JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
He's been called representative, auditor, and lieutenant governor, but for the past 100 days, it's been the title of governor that Phil Bryant says has been the most demanding.
"If I could describe it in three words, I would say it is challenging, but it is also very rewarding," said Bryant.
When he took office, Governor Bryant laid out 31 initiatives to shape his administration. Many of those are spelled out in his legislative agenda. Some of them, like dual enrollment programs and a reform on business regulations are becoming reality, others are getting shot down by lawmakers.
"We've asked for some really big ideas and so I've got to be patient and understand that I'm not going to get everything I want the first year," said Bryant.
House Democratic Caucus leader, Rep. Bobby Moak says delivering on that agenda doesn't have a high success rate.
"When it comes to the substance of the legislation that's there, I'm not seeing an awful lot that's happened," said Moak, who is from Bogue Chitto.
Several key components of Bryant's agenda either died in the legislature or are in limbo. That includes, immigration reform, rural physician recruitment, additional abortion bills, charter schools, and health care zones. Despite not getting everything he wants, Bryant says his push for economic development and a state energy policy is helping to advance Mississippi, on top of putting folks to work.
"My first job is try to work as hard as I can to make sure Mississippians have jobs," said Bryant.
In the last 90 days Bryant says 235 jobs have been created through new and expanding industry. While in office, Bryant has sold one of the state jets, created a teen pregnancy task force, and made major appointments to the development authority, national guard and state parole board.
Moak praises those appointments but says the administration is driving in a low gear.
"The governor has been very hands off at least as far as I can see, but I wouldn't be the guy who's receiving the emails and the phone calls either," said Moak.
Bryant says he's encouraged with the session so far and is not giving up on his aggressive agenda.
"We're going to move forward with this agenda this year and the next because I believe it's that important," said Bryant.
The Mississippi Republican Party issued a statement on governor Bryant's time in office so far, saying his experience and knowledge has given him a head start and he's done an excellent job in the face of a very challenging economic environment.
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