Committee advances bill to name House desk for former Rep. John Deberry amid partisan exchange

Chairman Bulso introduced House Bill 346 to honor former Representative John Deberry by designating a desk in the House chamber in his name. Chairman Bulso described Deberry as having served "for more than a quarter of a century" and called his remarks on the floor "one of the most impressive orations ever delivered." Bulso asked the committee to "carry" the motion to honor Deberry.

Representative Jones questioned whether desks are usually named for living people and asked whether Deberry currently holds a paid position in state government. Representative Jones said, "Are you aware that mister Deberry serves as a senior advice advice to the governor and he's being paid $18,947 a month?" Jones criticized Deberry's advocacy for the governor's voucher plan and framed that advocacy as a reason to oppose honoring him. Chairman Bulso objected to focusing on salary and urged members to "stay on the focus of the man himself."

Other members defended the resolution as bipartisan and a chance to rise above partisanship. Representative Marsh said Deberry "has been advocating for schools and children every single year I've been up here," and Representative Berrett praised the effort as bipartisan recognition. Representative Dixie, who said Deberry invited and mentored her when she was newly elected, called him "a very principled person" despite policy differences. Representative Warner moved the previous question; the clerk recorded 8 ayes and 2 nos. The committee advanced HB 346 to the State and Local Government Committee with a positive recommendation.