June 16, 2016: Gulf Live: Jackson County Legislators receive an "A" on 2016 Education Report Card
Twenty members of the legislature, including 13 in the House and seven in the Senate were named to the Honor Roll, which recognizes key members who led on education issues this year.
In the Senate, the members were: Senate President Pro Tempore Terry Burton, Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, Senators Chris Caughman, Buck Clarke, Joey Fillingane, John Polk, and Michael Watson.
In the House, the members were: Speaker Philip Gunn, Speaker Pro Tempore Greg Snowden, House Education Committee Chairman John Moore, Representatives Toby Barker, Joel Bomgar, Randy Boyd, Charles Busby, Larry Byrd, Angela Cockerham, Carolyn Crawford, Dana Criswell, Deborah Dixon, and Brad Touchstone.
Twenty members of the legislature, including 13 in the House and seven in the Senate were named to the Honor Roll, which recognizes key members who led on education issues this year.
In the Senate, the members were: Senate President Pro Tempore Terry Burton, Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, Senators Chris Caughman, Buck Clarke, Joey Fillingane, John Polk, and Michael Watson.
In the House, the members were: Speaker Philip Gunn, Speaker Pro Tempore Greg Snowden, House Education Committee Chairman John Moore, Representatives Toby Barker, Joel Bomgar, Randy Boyd, Charles Busby, Larry Byrd, Angela Cockerham, Carolyn Crawford, Dana Criswell, Deborah Dixon, and Brad Touchstone.
Apr 19, 2016: Jackson Free Press: Rankin Assistant Superintendent, Ridgeland Businessman New Mississippi Board of Education Members
Senate Education Committee Chairman Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, asked both men if they had any past dealings that could potentially embarrass either Lt. Gov Tate Reeves or Gov Phil Bryant who appointed them. Their appointments started six months ago, with Bailey filling the spot of administrator representative following the resignation of former Board member Richard Morrison. Dean fulfills a role as a member at-large.
Senate Education Committee Chairman Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, asked both men if they had any past dealings that could potentially embarrass either Lt. Gov Tate Reeves or Gov Phil Bryant who appointed them. Their appointments started six months ago, with Bailey filling the spot of administrator representative following the resignation of former Board member Richard Morrison. Dean fulfills a role as a member at-large.
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Mar 29, 2016: WTOK: Legislature Extending More Special Needs Vouchers
Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, an Oxford Republican, says the state Department of Education has approved 330 students for the current program. He says the change would give more opportunities to needy students. Mar 20, 2016: Sun Herald: Possible MAEP revisions to be hammered out by handful of legislators
When asked why the normal legislative process is not being followed for the MAEP legislation, Senate Education Chair Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, said, "The process we are following is part of the normal process. If a bill goes to conference and changes are made, everybody knows about them. It has happened before." Mar 2, 2016: WDAM: Senate Bill passes, Lumberton School District could consolidate
The bill, which was introduced by Sen. Gray Tollison, chairman of the Senate Education Committee, detailed the administrative consolidation of the Lumberton School District that will divide the district into the Lamar County School District and the Pearl River County School District. Feb 24, 2016: Jackson Free Press: Durant Superintendent Not Allowed to Speak on His District’s Consolidation
Thanks to SB 2494, authored by Senate Education Committee Chairman Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, Dr. Robinson's school district is up for involuntary consolidation with the neighboring Holmes County School District. Despite the efforts of Sen. David Jordan, D-Greenwood, Robinson was unable to speak in opposition of the bill in the committee meeting, as Tollison said there wasn't enough time. |
Feb 24, 2016: Hattiesburg American: Senators barely pass plan raising reading requirements
“We’d like all our students to be reading,” said Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford.
“We’d like all our students to be reading,” said Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford.
Feb 24, 2016: WDAM: Senate bill that could consolidate Lumberton schools passes committee
Sen. Gray Tollison, who is the chairman of the Senate Education Committee, introduced Senate Bill 2500, which would "abolish the former school district following the administrative consolidation and provide for the transfer of school district assets and liabilities" starting July 1, 2018.
Sen. Gray Tollison, who is the chairman of the Senate Education Committee, introduced Senate Bill 2500, which would "abolish the former school district following the administrative consolidation and provide for the transfer of school district assets and liabilities" starting July 1, 2018.
Feb 17, 2016: Lumberton Informer: We Are Lumberton: But For How Long???
Last week we received news that the Lumberton School System could be closed and students would have to attend school in Purvis or Poplarville because of SB 2498 that was introduced by Sen. Gray Tollison, chairman of the Senate Education Committee.
Last week we received news that the Lumberton School System could be closed and students would have to attend school in Purvis or Poplarville because of SB 2498 that was introduced by Sen. Gray Tollison, chairman of the Senate Education Committee.
Feb 11, 2016: MBJ: Mississippi Senate advances bill for elected superintendents
Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, said Thursday that voters would still have a voice in choosing a superintendent through elected school boards. A separate bill that will be considered this year proposes changing all school boards to elected positions. In some districts, board members are appointed.
Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, said Thursday that voters would still have a voice in choosing a superintendent through elected school boards. A separate bill that will be considered this year proposes changing all school boards to elected positions. In some districts, board members are appointed.
Feb 10, 2016: WTVA: Bill requiring appointed superintendents passes senate commitee
The bill, authored by Education Chairman Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, mandates that school boards hire superintendents to run daily operations. The change would take effect Jan. 1, 2019.
The bill, authored by Education Chairman Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, mandates that school boards hire superintendents to run daily operations. The change would take effect Jan. 1, 2019.
Feb 3, 2016: NewsMs: Bill Proposes Salary Cut, Moving Funds into Schools
Chairman of the Senate of the Education Committee Senator Gray Tollison says that money not spent on administrative salaries could benefit the classroom.
Chairman of the Senate of the Education Committee Senator Gray Tollison says that money not spent on administrative salaries could benefit the classroom.
Jan 5, 2016: Hattiesburg American: Lawmakers kick off 2016 session
State Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, called Burton one of the finest human beings he knows.
State Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, called Burton one of the finest human beings he knows.
Dec 12, 2015: Daily Journal: Talk of College Board change not forgotten
“I intend to at least introduce a bill and see if we can get a conversation started,” said Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford. “Obviously it is an uphill battle.”
“I intend to at least introduce a bill and see if we can get a conversation started,” said Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford. “Obviously it is an uphill battle.”
Oct 21, 2015: Jackson Free Press: Cristen Hemmins: Education, Equal Pay and Taking On Tollison
Jackson native Cristen Hemmins decided to run for the District 9 Senate seat (which includes Oxford and most of Lafayette County and part of Panola County) when her opponent, Gray Tollison, introduced Initiative 42A to the Senate.
Jackson native Cristen Hemmins decided to run for the District 9 Senate seat (which includes Oxford and most of Lafayette County and part of Panola County) when her opponent, Gray Tollison, introduced Initiative 42A to the Senate.
Oct 18, 2015: Daily Journal: Legislative elections scattered throughout Northeast Mississippi
District 9 incumbent Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, vs. Cristen Hemmins, D-Oxford.
District 9 incumbent Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, vs. Cristen Hemmins, D-Oxford.
Sept 13, 2015: Hechinger Report: Across Mississippi, districts continue to merge. But is bigger any better?
In 2014, Senate education committee chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, proposed consolidating 14 Mississippi school districts across the state into seven larger districts.
In 2014, Senate education committee chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, proposed consolidating 14 Mississippi school districts across the state into seven larger districts.
Aug 9, 2015: Daily Journal: Only two Northeast Mississippi incumbents not returning for sure – thus far
Contested Northeast Mississippi November elections on the Senate side are:
District 9 incumbent Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, vs. Cristen Hemmins, D-Oxford.
Contested Northeast Mississippi November elections on the Senate side are:
District 9 incumbent Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, vs. Cristen Hemmins, D-Oxford.
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Apr 20, 2015: Oxford Citizen: West Oxford Loop launch celebrated
Thanking State Sen. Gray Tollison and State Rep. Brad Mayo for their lead role in the funding legislation, Lafayette County Board of Supervisors President Jeff Busby said, “The West Oxford Loop expansion and the Sisk Avenue expansion are just two examples of the positive outcomes that working together can bring to our community. … I look forward to the traffic relief coming our way.” |
Apr 16, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Mississippi to regulate seclusion, restraint in schools
This is at least the second attempt to implement a statewide seclusion and restraint policy in as many years. State Senate Education Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, had introduced legislation on the matter in 2014, but it died.
This is at least the second attempt to implement a statewide seclusion and restraint policy in as many years. State Senate Education Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, had introduced legislation on the matter in 2014, but it died.
Apr 3, 2015: Hotty Toddy: Mississippi Legislators Approve Three Million for West Oxford Loop Expansion
Representative Brad Mayo and Senator Gray Tollison of Oxford held the funding approval as a priority.
Representative Brad Mayo and Senator Gray Tollison of Oxford held the funding approval as a priority.
Mar 29, 2015: Weidie Report: MESSY DIVORCE AT OLE MISS; AND THEN IT GOT WORSE
The timing was also poor when Sen. Gray Tollison and Rep. Brad Mayo, both of whom represent Oxford, proposed legislation to dissolve the college board and create separate boards for each of Mississippi’s public universities.
The timing was also poor when Sen. Gray Tollison and Rep. Brad Mayo, both of whom represent Oxford, proposed legislation to dissolve the college board and create separate boards for each of Mississippi’s public universities.
Mar 28, 2015: Commercial Appeal: Negotiations continue on keeping Jones at University of Mississippi
State Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, who introduced a proposal to radically overhaul the College Board in reaction to the Jones nonrenewal, announced Friday he was giving up on the plan for this year.
State Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, who introduced a proposal to radically overhaul the College Board in reaction to the Jones nonrenewal, announced Friday he was giving up on the plan for this year.
Mar 27, 2015: Hattiesburg American: College Board meeting at 2 p.m. to discuss Jones contract
The anger grew from there. Sen. Gray Tollison and Rep. Brad Mayo, Republicans whose districts include Oxford, where both live, introduced legislation that would establish a study committee to examine the possibility of separate boards at each of Mississippi's public universities that would have been responsible for decisions like hiring executives.
The anger grew from there. Sen. Gray Tollison and Rep. Brad Mayo, Republicans whose districts include Oxford, where both live, introduced legislation that would establish a study committee to examine the possibility of separate boards at each of Mississippi's public universities that would have been responsible for decisions like hiring executives.
Mar 3, 2015: WLBT: Mississippi graduation requirements could change
"We're hopeful that this will effect the class of 2015," said Senate Education Chairman Gray Tollison.
"We're hopeful that this will effect the class of 2015," said Senate Education Chairman Gray Tollison.
Feb 19, 2015: Clarion Ledger: 28 GOP senators endorse Reeves
Those listed: Sen. Nickey Browning, Sen. Terry Burton, Sen. Videt Carmichael, Sen. Lydia Chassaniol, Sen. Buck Clarke, Sen. Nancy Collins, Sen. Sally Doty, Sen. Joey Fillingane, Sen. Phillip Gandy, Sen. Tommy Gollott, Sen. Josh Harkins, Sen. Angela Hill, Sen. Briggs Hopson, Sen. Billy Hudson, Sen. Gary Jackson, Sen. Dean Kirby, Sen. Will Longwitz, Sen. Chris Massey , Sen. Phillip Moran, Sen. David Parker, Sen. Rita Parks, Sen. John Polk, Sen. Tony Smith. Sen. Sean Tindell, Sen. Gray Tollison, Sen. Giles Ward, Sen. Brice Wiggins, Sen. Charles Younger
Those listed: Sen. Nickey Browning, Sen. Terry Burton, Sen. Videt Carmichael, Sen. Lydia Chassaniol, Sen. Buck Clarke, Sen. Nancy Collins, Sen. Sally Doty, Sen. Joey Fillingane, Sen. Phillip Gandy, Sen. Tommy Gollott, Sen. Josh Harkins, Sen. Angela Hill, Sen. Briggs Hopson, Sen. Billy Hudson, Sen. Gary Jackson, Sen. Dean Kirby, Sen. Will Longwitz, Sen. Chris Massey , Sen. Phillip Moran, Sen. David Parker, Sen. Rita Parks, Sen. John Polk, Sen. Tony Smith. Sen. Sean Tindell, Sen. Gray Tollison, Sen. Giles Ward, Sen. Brice Wiggins, Sen. Charles Younger
Feb 12, 2015: Breitbart: MS State Senate Rumble: Chris McDaniel, Conservatives Expose GOP Establishment’s Common Core Support
“Basically, Common Core is gone if you pass this,” Carmichael said about his bill--according to the Jackson Clarion Ledger—while it was being considered in his old Education Committee, now chaired by state Sen. Gray Tollison.
“Basically, Common Core is gone if you pass this,” Carmichael said about his bill--according to the Jackson Clarion Ledger—while it was being considered in his old Education Committee, now chaired by state Sen. Gray Tollison.
Feb 11, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Presley won't be among Congressional candidates
Then there are a handful of state lawmakers who could always make a run. The most interesting of the bunch could be state Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford. He sit in the middle of the district, is a veteran campaigner and would likely have the support of Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and much of the party establishment.
Then there are a handful of state lawmakers who could always make a run. The most interesting of the bunch could be state Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford. He sit in the middle of the district, is a veteran campaigner and would likely have the support of Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and much of the party establishment.
Feb 5, 2015: Cue The Rant: To The Deadbeat MS Legislature, It’s Time To Pay What You Owe
According to Senator Gray Tollison (R-Oxford), who defended the “alternative” on the floor of the Senate, implying that this process is confusing in any way is “offensive.” But then when he was asked over and over again what the actual process was going to be, and how many people needed to vote for the initiative, even he didn’t have a clue. “I don’t know the answer to that question,” he said. “I think the Secretary of State is charged with elections, and I bet he can explain that.” “I’m not sure.” “I’m just guessing here.” If he can’t answer those questions, how does he expect the people of Mississippi to understand when they go to vote in November?
According to Senator Gray Tollison (R-Oxford), who defended the “alternative” on the floor of the Senate, implying that this process is confusing in any way is “offensive.” But then when he was asked over and over again what the actual process was going to be, and how many people needed to vote for the initiative, even he didn’t have a clue. “I don’t know the answer to that question,” he said. “I think the Secretary of State is charged with elections, and I bet he can explain that.” “I’m not sure.” “I’m just guessing here.” If he can’t answer those questions, how does he expect the people of Mississippi to understand when they go to vote in November?
Feb 3, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Legislature passes first 'killing deadline'
Cracking down on cheaters. SB 2258, authored by Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, gives the state Department of Education new powers to investigate cheating allegations in public school districts, and makes accused districts reimburse investigation costs if found guilty. It also establishes licensure sanctions and criminal penalties guilty educators.
Cracking down on cheaters. SB 2258, authored by Sen. Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, gives the state Department of Education new powers to investigate cheating allegations in public school districts, and makes accused districts reimburse investigation costs if found guilty. It also establishes licensure sanctions and criminal penalties guilty educators.
Feb 2, 2015: Clarion Ledger: Lawmakers say the darndest things
"Look it up on Webster's. It's easy to Google," — Senate Education Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, when asked for the definition of "efficiency" in a proposed constitutional amendment on public education.
"Look it up on Webster's. It's easy to Google," — Senate Education Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, when asked for the definition of "efficiency" in a proposed constitutional amendment on public education.
Jan 14, 2015: Sun Herald: Alternative to school funding measure going on Mississippi ballot
Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, said the alternative is a better option because it wouldn't give a judge control over state budgets. "This is not about education funding," Tollison said.
Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, said the alternative is a better option because it wouldn't give a judge control over state budgets. "This is not about education funding," Tollison said.
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Oct 23, 2014: North Mississippi Daily Journal: Legislators to discuss education
The “Eyes on Education” forum will be held on Tuesday night from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Helen Foster Auditorium of the Lee County Library. It will feature Senate Education Chairman Gray Tollison, House Education Chairman John Moore and three lawmakers who represent parts of Lee County – Sen. Hob Bryan, Sen. Russell Jolly and Rep. Steve Holland. |
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May 2, 2014: Oxford Citizen: Local SMAT unit may be re-located
Allgood and Shaw have both started talking with elected state officials such as Brad Mayo and Gray Tollison, who both serve the voters locally, to see if they can help keep the unit located at the hospital.
Allgood and Shaw have both started talking with elected state officials such as Brad Mayo and Gray Tollison, who both serve the voters locally, to see if they can help keep the unit located at the hospital.
Mar 27, 2014: Clarion Ledger: Mississippi Senate confirms charter school board members
Only one senator, Democrat Derrick Simmons of Greenville, voted against the confirmations Thursday.
Only one senator, Democrat Derrick Simmons of Greenville, voted against the confirmations Thursday.
Mar 12, 2014: Hotty Toddy: Oxford Native, State Senator Gray Tollison Passionate about Education
The window of Gray Tollison’s law office on North Lamar Blvd. overlooks the Lafayette County courthouse in the middle of the Oxford Square.
Mar 5, 2014: Gulf Live: Mississippi Senate passes its plan for teacher pay raises (updated)
"We feel like this is a sound proposal that fits within our budget," Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, told his colleagues.
Mar 4, 2014: Mississippi Business Journal: Reeves, Tollison introduce teacher salary legislation
Current Mississippi teachers would see a $3,500 increase in pay over the next 16 months while starting salaries would rise under a plan presented yesterday by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison.
Feb 2, 2014: Clarion Ledger: Lawmakers want more options for special education students, better pay for their teachers
"We need to make a change," said Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, who offered a bill to curb the use of seclusion and restraint unfortunately common among special-needs students. SB 2594 is called the Mississippi Student Safety Act.
The window of Gray Tollison’s law office on North Lamar Blvd. overlooks the Lafayette County courthouse in the middle of the Oxford Square.
Mar 5, 2014: Gulf Live: Mississippi Senate passes its plan for teacher pay raises (updated)
"We feel like this is a sound proposal that fits within our budget," Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, told his colleagues.
Mar 4, 2014: Mississippi Business Journal: Reeves, Tollison introduce teacher salary legislation
Current Mississippi teachers would see a $3,500 increase in pay over the next 16 months while starting salaries would rise under a plan presented yesterday by Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves and Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison.
Feb 2, 2014: Clarion Ledger: Lawmakers want more options for special education students, better pay for their teachers
"We need to make a change," said Senate Education Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, who offered a bill to curb the use of seclusion and restraint unfortunately common among special-needs students. SB 2594 is called the Mississippi Student Safety Act.
Jan 22, 2014: Joi Owens: ACLU of Mississippi: Taking Action at the Start of the 2014 Legislative Session
In the Senate, the ACLU- MS is monitoring a wide range of legislation. We will actively oppose S.B. 2304 introduced by Sen. Tollison which will require the designation of certain disabilities on drivers licenses and identification cards under certain circumstances. This bill also requires training for law enforcement officers to recognize certain medical conditions.
In the Senate, the ACLU- MS is monitoring a wide range of legislation. We will actively oppose S.B. 2304 introduced by Sen. Tollison which will require the designation of certain disabilities on drivers licenses and identification cards under certain circumstances. This bill also requires training for law enforcement officers to recognize certain medical conditions.
Jan 3, 2014: MPB: Education Funding Could Be Hot Topic In Upcoming Legislative Session -
However, Senate Education Committee Chair Gray Tollison of Oxford believes there will be plenty of changes to the program's budget before the end of the legislative session. "That topic will obviously be opened for discussion when we begin the session." said Tollison. "Like I said, that's arecommendation from the joint committee and the session hasn't even begun yet but I will assume the issue about education funding will be a topic as we move forward into the session."
Oct 30, 2013: Gulf Live: Mississippi Sen. Gray Tollison, education committee leader, tours Jackson County schools (video)
State Sen. Gray Tollison, chairman of the education committee, got a first-hand look today at what some of Jackson County's schools are doing right.
Jan 16, 2013: Hechinger Report: Charter schools move forward in Mississippi
Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, told committee members that the bill is essentially the framework from last year’s contentious charter school fight.
However, Senate Education Committee Chair Gray Tollison of Oxford believes there will be plenty of changes to the program's budget before the end of the legislative session. "That topic will obviously be opened for discussion when we begin the session." said Tollison. "Like I said, that's arecommendation from the joint committee and the session hasn't even begun yet but I will assume the issue about education funding will be a topic as we move forward into the session."
Oct 30, 2013: Gulf Live: Mississippi Sen. Gray Tollison, education committee leader, tours Jackson County schools (video)
State Sen. Gray Tollison, chairman of the education committee, got a first-hand look today at what some of Jackson County's schools are doing right.
Jan 16, 2013: Hechinger Report: Charter schools move forward in Mississippi
Committee Chairman Gray Tollison, R-Oxford, told committee members that the bill is essentially the framework from last year’s contentious charter school fight.
May 16, 2012: Jackson Free Press: Boys Will Be Boys
Perhaps this wouldn't have irked me in just the same way had it not been during a week of similar annoyances. About a week earlier, JFP staff photographer Virginia Schreiber had a bizarre run-in at Fenian's with a group of Republicans, including Sen. Gray Tollison of Oxford (and now Jackson) and the chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, Parks McNabb.
Perhaps this wouldn't have irked me in just the same way had it not been during a week of similar annoyances. About a week earlier, JFP staff photographer Virginia Schreiber had a bizarre run-in at Fenian's with a group of Republicans, including Sen. Gray Tollison of Oxford (and now Jackson) and the chief of staff for Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves, Parks McNabb.
Jan 9, 2012: Mississippi First: Getting to Know Senator Gray Tollison
Senator Gray Tollison was selected by Lt. Governor Reeves to serve as the chair of the Senate Education Committee. This appointment will give the senator tremendous influence on the education-related bills considered by the legislature.
Senator Gray Tollison was selected by Lt. Governor Reeves to serve as the chair of the Senate Education Committee. This appointment will give the senator tremendous influence on the education-related bills considered by the legislature.
Nov 13, 2011: Daily Kos: Republican MS State Senate
SD-09 Gray Tollison (R-Oxford)
Sen. Tollison won re-election in 2011 as a Democrat (he ended up running unopposed), then two days later promptly switched to the Republican Party. At 60% McCain, the district gets about 6 points more red. I’d rate it Likely R, although possibly not for Tollison; primary voters don’t always treat party switchers well.
SD-09 Gray Tollison (R-Oxford)
Sen. Tollison won re-election in 2011 as a Democrat (he ended up running unopposed), then two days later promptly switched to the Republican Party. At 60% McCain, the district gets about 6 points more red. I’d rate it Likely R, although possibly not for Tollison; primary voters don’t always treat party switchers well.
Nov 11, 2011: Majority In Mississippi: Bell Joins Tollison In GOP- More Likely
Yesterday Gray Tollison made headlines when it was announced that he was switching parties two days after being re-elected, without opposition, as a Democrat. A member of the legislature since 1996, Tollison served as Chair of Judiciary, Division B and Vice-Chair of Education over the last legislative term.
Nov 10, 2011: Free Republic: State Senator Gray Tollison of Oxford jumps from Democrat to Republican (Mississippi)
Longtime state Sen. Gray Tollison of Oxford is switching from Democrat to Republican
Yesterday Gray Tollison made headlines when it was announced that he was switching parties two days after being re-elected, without opposition, as a Democrat. A member of the legislature since 1996, Tollison served as Chair of Judiciary, Division B and Vice-Chair of Education over the last legislative term.
Nov 10, 2011: Free Republic: State Senator Gray Tollison of Oxford jumps from Democrat to Republican (Mississippi)
Longtime state Sen. Gray Tollison of Oxford is switching from Democrat to Republican
Gray Tollison is a Republican member of the Mississippi Senate, representing District 9 since 1996. In January 2012, Tollison was appointed Chairman of the Senate Education Committee by Lt. Governor Tate Reeves. From 2004 until 2012, he served as Chairman of the Judiciary, Division “B” Committee under the leadership of Lt. Governor Phil Bryant and Lt. Gov. Amy Tuck. He also serves as a member of the Rules, Finance, Public Health and Welfare, Universities and Colleges, and Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks Committees. Tollison swapped to the Republican party on November 11, 2011, two days after winning his fifth election as a Democrat in the Mississippi Senate. This occurred only after Mississippi Republicans seized the control of House of Representatives & State Senate for the first time since the 1800s. Tollison is a graduate of Oxford High School, Rhodes College and the University of Mississippi School of Law.