Legislation honors the former statesman, who previously represented Minnesota’s Third District
WASHINGTON, DC – Last night, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a bipartisan bill authored by Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03) to rename the Wayzata Post Office in honor of former Minnesota Rep. Jim Ramstad. The bill was previously passed in the House with unanimous support and now goes to President Joe Biden for his signature. The legislation was cosponsored by the entire Minnesota Delegation and was led in the Senate by Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN).
“Through his decades of selfless public service, Jim Ramstad left an indelible mark on our nation. His tireless advocacy and willingness to reach across the political aisle to expand access to treatment for mental health and addiction, an issue of personal importance borne from his own life experiences, exemplifies the broader approach he took to helping make lives better,” said Phillips. “The unanimous support exhibited by the U.S. House and Senate in approving my legislation to honor Congressman Ramstad’s legacy is a fitting tribute to this giant of Minnesota politics. While this is a small gesture in comparison to the impact that Congressman Ramstad had on our community, our state, and our country, it is my hope that this physical tribute serves as an enduring reminder of the Congressman’s legacy.”
Congressman Jim Ramstad represented Minnesota’s Third District from 1991 until 2009. During his time in Congress, he co-sponsored the landmark Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Parity Act, which became law in 2008. Before joining Congress, he served as a member of the Minnesota State Senate, representing the 45th district for 10 years.
This week would have been the 40th anniversary of the Congressman Ramstad’s sobriety.