JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The State of Mississippi is now in the hands of new leadership.
Republican Phil Bryant took the oath of office Tuesday morning inside the State Capitol.
In his speech, Bryant made it clear his administration will concentrate on what outgoing Governor Haley Barbour says is Mississippi's biggest problem, children being born to teenagers, out of wedlock.
Governor Bryant was sworn in as Mississippi's 64th governor in the house chamber, where the ceremony had to be moved because of rain.
As it turned out the actual swearing in could have been held outside, without people getting wet.
Bryant took oath of office from Supreme Court Justice William Waller, Jr. with his wife, Deborah, at his side.
The new governor said Mississippi can no longer turn it's head and ignore the problems of teenage pregnancy and children being born out of wedlock.
"The problem of teenage pregnancy in this state must come to an end," Bryant said. "We must realize that the highest teen pregnancy rate in the nation will eventually cripple our state. Friends, we can no longer turn our heads and pretend the problem doesn't exist. Teen pregnancy in Mississippi must be reduced if we are to reach our goals."
Bryant, a former state auditor, said Mississippi can no longer live with a 19th century budget process in the 21st century.
He said the theme of his new administration will be "Rising Together."
"Our state cannot be successful in the 21st century, with a budget system from the 19th," Bryant said. "Budgets are always set by two deciding factors, what was last year's budget, and who do you know at the capitol, this is no way to treat our people's tax dollars."
Before the inaugural ceremony was over they were already tearing down the huge platform built on the south steps of the capitol but not used because of the weather.
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