Mississippi Legislature Concludes Historic 2012 Session
The 2012 Regular Session of the Mississippi Legislature brought many historic changes to the Magnolia State. For the first time since 1976, there would be a new Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House, all taking office for the first time. And, for the first time since Reconstruction, Republicans would control not only the Governor’s Mansion, but also both chambers of the Legislature as a result of the November, 2011 general elections.
In the House, the Session began on January 3, 2012, with the historic election of three-term Rep. Philip Gunn (R-Clinton) as the first Republican Speaker of the House in 140 years, and the election of four-term Rep. Greg Snowden (R-Meridian) as the very first ever Republican Speaker Pro Tempore. Additionally, former Rep. Andrew Ketchings, of Natchez, was elected Clerk of the House. Speaker Gunn noted in his acceptance speech that Mississippians too long have been separated by opinion, age, race, region, and party, and he pledged to do his best to promote a new spirit of unity. “Let us work together to make Mississippi better than it has ever been before,” Gunn said.
Although Republicans undeniably enjoyed a narrow 64-58 majority in the House, Democrats were not shy in advancing their own ideas and programs. Under the leadership of Democratic Caucus Chairman Rep. Bobby Moak (D-Bogue Chitto), as joined by such stalwart veterans as Rep. Steve Holland (D-Plantersville), Rep. Cecil Brown (D-Jackson), Rep. Johnny Stringer (D-Montrose), and Rep. Omeria Scott (D-Laurel), the Democratic Party’s perspective was generally well-represented in full and fair floor debate of many issues of importance to all Mississippians. By Session’s end, Democrats had eschewed open warfare because, as Rep. Moak aptly put it, “[J]ust because you can do it doesn’t mean you should do it.” Speaker Gunn agreed: “I believe we worked very well together,” he said of the partisan give-and-take in the House. “I think as the Session progressed, there was a good spirit, a very good atmosphere.”
The Session brought many new faces to the Legislature. The House welcomed 32 freshman legislators (out of 122 members total), while the Senate welcomed 14 new members (of 52 members total). The new lawmakers jumped right in by authoring bills, presenting them in committee and on the floor, serving on committees and actively stepping into various important leadership roles. With a committed focus to transparency and accountability, the new House leadership featured a bipartisan makeup, including both Democratic as well as Republican committee chairs and vice-chairs. Although from time to time there were some partisan disagreements, as is natural and to be expected, much major legislation addressed during the Session received solid support from both sides of the aisle.
Speaker Pro-Tem Greg Snowden
5/6/12
Magnolia Tribune
