Terri Bryant of Murphysboro was sworn in today as the next State Representative of the 115^th district.  Bryant was sworn into office ten days before the inauguration of the 99^th Illinois General Assembly to fill the vacancy created by newly elected U.S. Congressman Mike Bost earlier this morning.

Bryant’s oath was administered by Illinois Supreme Court Justice Lloyd Karmeier; with her husband, Rick, as well as their family, friends and colleagues in attendance.

“I am ready to go to work for the people of Southern Illinois,” said Rep. Bryant.  “Our state faces many challenges and I’m honored to be filling the shoes of someone who has represented our area so ardently for so many years.  I’ll continue our fight for area jobs and values while listening to my constituents.”

Bryant, a long-standing public servant within the Illinois Department of Corrections, began her service the same year Bost was first elected to the Illinois General Assembly.  His retirement kicked off a flurry of interest in the long held seat culminating in Bryant’s eventual selection to the seat.

“Mike Bost was a crusader for our area, and it is my hope that I can pick up where he left off,” added Bryant.  “It’s imperative we do not go unrepresented which is why we’re here today the same day my predecessor is moving on.  There’s a special session in a few days where anything can happen; I’m honored I can head up early and get to work.”

Bryant was elected State Representative in the November 2014 election. Representative Bryant began her public service at the Illinois Department of Corrections.  She started her career at an entry level and rose to the rank of Public Service Administrator at the Pinckneyville Correctional Center and the DuQuoin Impact Incarceration Program.

In addition to her normal duties over the Dietary Department, Bryant served as a member of the Illinois Department of Corrections Religious Practices Advisory Board, and as an internal as well as an external auditor.  Bryant recently concluded her service to prepare for her full time service as State Representative.