This petition is a grassroots effort to demonstrate public support for naming and/or dedicating the newly renovated and expanded State Office Building at the Minnesota Capitol in honor of Speaker Melissa Hortman. For over 20 years, Rep. Hortman worked tirelessly for her constituents and all Minnesotans. Motivated by her drive to stand for justice, peace, education, gun reform, women's healthcare, immigrant communities, energy innovation, transportation, and more, Melissa shepherded historic legislation to benefit the rights, safety, identities, and livelihoods of Minnesotans, regardless of their politics. Her bipartisan approach to forge bridges for compromise and common sense laws shines as a model for what lawmakers and public officials should strive to emulate.

Not only would naming the new State Office Building be a reminder of Melissa's legislative example, it would also remind the public of Melissa's example of living as a generous neighbor and invested citizen, deeply committed to the ideals of a government of, by, and for the people. Melissa and Mark served their community and opened their home to neighbors, friends, and even strangers.  It was in their nature to help others, supporting their interests and voices so they could feel seen, heard, and appreciated.  Since Melissa was a believer in the Wellstonian maxim "We all do better when we all do better," the Hortman name on a House building could symbolize this collective hope for a more unified, compassionate state for all people.

Finally, naming this building after Melissa would also be a sign of protest against the political violence and vitriol that threaten--quite literally--our public servants and our very democracy. While Rep. Hortman accomplished great things as the 61st Speaker of the House, she is also the 61st US elected official to be murdered, and it is believed that she is the first female killed during her candidacy or tenure in office.  The horrific circumstances surrounding the death of Melissa, Mark, and their dog Gilbert should awaken our democratic resolve to work together and to not take our vote, our representatives, or our neighbors for granted. May the Hortman name on the State Office Building for the People's House forever remind our people to be a North Star for character, courage, and civility. Melissa has shown us the way.