SAINT PAUL, MN – Representative Kim Norton (DFL-Rochester) released the follow statement:
“After 10 years of service in the House of Representatives I have determined that the time is right for me to move on to other endeavors - I will not be seeking re-election in 2016. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of my community at the Capitol,” said Rep. Norton.
Representative Norton, who was first elected in 2006, has been instrumental in passing numerous significant pieces of legislation including Primary Seat Belt, Radon Resistant Home Construction, Teen Graduated Drivers Licenses, Destination Medical Center (DMC), Autism Insurance Coverage and Early Diagnosis/Intervention, reinstating Newborn Screening laws, Good Samaritan Protections, Dental Therapy, the Freedom-to-Breath Act, Bilingual Education Recognition/Credits, Statewide Health Improvement Program/Health Care Reform legislation—among many others.
“I love finding solutions to problems facing our community and state, and found a comfortable place in St. Paul working on policy issues that I had a passion for - especially in areas such as education, children’s health and workforce development.”
Rep. Norton will be remembered for being the first Democrat and first woman to represent her district, as well as for her moderate political views and ability to work very well across the aisle. She has held leadership positions in her Caucus including assistant majority and minority leader. She has also represented her caucus, community and state at numerous national events such as “Leadership for Healthier Communities.”
Norton has co-chaired the Childhood Obesity Working Group since its inception and also serves on numerous special committees such as Non-Emergency Medical Transportation, and the Child Support Task Force. She has been appointed to represent Minnesota on both the National Council of State Legislatures (NCSL) & Council of State Governments (CSG), is a Women In Government (WIG) state representative and was chosen as a CSG Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD) Fellow during her second term of office.
Most recently Norton received training at the University of Arizona’s National Institute for Civil Discourse (NICD) in an effort to improve political climate and civility among legislators across the country. Building relationships, listening and communicating with individuals who have different viewpoints is key to changing the political climate in our state and country. Norton has a ten year tradition of open communication with her constituents as exemplified by her monthly coffee hours and open door policy. She intends to continue her involvement in the NICD effort after her retirement from the Minnesota Legislature.
“I will certainly miss my colleagues and the many friends I’ve made in St. Paul. The staff is incredibly talented and the advocates’ passion for their clients is inspiring. My dedicated campaign volunteers and friends have been with me every step of the way and I owe them my eternal gratitude. I’m ready for a change and just trust that new opportunities await that will be fulfilling for me in the years to come and I look forward to discovering them!”
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