[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.

                          ____________________