Born: October 22, 1947
Birth State: Mississippi
Party: Republican
Spouse: Marsha Barbour
Family: Married Marsha Dickson; two sons
Religion: Presbyterian
School(s): University of Mississippi Address: P.O. Box 139 Jackson, MS 39205 Phone: 601/359-3150 Fax: 601/359-3741
Governor's Web Site
State Web Site
HALEY BARBOUR was born in Yazoo City, Mississippi. He earned a law degree from the University of Mississippi Law School in 1973. He advised President Ronald Reagan as Director of the White House Office of Political Affairs, and served two terms as Chairman of the Republican National Committee. Prior to his election as governor, he headed Barbour Griffith and Rogers, one of the nation’s top lobbying firms. In November 2003, Barbour was elected Mississippi’s governor in the largest voter turnout in a gubernatorial election in state history. As Governor, Barbour has enacted the most comprehensive tort reform in the nation, restoring balance for plaintiffs and defendants in the state’s civil justice system. He implemented, “Momentum Mississippi,” an update to the state’s long-range economic development strategy. Mississippi has now seen the largest increase in net new jobs since 1999 and the largest increase in personal income since 1998. He also initiated the most comprehensive overhaul of workforce training and development programs in state history. Barbour implemented across-the-board reforms in public education. The new law rewards teacher and school performance, reduces state bureaucracy and strengthens discipline. Also, during his term state funding has increased for public education from K-12 through community colleges, and the state’s universities and colleges. He saved the Medicaid program for truly needy recipients, emphasizing preventative care and implementing the strongest anti-fraud plan in the history of Mississippi Medicaid. Barbour and the legislature passed six pro-life laws that make Mississippi “the safest place in America for an unborn child,” according to a national right-to-life organization. In the face of the worst natural disaster in American history – Hurricane Katrina, which struck on August 29, 2005 – Governor Barbour took the lead early on helping Mississippians rebuild and recover. He and First Lady Marsha Barbour worked tirelessly and innovatively with local, state and national leadership to tap into many resources of assistance for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Barbour created the Governor’s Commission on Recovery, Rebuilding, and Renewal to develop a broad vision for opportunities to help South Mississippi rebuild bigger and better than ever. For his leadership after Katrina, Governor Barbour was awarded the Thomas Jefferson Freedom Award. Governor Barbour is a deacon in the First Presbyterian Church of Yazoo City, where he has taught Sunday school. He and his wife Marsha have two sons Sterling and Reeves and one grandson. |