Minnesota loses legislative leader & outdoor champion

As you’ve probably heard, tragedy struck our state earlier this month when House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were assassinated in a senseless act of violence.

Melissa has been described as one of Minnesota’s most consequential speakers, but she was also an outdoor enthusiast who loved the parks and trails of Minnesota. When not at the Capitol, she could often be found biking or cross-country skiing, depending on the season. Melissa was also an avid gardener who supported programs to fund tree planting across the state and worked hard to protect the natural landscapes that make Minnesota a true environmental beauty.