I’m sure many of you are, like me, still shaken from the harrowing events of this past weekend. The murders of Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, and the attempted murders of John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, are deeply disturbing and heartbreaking.
Melissa was a consummate Speaker who led her caucus brilliantly and achieved so much for Minnesota. I’ve campaigned with her throughout the state and was forever impressed by her levelheaded, yet passionate, leadership. She loved her caucus and fought hard for them and Minnesotans. The world lost a great human being and a great leader.
This country has no place for political violence. And as we mourn, we must remember to continue fighting for the public good, as Melissa did.
Al
P.S. During her tenure in the House, Melissa accomplished so much for Minnesotans. Let’s take a moment to celebrate some of the highlights from 2023 alone:
- Enshrined reproductive freedom as a guaranteed right
- Established a plan to achieve 100% clean energy by 2040
- Improved and expanded access to paid family and medical leave
- Guaranteed free breakfast and lunch for all students
- Made public college free for low-income Minnesotans
Melissa improved the lives of so many. And that will not be forgotten.
