The League of Minnesota Cities has recognized 28 state lawmakers, including Sen. Judy Seeberger (DFL-Afton), as 2025 Legislators of Distinction. Chosen legislators are honored for specific actions that aided efforts of Minnesota cities during the past year’s state legislative session.
Legislators of Distinction are approved annually by the League’s Board of Directors in recognition of the collaboration of state and city officials needed to successfully serve shared communities and meet the unique needs of rural, urban, and suburban residents across Minnesota.
To be eligible for the award, legislators must achieve one or more of the following criteria:
1. Be generally and reasonably accessible to League representatives
2. Seek input on issues of importance to cities
3. Listen to League concerns and be receptive to League-provided information on issues
4. Sponsor and/or support League initiatives
5. Speak out on behalf of the interest of cities
6. Demonstrate the importance of partnership between the state and cities
As a member of the Legislative Commission on Pensions and Retirement, Sen. Seeberger helped secure passage of legislation to address public safety duty disabilities with the goal of taking care of injured employees while stabilizing the Public Employees Retirement Association Police and Fire Plan. She helped advance a League-supported provision that would have required additional cooperation between licensed ambulance service providers and the municipalities in their primary service areas.
Award winners will receive a letter of appreciation and a certificate. A copy of the acknowledgement letter will also be sent to the mayor of each city in the legislator’s district.
The League of Minnesota Cities is a membership organization dedicated to helping cities throughout Minnesota build quality communities through effective advocacy, expert analysis, trusted guidance, and collective action. The League serves its more than 830 members through advocacy, education and training, policy development, risk management, and other services.
Seeberger was also honored Monday by the Minnesota School Board Association. Also honored by the group was State Rep. Ban Bakeberg of Jordan.

MSBA awards annually to two state legislators for demonstrating a strong commitment to addressing school board concerns and advancing policies that support public education governance.

Senator Seeberger actively listened to school board members’ concerns and responded with meaningful action by advancing modifications to the Earned Safe and Sick Time (ESST) law that eased requirements for school districts. The prorated ESST for part-time and mid-year hires and improved employee documentation requirements benefit school boards by offering greater flexibility and fairness in applying ESST, thus simplifying administration and reducing potential burdens. In addition, she championed the creation of the Seclusion Work Group, ensuring school board voices were part of shaping student safety policy.
Representative Bakeberg authored two key finance bills: a 3% increase to the general education formula and to increase Location Optional Revenue. Rep. Bakeberg acknowledged the growing needs and expectations placed on today’s classrooms. His efforts to advance legislation addressing the financial challenges facing schools demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting students and avoiding harmful cuts that lead to larger class sizes and reduced student support services, and fewer learning opportunities.
“Senator Seeberger and Representative Bakeberg exemplify what it means to lead with both integrity and responsiveness,” said Denise Dittrich, Minnesota School Boards Association Director of Government Relations. “Their thoughtful engagement with school board members and commitment to addressing real challenges in our public schools demonstrate the critical role legislators play in supporting strong local governance and student success across Minnesota."