Transcript Highlights:

• He's talking about running for the Minnesota House. And in my mind I thought, "Are you crazy?"

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Bennett of Freeborn delivered a farewell floor speech reflecting on her 12 years in the Minnesota House. She described how a neighbor first encouraged her to run for office after she had been teaching first grade, and said she was motivated by her former students and a desire to preserve opportunities and freedoms for them. She characterized her service as a privilege and honor, while also noting the frustrations of legislative work, especially long floor speeches. She shared several personal memories, including a humorous prank involving former Representative Dennis Smith’s candy jar and a memorable bonding committee visit to the Hennepin County Coroner’s building. She also cited a recent high point as the passage of the anti-grooming bill. Bennett said she wanted to be remembered as someone who truly cared and as a “bridger of gaps” between political and geographic divides, emphasizing that differences can be addressed without compromising principles. Bennett explained that she was choosing to term-limit herself after 12 years, saying she had long supported term limits and did not view legislative service as a career. She thanked House staff, committee administrators, nonpartisan research staff, the chief clerk, sergeant-at-arms staff, troopers, and her colleagues, whom she said had become like family. She closed by reading Psalm 37 and thanking everyone in and outside the chamber, saying her departure was “see you later,” not goodbye.

Transcript Highlights:

• And courage was on display when the vast majority of this body in 2021 passed a resolution that condemned
• :21.919> a majority of this body in 2021 passed a majority of this body in 2021 passed a resolution
• > that<00:05:22.760> condemned<00:05:23.360> the<00:05:23.480> January resolution
• that condemned the January resolution that condemned the January 6th<00:05:24.480> insurrection

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: This was a farewell floor speech by Representative Moller of Ramsey reflecting on her service in the Minnesota House and thanking constituents, volunteers, family, friends, staff, and colleagues. She singled out her son and father, noted mentorship from Melissa Hortman, and expressed appreciation for bipartisan work, especially on gender-based violence issues and with Chair Novotny. She also spoke warmly about Minnesota and the people she has met across the state, saying they made her proud to serve. A major theme of the speech was courage and civic responsibility. Moller praised Minnesotans who welcomed immigrants, respected tribal nations, and supported equity and justice, and she referenced recent tragedies and public responses, including the June 14 events, the vigil for Mark and Melissa, the Annunciation families, and community support during a federal occupation. She also mentioned lawmakers speaking out against racial profiling and harm from HR 1, and recalled the 2021 House resolution condemning the January 6 insurrection and affirming support for democracy, the rule of law, and free and fair elections. She urged members to continue showing courage, warning against silence in the face of wrongdoing and comparing the moment to The Emperor’s New Clothes, where someone must speak the plain truth. The speech ended with gratitude for Minnesota and the institution, and the chamber responded with applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• I am probably the most unlikely candidate to be here in the Minnesota House of Representatives and serve
• be a part of history as a legislator, but I'm also going to be a part of history back in this split house
• All of us. part of history back in this split part of history back in this split house." house." house
• 34.960> trying<00:15:35.160> to<00:15:35.240> figure<00:15:35.480> out house
• and everybody trying to figure out house and everybody trying to figure out which<00:15:35.840> way

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Tim O’Driscoll delivered a farewell floor speech marking his retirement from the Minnesota House and requested a roll call at the start. He reflected on his 16 years in the chamber, his first election after serving as mayor of Sartell, and the importance of relationships, bipartisanship, and learning how the Legislature works. Much of the speech was personal, including stories about his parents, his father’s service as a police chief, and how those experiences shaped his commitment to public service. He also highlighted several policy and institutional accomplishments, including work on school trust lands and the School Trust Fund Commission, which he said helped double the fund for Minnesota children, as well as pension work and restoring earlier pension cuts. He thanked colleagues from both parties, former and current co-chairs, and House staff for helping him get work done, especially during difficult periods such as the split House and the COVID-era remote meetings. O’Driscoll closed by thanking members’ families and House staff, offering a special shout-out to Representative Paul Thorkelson for support during his freshman year, and saying he hoped his career would be remembered for the relationships built and the future being created for Minnesota. The speech ended with applause; no formal vote on legislation was taken in the excerpt beyond the requested roll call.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Frazier delivered an emotional floor speech reflecting on his personal journey from Chicago to Minnesota and how his experiences shaped his public service. He spoke about growing up inspired by Harold Washington’s “rainbow coalition,” his time at the University of Minnesota Morris, and the lessons he learned from small-town communities about the need for jobs, education, dignity, respect, and opportunity. He also expressed grief over losing Melissa, saying it reminded him not to take time or people for granted. Frazier thanked colleagues on both sides of the aisle, legislative staff, and leaders who gave him opportunities, saying Minnesota had given him a chance to grow into a legislator, leader, and public servant. He emphasized that the Legislature had worked together during difficult times, including the current budget session and the “Corona class” period, and said that cooperation across party lines had benefited the state. He closed by urging members and staff to appreciate each moment, continue the work, and remember the importance of service. The speech ended with applause; no formal vote or legislative action was taken in the excerpt.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Berg of Dakota delivered a farewell speech on the House floor, thanking chamber staff, committee staff, legislative assistants, communications staff, and the people who keep the chamber running. She also thanked the constituents of District 55B for sending her to the Legislature three times and said she had spent her time centering workers and working families in her legislative work. Her remarks emphasized labor and union representation, saying she still believes more union members are needed in positions of power and expressing gratitude to union colleagues and the legacies of labor leaders in the chamber. She also thanked a long list of mentors, chairs, colleagues, and friends who supported her bills, gave her opportunities, and helped her personally during her service. Berg reflected on the challenges and losses of the past six years, including beginning her legislative service remotely during the pandemic and ending it after an act of political violence. She said serving alongside her colleagues had been an honor and privilege, thanked Speaker Hortman for her leadership, and closed by thanking her partner Brian and the chamber one last time. The speech ended with applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, thank you to the House staff whose tireless efforts behind the scenes is the true backbone of our
• <00:09:17.440> Thank So, um, it has been an honor of a lifetime to serve in the House of Representatives

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Feist delivered a farewell retirement speech on the House floor, reflecting on her service and the legacy she hopes to leave. She said she would not miss the internet, being called “honey” by strangers, going viral, wearing blazers, or what she described as a legislative culture that can encourage groupthink, discourage cross-party questioning, and make it harder to see one another’s humanity. She urged leaders to create more structures and incentives for members to truly hear each other and trust one another. She also shared what she will miss: the camaraderie and “family” of the House, the humor and support of colleagues, the process of negotiating bills with people holding different views, and the opportunity to visit a wide range of places and communities through her work. She thanked nonpartisan research staff, House staff, colleagues, her family, and several individuals by name for their support, including help with her campaigns and with balancing public service and family life. The speech was emotional and lighthearted at times, drawing laughter from the chamber. It concluded with Feist saying it had been an honor to represent New Brighton, Columbia Heights, and St. Anthony, and that she would remain outspoken after leaving office. The House responded with applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• So, when I came to the House, it was early in COVID. George Floyd had just been murdered.
• can barely stay in business because of the challenges of Medicaid funding, getting more funding for housing
• ,<00:02:48.440> it<00:02:48.520> was So, when I came to the house, it was So, when
• I came to the house, it was early<00:02:49.040> in<00:02:49.160> COVID.
• <00:03:51.760> and getting more funding for housing and getting more funding for housing and

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Reyer delivered a farewell floor speech as she prepared to move to the Senate, thanking House staff, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, her predecessors Laurie Halverson and Sandy Meehan, her constituents, family, caucus, and the “Corona class.” She reflected on entering the House during early COVID, after George Floyd’s murder and amid wildfire smoke, and said her constituents sent her to fight for justice, affordable health care, and a future where Minnesotans can afford their lives. She highlighted policy accomplishments she said were often bipartisan, including medical debt and garnishment reform, treatment access for children with rare diseases, support for Medicaid dental care, housing and bonding funding, solar on public buildings, and stability for soil and water conservation districts. She also pointed to disappointments, saying the House had seen health care stripped from immigrant neighbors, duplicate health plans, families left without needed home care, underinvestment in disability services, and no Republican support for protecting people from future ICE incursions. Reyer closed by calling for protection of human rights, including for queer and trans people, reproductive rights, immigrants, tribal sovereignty, and voting rights, and urged members to listen to one another, honor agreements, reject divisiveness, and govern with compassion. She also thanked Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman for her leadership. The transcript does not indicate any vote or formal action taken during the speech.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Bakeberg delivered a farewell-style floor statement reflecting on his service at the Capitol as he finished his second term. He thanked fellow members, House staff, state troopers, researchers, and his legislative assistant, emphasizing that the experience of serving with others had helped him learn and grow. He also noted the importance of constituents and said the daily walk up the Capitol steps reminded him that public service is about the people he represents, not about himself. Bakeberg spoke at length about his faith and family, citing Matthew 5:13-16 and saying his goal was to glorify and promote others. He thanked his parents, wife, children, and especially his mother, who has been battling cancer, and described his family as a source of support and sacrifice during his time in office. He also shared that seeing children visit the Capitol reminds him of the future and the potential of young people. The remarks did not involve legislation, debate, or votes. The only action noted was the chamber’s applause at the end of his comments.

Transcript Highlights:

• It is an honor to be here on the House floor with all of you.
• And then to the House librarians, I don't know if you're watching, but I am a geek and I'm a frequent
• ,<00:02:49.080> the but the institution of the house, the but the institution of the house
• page program, through our house page program, through our internship<00:03:36.640> program.
• And<00:03:44.200> then<00:03:44.560> to<00:03:44.920> the<00:03:45.120> house

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Robbins delivered a farewell-style floor speech reflecting on her service in the Minnesota House, thanking her family, staff, House support staff, and colleagues. She highlighted her work in the minority, saying she often advanced policy by working across the aisle and helping insert language into other members’ bills. She specifically mentioned efforts on a cell phone policy bill for schools, domestic violence and Minnesota Corporation-related issues, and constituent-service work involving firefighters, pensions, and agency navigation. She also praised the House institution itself, the staff who keep it running, the page and internship programs, and the House librarians. A major theme of her remarks was the value of civility, personal relationships, and bipartisan trust, including support for the Civility Caucus and informal relationship-building among members. She urged colleagues to limit the number of bills, spend more time in committee on substantive debate, and focus on institutional details that improve legislative work. In the latter part of the speech, Robbins argued for limited government, decentralized power, and solutions rooted in local communities rather than expanding bureaucracy. She said state government had grown too large and linked that concern to the fraud committee’s lessons. She closed with personal faith references, a Bible verse, and a quote from Ronald Reagan about limited government, and the chamber responded with applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• Puerto Rican woman who was a Young Lord activist at the age of 16 on the Lower East Side fighting for housing
• And I want to give grace to Ferdousa, who fought so that we can provide housing justice from the Westside
• I want to thank Esther Bajaj, Representative Bajaj in housing.
• Representative Bajaj in housing. Representative Bajaj in housing.
• provider go off and had to hear housing provider go off and on. on. on.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Perez-Vega delivered a farewell-style floor speech reflecting on her service representing District 65B and thanking colleagues, staff, and community members. She spoke about her Puerto Rican heritage, her family’s activism and military service, and the importance of public service and teamwork in the House. Much of the speech was personal and celebratory, with repeated thanks to staff and fellow legislators for their support. She highlighted several policy accomplishments and priorities from her time in office, including passing driver’s licenses for all, advancing housing justice and tenants’ rights to organize, supporting workforce development, and backing the READ Act and dual-language education. She also mentioned efforts related to ethnic studies, healthcare for type 1 diabetics, and securing funding for a future Minnesota Latino Museum. She emphasized that these achievements were collective efforts and credited Speaker Melissa Hortman’s leadership and encouragement. No formal vote or committee action occurred in the excerpt. The speech concluded with praise for collaboration across the aisle, a call to continue serving Minnesota communities, and applause from the chamber.

Transcript Highlights:

• > the<01:19:12.960> night<01:19:13.040> when<01:19:13.280> I<01:19:13.440
• 01:19:14.640> this<01:19:14.800> room<01:19:15.120> to<01:19:15.360> help
• And<01:19:19.199> I<01:19:19.360> know<01:19:19.440> they're<01:19:19.679> not
• But<01:19:22.640> y'all,<01:19:23.040> they're<01:19:23.280> my<01:19:23.520>
• . house. house.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: The House met with a quorum present, approved the previous day’s journal, and welcomed an honored guest, Kenyan Parliament member Joshua Aduma Aore, introduced by Representative Momanyi-Hiltsley. The main business of the day was a series of retirement speeches from departing members, with the chamber proceeding in seniority order. Representative Perryman said she was leaving the House to run for the Senate and reflected on four years of service, thanking constituents, family, colleagues, and staff. She emphasized integrity, compassion, and the belief that people in public office share more in common than what divides them. Representative Perez Vega gave a lengthy farewell centered on her identity, district, and legislative priorities, thanking staff and colleagues and highlighting work on drivers’ licenses for all, housing justice, the Read Act, ethnic studies, workforce development, and funding for a Minnesota Latino Museum. She also spoke about the importance of representation, community, and continuing to fight for children, families, and immigrant communities. Representative Weiner said his time in the House had been educational and urged less division, more civility, and a return to public service over party conflict. He cited George Washington’s warnings about factions, said he would carry a calmer voice to the Senate, and argued for more single-subject bills and against careerism in office. Representative Bakeberg thanked members, staff, and his family, spoke about faith and service, and said his work was motivated by constituents and by the example of children visiting the Capitol. Representative Ryer also thanked staff and colleagues, reflected on serving during COVID and after George Floyd’s murder, and listed policy successes and disappointments, including medical debt reform, rare disease treatment, Medicaid dental support, housing and bonding, solar on public buildings, and soil and water funding; she also criticized failures on immigrant protections, disability services, and gun violence measures, and called for protecting human rights, voting rights, and democratic norms. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken beyond the journal approval and recognition of guests and speakers.

Transcript Highlights:

• . >> [laughter] Madam Speaker, I rise to give my final speech on the House floor.
• the<00:02:09.240> good<00:02:09.479> restaurants<00:02:09.960> that And the House
• always set themselves aside They always set themselves aside and<00:06:34.800> never In the House
• no offense to a couple members in here, but we were the original two couple from the Senate and the House

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Kresha delivered his final House floor speech as he finished his seventh term and retired from the legislature. The remarks were largely reflective and humorous, with thanks to House leadership, nonpartisan staff, education committee colleagues, constituents, and his family. He spoke about how he entered office during redistricting, described the legislature as challenging but rewarding, and emphasized humility, public service, and the importance of listening to others’ stories. He also offered personal anecdotes about colleagues and staff, including Representatives Swedzinski, Schumacher, Joe Hoppe, Sarah Anderson, Davids, Jen Loon, Roger Erickson, and others, and praised the professionalism of nonpartisan staff and education committee personnel. He thanked Speaker Damuth, Chair Youakim, and his education members for both disagreements and collaboration, saying there was still important work to do. No legislation was debated or voted on in this segment. The only action was the conclusion of his farewell speech, followed by applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• Those girls grew up on this House floor.
• the house floor. the house floor.
• on the house floor. on the house floor.
• child onto this house floor. child onto this house floor.
• onto this house floor. onto this house floor.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Swedzinski delivered a farewell-style floor speech as he finished his eighth term, thanking his family, parents, children, spouse, colleagues, staff, and lobbyists for their support and service. He shared personal stories about his mother’s work with Birthright, his late father, farm life, and raising five children while serving in the House, using those memories to reflect on the importance of family, faith, and public service. A major theme of the speech was bipartisanship and relationship-building. Swedzinski urged members not to focus on winning arguments over the other side, but on working together to build a better Minnesota, protect constitutional rights, life, liberty, and individual freedom, and strengthen families and communities. He emphasized that friendships across the aisle and shared commonalities can help overcome division. He also reflected on the passage of time and the significance of “firsts and lasts” in legislative life, noting the first speech on the House floor and the last time members bring children into the chamber. The remarks were not tied to a specific bill or vote; they were a closing tribute to service, institutional memory, and the opportunity to serve Minnesota.

Transcript Highlights:

• of the house. of the house.
• > next<00:19:04.000> grandchild<00:19:04.680> is<00:19:04.800> here,<00:19:05.040
• :06.200> she<00:19:06.400> can't<00:19:06.720> wave<00:19:07.040> yet.
• :10.000> I<00:19:10.080> don't<00:19:10.240> know<00:19:10.320> how<00:19
• c><00:19:13.920> legislator<00:19:14.760> has<00:19:15.280> a legislature where

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Torkelson gave a long farewell-style floor speech reflecting on his legislative career, thanking colleagues, staff, family, and voters, and sharing anecdotes from his early campaigns and years in office. He emphasized the importance of listening to constituents, working across party lines, and not holding grudges after disagreements. He also praised the Minnesota Capitol, Cass Gilbert’s design, and the renovation work, and noted his service on committees including Transportation, Capital Investment, Ways and Means, and redistricting. A major theme of the speech was bipartisanship and institutional respect. Torkelson described working with members from both parties, including House leaders and committee counterparts, and said the House’s tied balance had forced more work to the committee level and produced bipartisan outcomes. He warned against using redistricting as a political weapon and urged Minnesota not to follow that path. He also thanked specific staff members and mentioned his family, including his daughter, who works as a lobbyist. The speech did not involve a bill debate or recorded vote. It concluded with a call for legislators to keep learning from one another and to find practical paths forward while staying true to their values, ending with a quotation from Ecclesiastes and applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• I recognize the member from Stearns, the Speaker of the Minnesota House of Representatives, Speaker Lisa
• But my hope for the future of the House of Representatives is we would learn to do this a little bit
• And it has been my honor to serve as Speaker of the Minnesota House. Thank you.
• <00:10:37.800> Thank Speaker of the Minnesota House.
• Thank Speaker of the Minnesota House. Thank you. >> [applause] [applause] [Applause]

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Speaker Lisa Demuth delivered a closing floor speech reflecting on the Minnesota House’s 94th session under a tied chamber, emphasizing that the tie forced bipartisan negotiation from the start and that everything passed had to be bipartisan. She said she hoped future members would learn from that experience and continue working together, even when political agreement is difficult. She also noted her gratitude for the opportunity to serve as Speaker and for the chance to help guide the chamber through a historic session. Much of the speech was personal and appreciative. Demuth thanked her family, including her husband, children, grandchildren, and especially her mother, who closely followed her work and often texted her questions about procedure and bills. She also mentioned the sacrifices of legislative service, her own growth in politics, and the importance of maintaining awe and respect for the institution. She recalled her relationship with former Speaker Melissa Hortman and said Hortman’s practice of meeting weekly despite political differences showed the value of getting to know one another personally before doing legislative work. Demuth also thanked House staff, including partisan and nonpartisan staff such as research, revisers, HR, budget, and accounting, and acknowledged colleagues who worked through the tie and difficult negotiations. She closed by quoting Nehemiah, saying “the joy of the Lord is my strength,” and encouraged members to leave places better than they found them. The speech ended with applause; no votes or formal legislative actions were taken in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• I<00:19:38.000> I've<00:19:38.160> just<00:19:38.440> so<00:19:38.600> enjoyed
• <00:19:45.680> years<00:19:46.440> are<00:19:46.640> when<00:19:46.800> we've
• <00:19:49.720> And<00:19:50.000> we<00:19:50.080> just<00:19:50.320> get<
• And<00:19:52.760> we'll<00:19:52.880> look<00:19:53.120> we'll<00:19:53.240>
• And then we proceed to<00:19:57.480> go<00:19:57.600> on<00:19:57.720> for<00:19

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Wolgamott delivered a farewell address reflecting on his eight years in the Minnesota House and the meaning of public service. He described his path to the Legislature, thanked colleagues and staff, and emphasized the House as a place where members are trusted to make a difference for their communities. He also spoke about the importance of maintaining a humane, family-friendly, and respectful workplace, especially for staff and members’ families. He highlighted several policy areas he was proud of, including bipartisan COVID-19 workers’ compensation protections for frontline workers, efforts to reduce the special education cross subsidy, and changes to teacher pensions. He also noted bonding and local projects in St. Cloud, such as road improvements, the Herb Brooks Hockey Center, and the Children’s Museum of the MAC. Throughout, he framed these accomplishments as examples of persistence and collaboration across party lines. The address also included extensive thanks to his wife, daughters, legislative assistants, higher education staff, sergeant-at-arms, maintenance crew, chief clerk’s office, and former and current colleagues, including a tribute to former Speaker Melissa Hortman and the Horton family. He closed by reading the Prayer of St. Francis and thanking the people of St. Cloud and the House. No votes or formal legislative actions were taken in the speech.

Transcript Highlights:

• I remember standing right there at that door, and I took a picture of the very first step on this House

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Keeler delivered an emotional farewell speech reflecting on her six years in the House, describing her experience as part of the “Corona Class,” her first day in the chamber, and the challenges of campaigning and governing during the pandemic and after George Floyd’s murder. She emphasized that she came to the Legislature as a mom and community member committed to doing good, and said her work focused on representation, Indigenous visibility, mental health, homelessness, and helping families and children who lacked stable housing or support. She thanked colleagues, staff, and allies for their support, especially Chair Gomez, Melissa, her legislative staff, and others who helped advance work such as the Pathway Home Act and efforts to prevent homelessness. She also spoke about the importance of allyship, tribal-state relations, and the need for more Indigenous and queer voices in public office, saying Minnesota is better because of their presence and urging others to make room for more diverse leadership. Keeler closed with advice to colleagues and future legislators to care for themselves, find common ground across party lines, keep greater Minnesota and remote testimony in mind, and continue working together. The speech ended with thanks to her family, including her children, and a statement that it was time to rest, followed by applause.

Transcript Highlights:

• Serving in this house has been an honor, uh, one of the greatest honors of my life.
• To the house staff, especially the clerk staff, for the ones that we see, um like everyone else, I have

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Novotny delivered a farewell speech on the House floor reflecting on his years of service and announcing his departure from the legislature. He described the job as similar to his 33 years in law enforcement, emphasizing long hours, stress, criticism, and the need for perspective, and he joked about the demands of session life, including caffeine, junk food, and long meetings. He also thanked House staff, especially the clerk staff and Chief Clerk Patrick Murphy, for keeping the chamber running smoothly despite the disruptions caused by legislators working in their space. Novotny offered personal thanks to colleagues and allies, including members of the COP Caucus, Representative Moller, his legislative assistant Mary McNamara, and John Hallquist, whom he credited with helping him remember past ideas and discussions. He singled out Representative Nathan Nelson as a close colleague and hunting partner, and he also thanked former Representative Nick Zerwas for encouraging him to serve. He spoke warmly about his family, including his daughters, his wife Nicole, and a future grandchild expected around July 4. The speech was largely humorous and sentimental, with repeated expressions of gratitude to constituents, colleagues, and staff. Novotny said serving in the House had been an honor and that he was ready to hand the role off to someone else. Speaker Demuth thanked him for his service and for presiding with the gavel, and the chamber responded with applause.

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Mike Wiener delivered a farewell-style floor speech as he prepared to move from the House to the Senate. He thanked colleagues for the experience, said he had learned from listening to speeches and committee work, and urged members to remember they represent the whole state, not just their districts. Much of his remarks focused on civility, warning against division, political factionalism, and an “eye for an eye” approach, and calling on lawmakers to set a better example for future generations. He also reflected on patriotism and the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary, saying he hoped to see more love of country and less animosity. In a lighter moment, he joked about his name being misspelled and received laughter from the chamber. He closed by saying he would carry the lessons from the chamber into the Senate and would try to bring a calmer voice. Wiener also offered a policy-related critique, saying he would like to see fewer massive omnibus bills and more single-subject bills, which he said were a positive development this year. He argued that public service should not be a career, endorsed term limits in principle, and said elected officials should work for the people and make decisions in the public interest. The chamber responded with applause at the end of his remarks.

Transcript Highlights:

• Serving the House Legislature for the past 4 years has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
• While today marks the closure of my service here in the Minnesota House, with great thought I have chosen
• As I retire from the House, I do so with pride in what we accomplished together and optimism for what

Keywords: 919, house, all

Summary: Representative Perryman of Stearns delivered a farewell speech to the House, explaining that she is leaving the chamber to run for the Minnesota Senate rather than retiring from public service. She thanked her district, family, friends, colleagues on both sides of the aisle, and legislative staff for their support over her four years in the House, and reflected on the challenges, debates, and important decisions of her tenure. Her remarks emphasized gratitude, the value of public service, and the belief that people in office generally want to make a difference despite disagreements. She said she tried to lead with integrity, compassion, and empathy, and noted that one of the greatest gifts of the experience was meeting people from many walks of life and hearing their concerns. Perryman closed by expressing pride in what was accomplished, optimism for the future, and confidence that the next generation of leaders will continue the work. She ended with a personal saying, "don't take the bait, and watch your own bobber," and received applause from the chamber.