Sen. Joseph Thomas

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 71 pays tribute to Dr. Elayne Hayes-Anthony, a pioneering journalist and former Jackson State University acting president who passed away on March 5, 2026. The resolution formally recognizes her historic contributions as the first African American woman to serve as an anchor, producer, and reporter at WJTV-12, and honors her decades of leadership in education, public service, and media advocacy. It directs that the resolution be presented to her surviving family and shared with Jackson State University and the Capitol Press Corps.

Maddy summaryThis is a procedural resolution (SC 531), not a law with new requirements. It recognizes that many American workers, including state employees, face retirement security challenges - citing data showing 80% of households aged 60+ were financially struggling or at risk in 2020 - and urges federal and state leaders to address the issue. The resolution specifically encourages employers and retirement systems to promote lifetime income solutions and financial education, but it does not create new programs, funding, or mandates. It serves as a symbolic statement to raise awareness and prompt action by other entities.

Maddy summarySB 2408 authorizes Mississippi's Soil and Water Conservation Commission to construct and maintain a levee system along the Yazoo River in Yazoo County, using federal funding. The bill grants the Commission authority to handle all construction activities, including environmental mitigation and land acquisition, and to contract with local governments or private entities for project execution. It also allows the Commission to partner with political subdivisions for levee maintenance over up to 99 years, with local entities optionally contributing funds. This directly affects Yazoo County residents by enhancing flood protection along the Yazoo River.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) expressing the Mississippi Legislature's condolences on the death of Dr. Rod Paige, Mississippi native and the nation's first African American U.S. Secretary of Education. It honors his legacy, including his role in shaping the No Child Left Behind Act and his work as Houston school superintendent. The resolution extends "sincerest sympathy" to his family and pays tribute to his contributions to education. It has no legislative effect or policy changes - it serves solely as a commemorative gesture.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a non-binding ceremonial resolution (SC 521) extending the Mississippi Legislature's congratulations to Dr. John A. Peoples, Jr., President Emeritus of Jackson State University (JSU) and the oldest living HBCU president. It formally recognizes his leadership as JSU's president from 1967-1984, his role in expanding the university's academic programs and infrastructure, and his status as a pioneering HBCU leader. The resolution celebrates his legacy, including founding JSU's ROTC program and his contributions to higher education during the civil rights era. It does not create any new policies or obligations - it is purely a symbolic gesture of appreciation for Dr. Peoples' service.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a commemorative resolution (SC 524) honoring Willie Totten and Jerry Rice, whose 1981-1985 partnership at Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) revolutionized small-college football as the "Satellite Express." It recognizes Totten's record-setting passing (12,711 yards, 141 TDs) and Rice's historic receiving (4,693 yards, 50 TDs), which propelled Rice to NFL stardom and influenced modern offensive strategies. The resolution specifically commemorates their legacy at MVSU, an HBCU that overcame decades of struggles under Coach Archie Cooley's innovative no-huddle offense. As a symbolic gesture, it does not enact new policy or affect any current laws.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution formally commends Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Special Agent Milton Williams, Jr. for receiving the Northern Region Special Agent Citation. It recognizes his law enforcement career and community leadership, including founding the nonprofit organizations Men United and Women United to support youth in the Mississippi Delta. The resolution also highlights his family legacy in law enforcement and his service as a mentor and public servant. This is a ceremonial document that does not create new laws or change policy.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 51 (SR 51) is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Dean Ken Cyree's retirement after 17 years as Dean of the University of Mississippi School of Business Administration. It honors his service as the second-longest-serving business dean in Ole Miss history and the longest-serving business school dean in the Southeastern Conference, highlighting achievements like raising $54.7 million for the school and growing enrollment by 73%. This resolution does not create new policy or affect any laws - it simply expresses the Mississippi Senate's appreciation for his leadership. The resolution will be presented to Dean Cyree, the university chancellor, and the Board of Trustees.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 50 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing Castro "Mr. Sipp" Coleman, a McComb, Mississippi-based gospel and blues artist, for his musical contributions. It formally honors his career as a Grammy-winning guitarist with the Williams Brothers, his 2025 Blues Music Awards B.B. King Entertainer of the Year win, and his role as a Mississippi music ambassador. The resolution does not create new laws or provide funding - it solely offers symbolic recognition of his achievements in blues and gospel music. It directly affects no individuals or policies, serving only to celebrate his cultural impact.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 52), not a policy bill. It formally recognizes Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and the Mississippi Alpha Network for their 55th anniversary as the first intercollegiate fraternity for African American men. The resolution highlights the fraternity's founding in 1906 and its history in Mississippi since 1927, including its 13 alumni chapters and nine college chapters. The resolution serves only to honor their legacy of leadership, scholarship, and community service through a formal legislative acknowledgment.