TO HONOR AND RECOGNIZE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR KEVIN L. BRYANT FOR HIS MANY YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA AND TO COMMEND HIM FOR HIS COUNTLESS ACCOMPLISHMENTS BENEFITTING THE PEOPLE AND THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.

Whereas, a native of Anderson, Lieutenant Governor Bryant was born February 19, 1967 in Anderson to Clifford W. and Gloria J. Bryant. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science; and

Whereas, Lieutenant Governor Bryant began his fourteen-year tenure in the South Carolina statehouse by representing District 3 and Anderson County in the Senate. One of the State's biggest conservative voices and a founding member of the Senate's libertarian "William Wallace Caucus," he also worked with and befriended colleagues across the aisle. During his time as a Senator, Lieutenant Governor Bryant helped pass a number of notable bills, including a law making child rapists eligible for the death penalty and a law establishing a twenty-four-hour waiting period for abortions in South Carolina; and

Whereas, a Senator who represented his constituents with integrity, Lieutenant Governor Bryant served for twelve years in the South Carolina Senate before giving up his seat to serve as the State's ninety-second Lieutenant Governor. In this role, he acted as the Senate's presiding officer and oversaw the state Office on Aging, which promotes independent living for seniors; and

Whereas, Lieutenant Governor Bryant has served as the President of his family's business, Bryant Pharmacy & Supply, since 1995; and

Whereas, an active leader in his community, Lieutenant Governor Bryant has served as activities director for Camp Hope, member of the Anderson Area Chamber of Commerce, chairman of the Anderson County Republican Party, delegate for the 2000 Republican National Convention, vice president of the 10th District Pharmacy Association, member of the Legislative Audit Council, and member of the Greater Easley Chamber of Commerce; and

Whereas, Lieutenant Governor Bryant has received a number of honors and awards throughout his career, including the Circle Award from President George W. Bush and the Friend of the Taxpayers Award from the South Carolina Association of Taxpayers; and

Whereas, a devout man of faith, Lieutenant Governor Bryant has served as treasurer and deacon for Concord Community Church since 1993; and

Whereas, he is married to his wife, Ann. Together, they have three children; and

Whereas, the South Carolina Senate takes great pleasure in saluting Lieutenant Governor Bryant for his many years of distinguished service to the State of South Carolina. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate:

That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor and recognize Lieutenant Governor Kevin L. Bryant for his many years of service to the State of South Carolina and commend him for his countless accomplishments benefitting the people and the State of South Carolina.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Lieutenant Governor Kevin L. Bryant.