Amy Klobuchar: “I rise today to honor Tim Penny, a public servant, former colleague, and friend who is retiring after a lifetime of…”

“I rise today to honor Tim Penny, a public servant, former colleague, and friend who is retiring after a lifetime of service to the State of Minnesota. Tim grew up on a family farm in southeastern Minnesota, served in both the Minnesota State Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives, and has spent the past 18 years leading the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation as president and CEO. Tim has been with me on many visits across southern Minnesota. Whether it was helping the community of Madelia recover from a devastating fire or to expand early childhood education, Tim's love for the people of Minnesota has always shined through. To quote Tim, ``I am always in awe of the accomplishments of small- town residents when they are provided the resources to realize their ambitions.'' And his work helped turn those ambitions to revitalize communities into reality. Tim began his public life as a State senator in 1976. Six years later, he was elected to represent Minnesota's First Congressional District in the U.S. House, where he served for 12 years. He gained a reputation for his principles and independence.…”