Despite the fact that it is hard for the Senate of 52 members to have no chairs from the minor Democratic Party due to the number of committees, Hosemann had some unexpected appointments. Hob Bryan, an Amory Democrat will be chairing the Public Health Committee. This committee is considered to be one of the most important in the chamber. Hosemann stated, “What you saw today was my best efforts to put everybody where they would most serve the state.” “Hopefully that’s in conjunction with what they want to do.” The plum assignments included the chairs of two money committees. Of course, the majority of these plum assignments went to Republicans who have a 36-16 advantage in Senate. Briggs Hopson (R-Vicksburg), who is generally regarded as a moderate, will be chairing Appropriations. Josh Harkins (R-Flowood) will chair Senate Finance Committee – taking over Joey Fillingane (R-Sumrall), who is now the chair of Highways and Transportation. Buck Clarke (the previous chair of Appropriations for the past four years) did not run unsuccessfully for the office of treasurer in the state. Hosemann stated that you will see Republicans and Democrats heading these committees. Hosemann said that both males and women will be heading these committees. It doesn’t matter if it’s a woman or a man, Republican or Democrat or minority. All of us were elected. .. They are gifted and I will use their talents. We’re now on the governing stage. We are no longer at party stage.” Sally Doty (R-Brookhaven) will be chairing the Judiciary A Committee. Dennis DeBar (R-Leakesville), was appointed chair of Education. DeBar served as vice-chair of Transportation for the past four years, under the leadership of Tate Reeves. Surprisingly, only four of the 15 Education Committee members voted for the failed attempt of the legislative leadership, to rewrite Mississippi Adequate Education Program. This is the program that provides state funding for local school districts to support their basic operations. Eight members voted against this new funding formula. Education advocates and educators argued that the new funding formula would have made funding more difficult for local school districts. Philip Gunn (R-Clinton), House Speaker, was one of the authors of the rewrite. He said that he doesn’t believe any legislation will be filed in this session to try another rewrite. Bryan, who was also the Public Health chair during Republican Phil Bryant’s tenure as lieutenant governor, said that he thought Hosemann was fair to all Democrats. “I would have done things differently, but overall it is a good group of people,” Hosemann said. The Senate’s lieutenant governor is responsible for assigning committee assignments. Hosemann, who was sworn in Thursday as lieutenant governor, did not waste any time fulfilling this responsibility. He stated that one of his top priorities will be to reorganize the state government and eliminate more than 200 commissioners and boards that oversee various agencies. He stated that this will require the combined efforts of several committees. Hosemann stated, “Today, when I gaveled in to them all, I told them all that they should review their committee.” “Please give me their priorities by Tuesday. I have a list of priorities. I have my priorities. John Read (R-Gautier) will remain as the chair of Appropriations, while Trey Lamar (R-Senatobia) will be chair Ways and Means. He will replace Jeff Smith who was defeated in his reelection campaign. Gunn appointed Karl Oliver, R.Winona, vice chair of Appropriations. Oliver, who posted on social media in 2017 that support for removing Confederate monuments was lynched, was heavily criticized. Oliver later apologised for his comments. Gunn had at the time condemned Oliver’s comments. Jody Steverson (R-Ripley) will serve as vice chair of Ways and Means. Gunn will begin his third term as speaker and will be taking on other committee assignments over the next few days. Adam Ganucheau contributed to the report.