum and landmark that continues to inspire and symbolize the State of Mississippi today; and
WHEREAS, Section 57 of the Mississippi Constitution of 1890 provides that neither the House nor Senate may adjourn to any other place than where they usually meet without the consent of the other house:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That opening day proceedings of the 2012 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature commencing at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, January 3, 2012, shall be held in the historic House and Senate Chambers of the Old Capitol Building, with each house meeting in its respective chamber, and with the newly elected members to be sworn in at that time.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Lieutenant Governor, in consultation with the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History, shall be authorized to jointly direct any necessary accommodations for the opening day proceedings.