Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                      FOR MORE INFORMATION:
JANUARY 7, 2008                                  MICK BULLOCK 769-798-7268

PHIL BRYANT TO BRING MISSISSIPPIANS LIVE ACCESS TO THE STATE SENATE

Jackson, MS - Lieutenant Governor-elect Bryant announced today the initiative of live webcasting the proceedings of the Mississippi State Senate.

As part of his Accountability Agenda, released in June 2007, Bryant made it a top priority for Mississippians to be able to view the Senate while in session. The webcasting initiative will provide sunshine to the legislative process at no cost to the taxpayer. A partnership with Mississippi Public Broadcasting will provide the equipment, installation and hosting for free up to the first year.

Mississippi will join 45 other states that provide their citizens the opportunity to see or listen to their legislature in action via cable TV, public broadcasting stations or webcasts. In addition, 40 states offer audio or video coverage of floor proceedings, 22 states cover at least some committee hearings on the web, 28 states and the District of Columbia provide television broadcasts.

Lt. Governor-elect Bryant stated, "Mississippians will no longer have to come to Jackson to watch the State Senate in action. Now, with the Senate floor proceedings being provided through a webcast, Mississippians can watch and listen to the State Senate on their computer-at home, at work or at schools and libraries across the state."

Two cameras will be set up in the gallery of the Senate, Camera 1: Lt. Governor's podium and Camera 2: Senate speaking podium. The Camera will rotate from position 1 and 2 depending on which podium is being used.

The webcast of the State Senate is expected to begin during the first months of the session, once the measure is approved and installation is completed.

Phil Bryant will be sworn-in as Mississippi's next Lt. Governor on January 10, 2008 after capturing 59% of the vote in the November election. He started his career in public service as a Hinds County Deputy Sheriff and was elected to the Mississippi House of Representatives from District 59 in Rankin County in 1992, re-elected in 1995, and appointed as State Auditor by former Governor Kirk Fordice. Bryant was re-elected as State Auditor overwhelmingly in 1999 and without opposition in 2003.