JACKSON -- When new Gov. Phil Bryant announced during the presentation of his budget proposal Tuesday that he wanted to sell one of the two airplanes owned by the state for the use of state officials, one person could be heard in the back of the room clapping.

It was former House Appropriations Chair Johnny Stringer, D-Montrose, who with Republicans now in charge of the House does not carry the same clout in the lower chamber.

During his tenure as Appropriations chair, Stringer tried several times to sell one of the two aircrafts, the jet owned by the state. As lieutenant governor and the presiding officer in the Senate, Bryant never publicly supported Stringer in the effort.

Then-Republican Gov. Haley Barbour opposed selling the plane. In announcing he wanted to sell the plane, Bryant said he was not trying to make a political statement, but was doing what he thought was right.

He said the transaction should net about $2 million for the state and save the cost paid by the state for  maintenance and pilots for the aircraft. Bryant said if he needs a jet the state can lease one or if the time can be worked out he can fly commercial.

JACKSON -- Pardon me, but Phil Bryant's inauguration and State of the State worked out nicely for me.

Because of rain earlier this month, the gubernatorial inauguration was moved from the south steps of  the state Capitol to a jam-packed House chamber.

In that crowded chamber, the media members sat in their traditional location below the speaker's podium facing the House members. With it being so crowded, the Mississippi Mass Choir lined up where it could -- all around us in the media to perform. It was awesome.

It was like I was in the middle of the choir, though, I knew better than to sing for the sake of everyone. But being in the midst of such a talented  choir was a unique considering how much I love music, but how musically untalented I am.

Then last week, the governor held the State of the State outside on the massive platforms built for the inaugural.

It was a very mild night for January.

In other words, I got to witness the Mississippi Mass Choir up close  for the inauguration -- almost like I was one of them --  and stay comfortable for an outdoor State of the State.

The only person more pleased with the inauguration and State of the State was probably Phil Bryant.

        JACKSON -- The Mississippi Legislature will get down to the business of legislating next week.

House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, will make his committee assignments by the end of this week. Gov. Phil Bryant will give his state of the state speech on Tuesday -- outside on the podium constructed for his inauguration, but not used because of rain.

That will end the period of pomp and circumstance and organizational delays that mark the first year of the new term.

Then, no doubt,  committees will begin meeting soon after the state of state to consider legislation.

JACKSON -- With Republicans capturing the state House for the first time since the 1800s, Appropriations Chair Johnny Strnger, D-Montrose, appears  to be resigned to his new lot.

Stringer doesn't expect to maintain the Appropriations chairmanship or the nice office in the Capitol that goes with it when the Republican take over on Jan. 3.

He recently joked, "If you want to see me, I will be down in the basement in my new office. Make an appointment because it just has one chair."