On Monday, Senator Karin Housley (R-St. Marys Point) was honored as an ‘Elected Woman of Excellence’ by the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL). The award, which recognizes elected women of both parties for their legislative contributions, was presented at NFWL’s annual conference in San Antonio, Texas.

“It’s truly an honor to be recognized by my colleagues from state legislatures across the country. As women continue to break barriers and do good for our communities, it’s clear I am in good company,” said Senator Housley. “I’m proud of the work I’ve done over the past seven years in the Minnesota Senate. We’ve come together – in what was the only divided legislature in the nation – to do good work for the people we represent. I’m really proud of those accomplishments.”

“The Elected Women of Excellence Award was established in 2013 to honor elected women working tirelessly to break down barriers and overcome obstacles to serve their communities,” said Jody Thomas, executive director of the National Foundation for Women Legislators. “Leaders like Senator Housley have set the pace for an environment where women can serve in public office and fight for the issues about which they are passionate.”

Senator Housley has represented Forest Lake, Stillwater, and communities along the St. Croix Valley in the Minnesota Senate since 2013. As a state senator, Housley has become known for her work on issues related to aging and long-term care and veterans. She was instrumental in the creation of the first-ever Minnesota Senate committee on aging, which she currently chairs, and was the author of “landmark” legislation that provides enhanced protections for elderly and vulnerable adults and licenses assisted living facilities in Minnesota for the first time.

“I’m honored to be part of this group of elected women doing amazing things in state legislatures, park boards, and city councils around the country,” continued Senator Housley.

Senator Karin Housley, of St. Marys Point, represents Forest Lake, Stillwater, and the surrounding St. Croix Valley in the Minnesota Senate. She serves as chairwoman of the Senate Family Care and Aging Committee and is an assistant majority leader.

Established in 1938, the National Foundation for Women Legislators is a bipartisan forum of elected women leaders from around the country. The foundation encourages women to become involved in the political process, to strengthen their own voices, and to share their expertise through political action. Learn more at womenlegislators.org/about.