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</o:shapelayout></xml><![endif]--></head><body lang=EN-US link="#467886" vlink="#96607D" style='word-wrap:break-word'><div class=WordSection1><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=MsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p>Members and Friends,<o:p></o:p></p><p>The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota today released the following statement:<o:p></o:p></p><p>The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota mourns the tragic loss of State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark. As a gifted, dedicated public servant, Representative Hortman was an early supporter of our efforts to ensure that materials in higher education be made available in accessible formats. In her role as Speaker of the House, Representative Hortman effectively helped to usher important legislation toward passage thet benefited blind Minnesotans. Her leadership helped make real progress in the fight for equality and opportunity for people with disabilities. Her legacy will live on in the laws she helped shape and the lives she touched.<o:p></o:p></p><p>We also extend our heartfelt wishes for a full and swift recovery to Senator John Hoffman and his wife Yvette. He, too, has served as a vocal supporter of the blind community. Senator Hoffman most recently partnered with us to sponsor vital legislation protecting the rights of disabled parents in Minnesota. We are keeping them and their family in our thoughts during this difficult time.<o:p></o:p></p><p>We condemn violence and intimidation in all forms and believe they have no place in our society\u2026especially in matters of political discourse. Acts of violence undermine the values of democracy, respect, and inclusion that underpin our mission.<o:p></o:p></p><p>We stand in solidarity with all those affected by this tragedy and reaffirm our commitment to building a more inclusive, respectful community.<o:p></o:p></p><p>Sincerely, <o:p></o:p></p><p>Corb O\u2019Connor, President, on behalf of the National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota<o:p></o:p></p></div></div></body></html>