Photo: State Rep. Rodney Hall (R-Southaven) speaks before the House of Representatives during the 2024 legislative session. (Courtesy photo)
State legislators are between sessions since the 2024 session ended and ahead of the start of the 2025 session in January. For first term legislators, the beginning of the 2024 session marked the start of a new experience; taking their seat in the Chambers of their respective legislative body for the first time.
We contacted the first-term legislators representing DeSoto County in the 2024 session and we have earlier printed articles with state Reps. Kimberly Remak, W.I. “Doc” Harris, and Justin Keen. We asked for impressions of being in the House for the first time as a lawmaker, goals and thoughts on passing legislation representing the district.
Here is our Q and A with state Rep. Rodney Hall.
Q. – As a first time legislator, what were your impressions? The first time that you entered the Capitol, entered the House chamber, and you said to yourself, “I’m a lawmaker. I’m actually doing work here.” What were your thoughts about that?
A. – Entering the Capitol and the House chamber for the first time was an exhilarating and humbling experience. I felt a profound sense of honor and responsibility, knowing that I was entrusted by the citizens of District 20 to represent them. The beauty and grandeur of the Capitol were awe-inspiring, but I was acutely aware of the gravity of the work ahead. My mission was clear: to be thoroughly prepared to serve DeSoto County effectively. Before being sworn in, I immersed myself in all things DeSoto County, meeting with local leaders, educators, business owners, nonprofit leaders, law enforcement, and, most importantly, my constituents. Having served Mississippi’s 1st Congressional District in Washington, I knew the importance of understanding the mechanics of government. I educated myself on the rules and procedures of the House and the legislature to ensure I could perform my duties with expertise and dedication.
Q. – So did you have any specific goals for your first term or did you kind of take it easy to get used to the lay of the land first, or how did you approach that first session?
A. – My approach to the first session was to address the immediate needs of DeSoto County while laying the groundwork for future initiatives. I focused on creating an environment where our children could receive a quality education in a safe community, free from the rising crime in Memphis, TN. I aimed to foster economic growth and prosperity in DeSoto County. I’m proud to say we made significant strides in these areas. We passed a historic new funding formula for our schools, increased penalties for theft crimes to curb the spillover from our northern border, and supported a massive $2 billion investment in North Mississippi that will benefit DeSoto County. Additionally, I championed efforts to secure funding for widening Interstate 55, setting the stage for continued growth in our region.
Q. – Do you have any specific priorities for the next session when you go back?
A. – My priorities for the next session are to continue addressing DeSoto County’s current needs while driving material change across all of Mississippi. We have shown a strong commitment to attracting new businesses, but I also want to focus on growing our economy from within. I plan to leverage our leadership at all levels of government to create local opportunities and harness the expertise of our research universities to pave new paths to prosperity. Investing in our youth remains a top priority, with initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship and equip students with skills for the global economy. Additionally, I aim to collaborate with faith-based leaders and law enforcement to maintain safe communities while preserving Mississippi’s essence. I will also continue to work for our hometown heroes by reintroducing the Hometown Heroes Home Loan Guaranty Program. This initiative supports our local heroes – teachers, law enforcement and EMTs – purchasing homes in the communities they serve.
Q. – What might have been the most meaningful moment for you in this first session? That you’ll probably think back on pretty easily when you think about the first four months that you spent in Jackson.
A. – One of the most meaningful moments for me was introducing Colonel Puckett and Pastor Brian Henderson as Chaplains of the Day. Colonel Puckett was my first Military Chaplain when I enlisted 20 years ago in the 2/20th Special Forces Group, MS Army National Guard, making it a profoundly personal and significant moment. Pastor Henderson, a friend and a pillar of our DeSoto County community, has done remarkable work, and it was an honor to recognize his contributions. These moments, along with visits from constituents and debates on the House floor, will always stand out in my memory.
Q. – What was it like working with some of the other legislators in Jackson?
A. – The camaraderie among the DeSoto County legislators was a highlight of my first session. I also deeply appreciate the willingness of the leadership and committee chairmen to work with me and incorporate my input, despite being a freshman legislator. This level of trust and collaboration allowed me to have a seat at the table and a voice in important matters. I look forward to continuing to build these relationships and partnerships in the coming years.
Q. – What do you do in the off session now from Sine Die to starting it all over again in January?
A. – As a member of the Mississippi Army National Guard, there’s always the possibility of being called to serve, which I am currently doing on a short assignment supporting operations in Europe and Africa. Once my mission concludes, I will continue working on initiatives in DeSoto County and across the state. Securing funding for the West End Redevelopment is a top priority. I will also continue to visit defense companies across Mississippi, an effort I began while serving MS 1st Congressional District and continued in the MS Legislature, to understand their challenges and seek opportunities for growth and development. Staying engaged with my constituents remains paramount, as their challenges and ideas will shape my legislative priorities for the next session.
