On Jan. 3, the Mississippi State Legislature began the fourth and final session in its four-year term. Though it is early in the session, three resolutions were taken up on the House floor. These resolutions honored Mississippians who have made a positive impact on their communities.
On Jan. 4, the Capitol was visited by Chapel Hart, the country music trio originally from Poplarville. House Resolution 2 honors the singing group for its many accomplishments and positive representation of Mississippi. After being recognized in the House and Senate, the members of Chapel Hart, sisters Danica and Devynn Hart and first cousin Trea Swindle, performed songs for legislators, staffers and visitors in the Capitol rotunda.
Chapel Hart first made waves in 2022 for receiving a “Group Golden Buzzer” during its audition on “America’s Got Talent.” The group has since performed at the Grand Ole Opry and is about to embark on a 60-show nationwide tour.
House Resolution 1 congratulates the Jackson Preparatory School varsity baseball team on its fifth-consecutive 6A MAIS State Championship. The players and coaches were recognized in the gallery on Jan. 4.
Also last Wednesday, the House recognized the Rev. Dr. Lisa Allen-McLaurin with House Resolution 3. Allen-McLaurin has been named the music scholar-in-residence and interim choral director at the American Church in Paris, France.
The Jackson native is an Emmy and Webby award-winning pastor who serves as the coordinator of practical ministries for the Sixth Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church as well as other roles at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta.
The House has added members to its roster since the 2022 legislative session as the result of special elections. Jeffery Hulum III (D-Gulfport) is the new representative for District 119 replacing Rep. Sonya Williams-Barnes, who resigned in March. Andy Boyd (R-Columbus) fills the District 37 seat following the passing of Rep. Lynn Wright in June. Two other vacancies in the House (Districts 23 and 72) will be filled after special elections in the coming weeks. (The District 23 election was Tuesday)
Jan. 11 was the deadline to request legislation and Jan. 16 was the deadline for filing general bills. More than 200 House bills have already been filed and referred to committees.
I would like to thank the people of District 35 for allowing me the opportunity to serve. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me any time. You can contact me at the Capitol at P.O. Box 1018, Jackson, MS 39215 or call (601) 359-3339. You may also email me at jhood@house.ms.gov.
