Senate Resolution 20

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND RECOGNIZE SECRETARY OF THE SENATE LIZ WELCH FOR HER DISTINGUISHED SERVICE TO THE MISSISSIPPI SENATE.

WHEREAS, Liz Welch began serving as Secretary of the Senate in 2012 when she was nominated and elected to a four-year term by the members of the Senate to this important official position. Liz was elected as Secretary of the Senate to a second four-year term in 2016, indicating the confidence in which she was regarded by the Senate. In Liz Welch the citizens of Mississippi have had effective representation from a dedicated public servant with financial and public policy experience; and

WHEREAS, Liz Welch's previous public service and financial experience included serving as Bond Advisory Counsel and Deputy State Treasurer under State Treasurer Marshall Bennett, State Treasurer Peyton Prospere and State Treasurer Tate Reeves from 2004-2012, where she was able to bring her valuable fiscal and budget experience to the operation of the Mississippi Senate; and

WHEREAS, the Secretary of the Senate is an official officer of the Mississippi Legislature established under Section 5-1-15, who is elected at the beginning of each term by majority vote of the Senate. Under Senate Rule 12 the Secretary of the Senate is charged with the responsibility of keeping the official Journal of the proceedings of the Mississippi Senate which is required by law as evidence of the passage of statutes and acts of the Legislature. The Journal of the Senate is recorded daily and transcribed and later printed by an experienced staff of individuals familiar with the process, and the Secretary of the Senate serves as supervisor of this process. The Secretary of the Senate also serves the Senate Rules Committee as the Chief Administrative Officer of the Senate handling the employment and personnel matters of all Senate employees pursuant to the direction of the Rules Committee, which includes the organizational structure of the Senate Docket Room, the Committee Assistant system, the Office of Senate Legislative Services (attorneys) and the Senate maintenance crew. The Secretary of the Senate must interact with the Department of Finance and Administration regarding building, Capitol grounds, security, archives and law enforcement issues on a daily basis. The Office of Secretary of the Senate is an extremely responsible position and Liz Welch is to be commended for serving this role in a professional and effective manner; and

WHEREAS, Liz Welch was born in West, Mississippi, and is a resident of Madison. Liz' mother is former Representative and Mayor Mary Ann Stevens, who continues to support efforts to maintain the New Capitol Building and its grounds. Liz and Mary Ann have been involved in the master plan to restore and revitalize the grounds and driveway of the New Capitol Building to maintain this beautiful and historic structure; and

WHEREAS, Liz graduated from the University of Mississippi and the Mississippi College School of Law and she remains a dedicated fan of the Ole Miss Rebels. She is a member of the Chapel of the Cross Episcopal Church in Madison. Liz Welch and her husband, Paul, have one child, Matthew Majure; and

WHEREAS, Liz has gained a considerable practical knowledge about how the Mississippi Legislature functions, and has been involved in an immersive University of Mississippi Political Science course aimed at preparing future State Legislators and Public Agency Directors. Liz has offered participants an opportunity to expand their understanding and deepen their appreciation of the state legislative process. In January 2019, Liz Welch was named one of the Annual Mississippi Top 50 Winners in the Elected and Appointed Officials category, which recognizes the Top 50 Most Influential Mississippians in the areas of government service, lobbying and government relations and business, media and culture. Liz was most deserving of this award; and

WHEREAS, Liz Welch's service has been marked by her commitment to success and recognized leadership, sound judgment, civility, courtesy and fairness. She has set the highest standard in all of her many roles: mother, businesswoman, fiscal leader, community leader and leader in the Mississippi Senate, and as a true friend. Liz's service honored both the Mississippi Senate and this great state that she loved and served:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and recognize Secretary of the Senate Liz Welch for her distinguished service in the Mississippi Senate.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Secretary of the Senate Liz Welch and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.