Mourning the Passing of Former Minnesota Congressman Martin Olav Sabo

Washington, DC (March 13, 2016) – Congresswoman Betty McCollum issued the following statement upon learning of the death of her former colleague in the U.S. House of Representatives Minneapolis DFL Congressman Martin O. Sabo.

Today Minnesota and America has lost a good man and an exceptional public servant. It was my profound honor to serve with Martin Sabo as a colleague in the U.S. House. Martin was a quiet Norwegian, but a giant as a legislator and public servant in both the Minnesota Legislature and Congress. He was liberal, smart, and his values reflected the very best of Minnesota’s traditions and heritage. In Congress, Martin was reserved, but when he spoke the room went silent because everyone knew something worth hearing was about to be said. Martin’s astute ability to direct federal funds to key infrastructure projects, like light rail transit, transformed Minneapolis, positioning the Twin Cities for the 21st Century. And, his Chairmanship of the House Budget Committee in the 1990s set the country on a course that resulted in a federal budget surplus that was unfortunately squandered. I will always remember Martin as the kindest of souls and one of the most effective and wise public servants I’ve ever known. My prayers are with Martin, Sylvia, their entire family, and Martin’s many, many devoted members of his staff.