Walking on Air

People keep asking me how my first two weeks have been and all I can say is that I have felt as though I have been walking on air. Every morning when I roll out of bed, I get on my knees and ask the Lord for His mind, His mouth, His eyes and ears, most of all His heart, and to allow me to be His hands and feet. Then I thank Him for all of you that believed in me enough to trust me with this awesome responsibility of serving you at your State House. I go to work every morning with the people of Madison County on my mind and chill bumps running up and down my spine!

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On January 7, 2020, the Mississippi State Legislature began the first session of the new four-year term. Per the Constitution of the State of Mississippi, the first session of every term is scheduled to last 125 days, as opposed to 90 days. This is done to accommodate inaugurations, new committee chairmanships and procedural matters like choosing parking spaces and offices. On the first day, the House members took the oath of office, just before the election of Speaker of the House and Speaker Pro Tempore. As part of the House Rules, both of these positions and the House Clerk are elected by the members and are sworn into office the first day of session. Speaker of the House Philip Gunn was re-elected to his third term as Speaker. Jason White was elected as the Pro Tempore after previously serving as Chairman of the Rules committee. Andrew Ketchings was also re-elected as House Clerk for the third time. Although it is early in the session, the House has already taken up one bill. On Wednesday, January 8, House Bill 1 passed with a vote of 121-1 and has since passed the Senate floor. The bill would fully fund last year’s teacher pay raise after a miscalculation in the number of teachers led to a deficit. By appropriating an extra $18.4 million of the General Fund, teachers will now receive the $1,500 pay raise as promised last session. {House Summary by Barrett Climer}.

On the afternoon of January 13th, I was allowed the opportunity to open us in prayer and to lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance to our beloved American Flag. May the year 2020 be remembered as “a year of anointing in the House” because we declare that the Lord will arise over us and His glory will be seen upon us. May we bathe every decision in prayer; remind ourselves daily that we are accountable to Him only and not to outside influences; may we lay aside any and all personal differences and seek to be united in what is best for this State; may His kingdom come right here in Mississippi!

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On Tuesday, January 14, the inauguration ceremony of Governor Tate Reeves was held in the House Chamber due to the inclement weather outside. A packed chamber filled with legislators, statewide officials, Mississippi Supreme Court justices and other important personnel watched as he took the oath of office. As I sat in my chair (center section, third row back), I could not help but think of all those that sat in that seat before me. What did they think as they sat there watching history being made? Did they feel like they were the luckiest person in the world during that moment? Because let me assure you, I sure did!

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The first two weeks have been full of activities, but I have had such a wonderful time visiting with so many at the different functions such as State Auditor Shad White's Gospel Brunch, Governor Tate Reeves' Ball, First Lady Elee Reeves' Tea, Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann's Gala, and taking any opportunity I can to kiss on my hubby. However, beginning this week, we will get our committee assignments and the fun and games will be over. The real work begins. I welcome your emails and calls with any issues and concerns you may have. Please come see me any time you are near our State Capitol. Be blessed, Jill.

Jill Ford - Representative of the People of District 73 of Madison County, Mississippi