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Honoring the life and legacy of Mark, Melissa, and Gilbert Hortman and proclaiming June 14th, 2026, as Mark, Melissa and Gilbert Hortman Day in Saint Paul.
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WHEREAS, Melissa Hortman was born in Fridley, Minnesota on May 27, 1970, and Mark Hortman was born in Atlanta, Georgia in November 30, 1966; and
WHEREAS, Melissa and Mark met in Washington D.C where they volunteered to mentor students at a local school and later married each other on August 13, 1993; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hortman and Mark Hortman raised two children, Colin and Sophie Hortman, in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, along with their pet, Gilbert; and
WHEREAS, Melissa and Mark were avid hobbyists and volunteers for organizations like Helping Paws, which led to them training two service dogs in their home, one of which was a golden retriever named Gilbert. Gilbert’s charm and instant connection with the Hortman family led to his adoption; and
WHEREAS, Mark Hortman was known for his love for playing pool, working on personal projects, and his love for his children. Mark was known to be generous, outgoing, and kind; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hortman preceded her legislative career with a career of service and advocacy as a housing attorney with Central Minnesota legal Services, a Law Clerk in Hennepin County District Court, and by regularly volunteering locally for organizations like Helping Paws; and
WHEREAS, Melissa Hortman was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2004; and
WHEREAS, over the course of her distinguished legislative career, Melissa Hortman served as Minority Whip, Minority Leader, Assistant Majority Leader, House Speaker Pro Tempore, Chair of the Energy Policy Committee, and as Speaker of the House of Representatives beginning in 2019; and
WHEREAS, as Speaker, Melissa Hortman led one of the most consequential legislative sessions in modern Minnesota history during the 2023 legislative term, guiding the passage of landmark legislation expanding reproductive rights...
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