[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 133 (Monday, August 17, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING MINNESOTA STATE SENATOR MELISSA HALVORSON WIKLUND ON HER 
                               RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KELLY MORRISON

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, August 17, 2026

  Ms. MORRISON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor 
Minnesota State Senator Melissa Halvorson Wiklund for her distinguished 
service to the people of Minnesota and her lifelong dedication to 
improving the health and well-being of communities across our state.
  Born and raised in Bloomington, Minnesota, Senator Wiklund developed 
an appreciation for public service from her parents, a teacher and a 
state employee. She attended Bloomington Public Schools before 
graduating from the University of Minnesota with honors, earning 
degrees in electrical engineering and interior design.
  Before entering public service, Senator Wiklund built a successful 
career in the telecommunications and internet services industry, 
serving as an engineer, manager, and director. Her technical expertise, 
analytical approach, and thoughtful problem-solving would later become 
defining strengths throughout her legislative career,
  Driven by a desire to serve her community, Senator Wiklund was 
elected to the Bloomington School Board in 2009, where she advocated 
for students, educators, and efforts to reduce disparities in academic 
achievement. She was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 2012, 
representing Bloomington, Richfield, and Minneapolis, where she earned 
a reputation as a thoughtful, compassionate, and effective legislator.
  Throughout her four terms in the Senate, Senator Wiklund became a 
leading advocate for accessible, affordable health care. As Chair of 
the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and a member of the 
Commerce and Consumer Protection, Finance, and Human Services 
Committees, she championed landmark legislation that improved the lives 
of Minnesotans. Most notably, she authored the Alec Smith Insulin 
Affordability Act, helping ensure that individuals across Minnesota 
could access the life-saving insulin they depend upon.
  Beyond her professional accomplishments, Senator Wiklund is a devoted 
wife to her husband, Craig, a caring mother of two children, and a 
lifelong member of the Bloomington community. Her dedication to family, 
community, and public service has shaped every aspect of her life and 
career.
  Senator Wiklund's legacy will endure through the lives she has 
improved, the legislation she championed, and the communities she 
faithfully served. On behalf of the people of Minnesota, I extend my 
sincere gratitude for her years of dedicated service and wish her all 
the best in her retirement.

                          ____________________