HONORING MINNESOTA STATE SENATOR STEVE CWODZINSKI ON HIS RETIREMENT

On 2026-06-30, Representative Kelly Morrison (D-MN-3) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING MINNESOTA STATE SENATOR STEVE CWODZINSKI ON HIS RETIREMENT" in the House.

HONORING MINNESOTA STATE SENATOR STEVE CWODZINSKI ON HIS RETIREMENT

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 109 (Tuesday, June 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E645] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MINNESOTA STATE SENATOR STEVE CWODZINSKI ON HIS RETIREMENT ______ HON. KELLY MORRISON of minnesota in the house of representatives Tuesday, June 30, 2026 Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Minnesota State Senator Steve Cwodzinski for his decade-long service to the people of Minnesota and his lifelong dedication to education, civic engagement, and public service. Born in Superior, Wisconsin, Senator Cwodzinski earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in education from the University of Minnesota and spent more than 30 years teaching government and history at Eden Prairie High School. Through his decades in the classroom, he inspired generations of students to become informed and engaged citizens, and his extraordinary dedication to education earned him the Presidential Scholar's Influential Teacher Award. Senator Cwodzinski brought that same passion for public service to the Minnesota state Senate when he was first elected in 2016, representing the cities of Eden Prairie and Minnetonka with integrity and optimism. Over the course of his tenure, he served as Chair of the Senate Education Policy Committee and on the Education Finance, Elections, and State and Local Government Committees. Drawing on his background as an educator, Senator Cwodzinski became a leading advocate for students and teachers across Minnesota. He championed civics and financial literacy graduation requirements to better prepare students for engaged citizenship and adult life, and he consistently prioritized student voices in the legislative process by regularly inviting students to testify before legislative committees and participate directly in conversations about policy. In addition to his championing of students and educators, he is a passionate advocate for protecting the Boundary Waters and chief authored legislation for permanent protection of Minnesota's crown jewel. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Senator Cwodzinski is a devoted husband to his wife, Patti, a proud father of two children, and grandfather of two grandchildren. His love of family, community, and country has shaped every aspect of his life and service. Senator Cwodzinski's legacy will endure through the countless students he mentored, the legislation he championed, and the communities he faithfully served. On behalf of the people of Minnesota, I extend my sincere gratitude for his years of dedicated service and wish him all the best in his retirement and future endeavors. ____________________