State Sen. Linda Higgins, a DFLer who’s represented downtown and North Minneapolis in District 58 for 15 years, says she won’t run for re-election next year. She will continue to serve during the upcoming legislative session at the beginning of the year.
She joins other key veteran Minneapolis DFL state Sens. Linda Berglin and Larry Pogemiller in deciding to leave the Legislature this year. Berglin and Pogemiller each took new jobs, and their replacements will serve during the upcoming session.
Some highlights of Higgins career, according to DFL leaders who called her one of the “most effective and outspoken advocates on environmental and consumer protection issues.”
- Wrote and passed toughest-in-the-nation predatory lending and foreclosure prevention laws with strong bipartisan support;
- Passed legislation to make it easier for Minnesotans to recycle old televisions, computers or other “e-waste,” the largest source of lead found in Minnesota’s municipal waste;
- Made Minnesota the first state in the nation to ban such toxic metals as lead and cadmium from children’s toys and jewelry, and banned environmentally hazardous phosphorus from lawn fertilizers.
- Passed bipartisan, groundbreaking legislation to establish a special sentencing program for veterans facing criminal prosecution who suffer from combat-related mental health disorders.
- Was named to Senate negotiations team for bills on issues as diverse as eminent domain, Minnesota Twins ballpark, public safety and judiciary policy and funding, environmental policy and funding, healthcare policy and funding, and early childhood education policy and funding.
Senate DFL Caucus Leader Tom Bakk, DFL-Cook, said in a statement that her leadership and experience will be missed:
“Linda has been one of the strongest and most effective legislators in recent memory,” said Sen. Bakk. “When the foreclosure crisis struck North Minneapolis, Linda rolled up her sleeves and passed the toughest anti-predatory lending laws in the nation. She tackles difficult issues, but works across party lines to build consensus, remove barriers and deliver results for her constituents and our state.”
It has been a privelege to have a state senator that has been a strong advocate for North Minneapolis as well as being an active participant in the community. Linda has viewed public service as just that–service to the public, not some career path of entitlement. Unlike some other elected officials, Linda Higgins has always been responsive to all of her constituents–you didn’t have to be “somebody” to get a call back. Great job & well done, Linda. Thank you!