MS SR13

Commends District 37 State Senator Bob M. Dearing for 36 years of service in the Mississippi Senate, representing portions of Adams, Amite, Franklin and Pike Counties.

Senator Dearing was first elected in 1979, served eight terms as a Democrat, lost his seat in 2011, and recaptured it in 2015 before announcing he will not seek reelection.

His legislative expertise and key interests included public school administration, Medicaid, Mental Health and Human Services, and he sponsored a dog-fighting bill signed into law by Governor Phil Bryant.

Dearing held committee positions including Vice-Chair of Public Property, and Chairman of the Fees, Salaries and Administration Committee, where he conducted a two-year study comparing state director and official compensation levels to surrounding states.

His education includes a Bachelor of Science in Education from Delta State University (1957), Master's Degree from University of Southern Mississippi (1965), and an Honorary Doctorate in Public Service (2012).