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I have never been one for formalities, but I’ve learned to get used to them. The first two weeks of the 2016 legislative session have been full of formalities, with the real, substantive work lying ahead.
All members were sworn in on Tuesday, January 5, and House members then split into congressional delegations to elect members to the Rules and Management Committees. The Third Congressional District, in which all of District 90 lies, elected Reps. Ray Rogers (Pearl) and Scott Bounds (Philadelphia) to the Rules Committee and Reps. John Moore (Brandon) and Becky Currie (Brookhaven) to the Management Committee. Rules and Management are the only committees whose membership is elected by fellow legislators; all other committees are appointed by the speaker of the house.
Rep. Philip Gunn of Clinton was unanimously chosen to serve a second term as Speaker of the House. Humorously, the lone ‘no’ vote came from a legislator’s toddler grandson, who yelled ‘Nay!” upon hearing, “All those opposed, vote nay.” Rep. Greg Snowden of Meridian was chosen again as Speaker Pro-Tem.
All statewide elected officials other than Gov. Bryant were sworn in Thursday, January 7, in the House chamber, and Gov. Bryant was sworn in the following week in a separate inauguration on the Capitol steps.
Committee assignments have not yet been made but are expected soon. These will give us all a better idea of where our influence and expertise will be developed over the next four years. Individual bills are just beginning to be discussed publicly, with many still being written and researched.
I have heard from several constituents concerning the contested election in House District 79. A five-member committee has been appointed to investigate the alleged wrongdoings and will report to the full House on its findings. The committee will make a recommendation, and the House will vote whether or not to accept the recommendation. House members have been urged not to make a decision about how they will vote until the investigation has been completed and all the facts are made available, and I believe this is the correct way forward. As I have told those who have asked, I do not yet know how I will vote. I will look at the facts and vote accordingly; the people of District 90 and District 79 deserve at least that much.
Please do not hesitate to call me if I can be of assistance. God bless.
Rep. Noah Sanford represents parts of Covington, Simpson and Jefferson Davis Counties in the Mississippi House of Representatives. He can be reached at nsanford@house.ms.gov or at 601-517-6622.
