Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman was an unwavering champion for equal rights in Minnesota. The devastating violence that was perpetrated on her and her dear husband Mark, along with Senator John and Yvette Hoffman, has left us grieving and profoundly saddened; but her legacy will live on.
Not only was she the first Speaker in Minnesota history to pass an Equal Rights Amendment thru the state House of Representatives, she did it 3 times, 3 ways: in 2019, 2023, and 2024. Equality of rights was her aspirational goal for every Minnesotan. ERA Minnesota is deeply grateful for her steadfast leadership and noble heart.
It is our intention to honor her legacy with increased devotion – as Melissa gave the full measure of her devotion – to ensure that future generations know that there walked a true leader.
– UPCOMING EVENTS –
Join us for a screening of the 98-minute documentary, Zurawski v. Texas, from Executive Producers Jennifer Lawrence, Hillary Clinton, and Chelsea Clinton. This urgent film reveals the true, dire consequences of losing access to healthcare and the right to make decisions for yourself, and the monumental effort it will take to win it back. Hosted by AAUW Minneapolis, St. Paul and Minnesota, along with the YWCA Minneapolis, that are leading the charge to bring women together to educate them on the implications of restrictive laws. Funds raised support the Women’s Foundation of Minnesota’s Reproductive Freedom Fund.
Good Trouble Lives On: Twin Cities, a rally & march in Minneapolis.
On July 17th, the 5th anniversary of Rep. John Lewis’ passing, we’re mobilizing across the country to demand that Congress protect our rights and ensure free and fair elections for all. John Lewis didn’t wait for permission to demand change as an activist, or congressman — and neither will we. He taught us that nonviolent direct action is a moral force, and that we must confront injustice wherever it lives — whether in the halls of power, in the courts, or on our own streets.
On July 17, we’re sending a clear message that in the United States, the power lies in the hands of the people.
The SAVE Act Bad for Voters; Bad for Election Officials
Join Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, Blue Earth County Elections Director Mike Stalberger, and Michelle Witte, LWVMN Executive Director, for a virtual conversation about the SAVE Act and its potential impacts in Minnesota, not only for voters but for election administrators.
SAVE Act
Lunch and Learn July 18, noon – Register & promote!
Learn more and register at
lwvmn.org/save-act