Senate Resolution 9

A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND DISTRICT 8 STATE SENATOR RUSSELL JOLLY FOR HIS DISTINGUISHED SERVICE IN THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE.

WHEREAS, State Senator Russell Jolly has announced that he will not be seeking reelection. He has represented Senate District 8, which includes portions of Calhoun, Chickasaw, Lee, Pontotoc and Yalabousha Counties, for nine years. In Russell Jolly, the citizens of District 8 have had effective representation from a dedicated public servant with business and cattleman experience; and

WHEREAS, Russell Jolly was first elected to the Legislature in the November 8, 2011, Special Election. Jolly's professional experience includes spending much of his career managing a grocery store in rural Mississippi, and operating his family's cattle farm; and

WHEREAS, at the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Jolly served on the following committees: Agriculture, Vice Chair; Appropriations; Corrections; County Affairs; Education; Energy; Environmental Protection, Conservation and Water Resources; and Ethics; and

WHEREAS, during Senator Jolly's tenure, his key legislative interests included economic development, job growth and transportation funding in District 8, public schools and conservative values; and

WHEREAS, Senator Jolly is a Gideon, a Mason and a Shriner. He is married to the former Rhonda Brand. They have two children, Greg and Brandon. He is of the Baptist faith; and

WHEREAS, Senator Jolly's service has been marked by his commitment to success and recognized leadership, sound judgment, civility, courtesy and fairness. He has set the highest standard in all of his many roles: husband, father, businessman, cattleman, statesman, community leader and leader in the Mississippi Senate, and as a true friend. Russell's service honored both the Mississippi Senate and this great state that he loved and served:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and recognize Senator Russell Jolly, whose outstanding service enriched everyone with whom he was associated, and we wish Russell and his family much success in his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Senator Russell Jolly and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.