"I Phil Bryant. do solemnly swear,"
Phil Bryant, took the oath of office on the steps of the capitol as the 63rd Governor of Mississippi for his final term in office Tuesday morning. He reminded listeners about the mandate of the Declaration of Independence.
"In Mississippi we have always experienced mutual success when we have adhered to these guiding principles. When we recognize the undeniable truth that all men are created equal in the eyes of God," said Bryant.
Bryant said freedom is the opportunity to participate in the American Dream, take responsibility for one's actions, be gainfully employed and reap the benefits of hard work. His remarks on job creation drew applause.
"There is nothing more American than hard work. As President Reagan once said I believe there's no better social program than a job. Today you have my pledge to work as hard as humanly possible to make Mississippi the most job friendly state in America," said Bryant.
The 61-year old says he will defend the 2nd Amendment, which is the right to bear arms. He highlighted education, including charter schools and special needs legislation. That provides vouchers for children to attend schools where they receive the services they need. Bryant promoted school choice and Third Grade Reading Gate. He also addressed teen pregnancy.
"Teen pregnancy in Mississippi has been reduced by 22 percent, and the literacy program mandates that third graders read at a basic level before promotion. Last August, over 90 percent of Mississippi's third graders passed their reading test," said Bryant.
The governor praised Mississippi's community college system, which has been named among the best in the nation and the state's "A" rating for Telemedicine. Byrant added, he will continue to support traditional values. He asked listeners to dream.
"Imagine with me now a Mississippi where, where every Mississippian can pursue the American Dream here in what I have labeled today as "The Start-Up State." A state where business creators and entrepreneurs flourish," said Bryant.
Governor Phil Bryant says it's easy to identify the problems, the challenge is to press on.