07/01/2026
Karen Clark was a gem. Our first of many bills together - in my first year in the Senate, made MN the first state to enable people who are deaf or hard of hearing to connect through our telephone system - a now obsolete, but at the time groundbreaking step forward, eventually copied by every other state. Throughout the years, Karen changed our state. She inspired me and so many others.
I remember the long fight for to add human rights protections for the LGBTQ community in 1993 - the opposition was so strong, it was a big uphill battle, but Karen never gave up. It was fitting that Karen was able, 20 years later, to author the marriage equality bill in 2013.
So many good fights, for environmental protection, for public health, for economic and racial justice, for human rights - many of them considered politically impossible - but Karen was persistent, and eventually many of them became reality!
Karen was always kind and generous to others even when they treated her cruelly. She responded with grace and eventually won over many of those who earlier dismissed her.
Karen was never afraid to stand up for those who are marginalized or mistreated. Even after leaving office she was still working for environmental justice and a sustainable planet.
Karen Clark was one who plant seeds for a better future, even if she wouldn't live long enough to see those seeds blossom. What a beautiful person. What a role model! Thank you Karen for who you are and all you did.
Jacquelyn, thank you for sharing your wife with all of us throughout for her long, distinguished career of public service!
