State Representative Liz Olson

06/27/2024

It’s been the honor of a lifetime to represent Duluth in the Minnesota House. Since 2017, I’ve led with the values we hold dear including a strong commitment to our students; safe, inclusive, and healthy communities; good jobs with economic security for families; preserving our natural resources, and more. Working together, I’m proud we delivered for Minnesotans in numerous ways. I couldn’t have been effective at the State Capitol without the collaboration and support of so many people who care deeply about the success of our community and the opportunity for their neighbors to thrive and prosper.

As you may have heard, I’ll be leaving office on July 5. Please know a listening, helpful ear is still available if you need assistance navigating anything to do with state government. Reach out to Sen. Jen McEwen at 651-296-4188 or [email protected], or the District 8A office which will remain staffed by Leah at [email protected].

Thank you so much for being alongside me on this incredible journey.

05/23/2024

SAINT PAUL, Minn. – Monday, the Minnesota House of Representatives and Senate adjourned the 93rd Minnesota Legislature sine die. Lawmakers representing the city of Duluth issued the following statements:

Rep. Liz Olson (DFL – Duluth):

“I’m deeply proud of the work we did – together – for Duluth and for the state of Minnesota this session. Last year’s session will leave an impact to be felt for generations. This year, DFLers built on that progress to deliver additional resources for students, continue our work protecting our environment and addressing climate change, expand access to health care, and improve opportunities for workers and their families to thrive. We were able to support our local community with increased investments in Duluth Public Schools, delivering funding for career training and resources to implement the READ Act to boost student literacy. A bipartisan agreement will also help keep St. Louis County whole after the recent Supreme Court decision regarding tax-forfeited property. It’s difficult to look back on this session without reflecting on my entire eight years at the Capitol, which have been extremely rewarding. I leave the Capitol with a full heart, and I’m grateful for the honor of serving Duluth and for all the engagement from our community along the way.”

Rep. Alicia “Liish” Kozlowski (DFL – Duluth):

“Minnesota is a labor state where we believe every worker deserves a living wage, safe working conditions, and the right to organize their workplace. Eliminating these carve outs to minimum wage laws fights the growing income inequality we see across our state. These to raise wages without risking jobs and tether the wage to inflation will put Minnesota workers in a stronger position financially and close gaps that until now, have left workers behind. Workers deserve so much better, and this is the least we can do for those who are making the least for equal work. I am proud to help lead out state in updating our minimum wage standards and will continue to address the needs of workers and move closer to economic justice for all Minnesotans.”

Sen. Jen McEwen (DFL – Duluth):

“As we close the 2024 session, I am immensely proud to look back on what was achieved for Duluth and for all Minnesotans. The legislation we passed this year builds on our transformational achievements in 2023 and will help Minnesotans live with dignity and prosperity. We opened the door for thousands of University of Minnesota workers to exercise their right to unionize; we invested in literacy and protected free speech in libraries; we took decisive action to limit predatory debt practices; and so much more. The breadth of the work is evidence of what we gain when we work together. As we look to the future, let’s keep the momentum going and make Minnesota the state we know it can be: a north star where every person can live a full, prosperous, joyful life.”

05/21/2024

The legislative session has concluded, and the progress of the last two years will leave an impact to be felt for generations. I leave the Capitol with a full heart, and I’m grateful for the honor of serving Duluth for the past eight years, and for all the engagement from our community along the way. Here are my farewell remarks from the House Floor yesterday.

Rep. Liz Olson (DFL - Duluth) delivers departing member remarks May 20.

05/14/2024

The past two sessions I've had the honor to chair the House Committee on Ways and Means, and yesterday, we likely held our final meeting. I'm grateful to have been surrounded by an extraordinary team of members and staff who worked together to shepherd to the House Floor a transformational two-year state budget that will leave a positive impact on Minnesotans for generations to come.

05/10/2024

In the coming days, once the legislative session concludes, my Saint Paul office will be vacant. My desk has been a special memento connecting my work at the Capitol to my Duluth home: the ticketing desk from the Duluth Train Depot, an item passed on to me by former Rep. Tom Huntley. Now, the desk has returned back home to the depot, a fitting step as I conclude my service in the House and prepare to return back to home to Duluth.

05/03/2024

I had the honor to join Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman for the the enrollment signing of my bill to strengthen the Public Employee Insurance Program (PEIP). This legislation will result in lower health care costs for public workers - including Duluth teachers - and save money for the state. Moving meaningful legislation to the finish line - whether Earned Sick and Safe Time, measures to hold opioid manufacturers accountable, or investments in our community - has been an incredibly rewarding part of this job.