Senator Tarver became the first AfricanAmerican Senator in Northern Louisiana since reconstruction. His priority while serving as Louisiana State Senator, isto maintain a high standard of growth for our area; the factsprove that he has, and continues to do so. In his earlier years, Tarver served as Chairman of theInsurance committee, and as a member of the Finance,Environmental Quality, Commerce (Ex Officio), Judiciary B andLocal and Municipal committees. Tarver's work created new jobs and job security. His uncanny ability to understand and work the system tobenefit the people of our communities is a gift that not allpolitical minds possess.

Tarver was elected and served as StateSenator for twenty (20) years until he chose to retire in 2004. After retiring for eight years, he made an incrediblecomeback to serve the people of District 39 once again. Currently, he serves on the following committees-Finance, Judiciary B, Senate & Governmental Affairs, SenateExecutive Committee (Chairman), Veterans Affairs and JointLegislative Committee on the Budget, Natural Resources,Vocational and Technical Education. He has proven time and time again that he would not takethe people of our communities for granted. He stands his ground and shoulders his responsibility toimprove the livelihoods and businesses of those he represents. Throughout the years, Tarver has worked hand in hand withmany of our citizens and community leaders on numerous importantprojects and events to make our region and state what it istoday. As a young man, Tarver attended AltonHigh School, then Grambling State University until his educationwas transformed from campus life to military life, serving inthe armed forces, with tours of duty in Germany and Vietnam. Upon returning home, he began working in his familybusinesses --J.S. Williams' Funeral Home and Insurance Services. After learning and maturing within the business, hebecame the CEO of the family's 112 year old establishment.

Tarver was taught early in life about theimportance of helping the people of the community and being apart of their growth. Those lessons led to his calling of being a civic leaderand public service official. He served on the Board of Confederate Memorial Hospitalwhere he worked for the name change of the hospital. As a member of the Caddo Parish Police Jury, ShreveportCity Council and other local community organizations, his goalhas always been to level the playing field for the youth,elderly, and the working men and women of our communities, whofor so long had no one to deliver for them.

Tarver, his wife, Velma Kirksey-Tarver -a professional life coach and global humanitarian, and hischildren, are proud to be a part of this great community. He is truly grateful for the opportunity to be of serviceto you.