UPDATE – Holland Clarifies Retirement Talk

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – Rep. Steve Holland says he might be on the verge of retiring from the Mississippi House, after 33 years’ service.

HOLLAND

The outspoken Democrat from Plantersville announced during a House budget debate Wednesday that he has filed retirement papers, effective 5 p.m. Thursday.

Moments later, Holland told reporters he’s about 85 percent sure he will actually retire.

The 60-year-old undertaker says he needs to spend more time on his funeral business in northeast Mississippi.

Holland is known as one of the most colorful and quotable Mississippi lawmakers. He described himself Wednesday as a “total, out-of-the-closet liberal” who believes government has a role in caring for the needy.

His public musing about retirement came just over a week after his father died.