Following a legislative session that accomplished tremendous good for rural communities, eight Republican senators were honored by the Coalition of Greater Minnesota Cities this week. The honor is awarded in particular policy areas and is given to legislators who ‘played key roles’ in the success of the priorities of communities across Greater Minnesota.

Among the honorees:

• Sen. Paul Gazelka, Nisswa – Rural Leadership Award
• Sen. Carrie Ruud, Breezy Point – Legislator of Distinction, environment
• Sen. Bill Weber, Luverne – Legislator of Distinction, tax policy
• Sen. Bill Ingebrigtsen, Alexandria – Legislator of Distinction, environment
• Sen. Scott Newman, Hutchinson – Legislator of Distinction, environment
• Sen. Dan Hall, Burnsville – Legislator of Distinction, annexation
• Sen. John Jasinski, Fairbault – First-Term Legislator of the Year
• Sen. David Senjem, Rochester – Legislator of Distinction, economic development