Awards
- Willard Munger Award for Environmental Stewardship, 2010
- Legislative Award, MN Recreation & Park Association, 2010
- Community Advocacy Award, Family & Children’s Service, 2009
- Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy Outfitters Award for funding Critical Environment Initiatives 2008
- Conservation Minnesota — 100% Minnesotan Perfect Score 2007 & 2008
- Neighborhood Development Center 2008 Appreciation Award
- DFL Feminist Caucus and Democratic Women Leadership Coalition Vision Award 2007
- Smoke-Free Ramsey Association for Nonsmokers–Minnesota and the Hmong Community for her support of the Freedom to Breathe Act 2007
- The Nature Conservancy Government Relations Award 2007
- United Steelworkers Outstanding Legislator Award in 2007
- Friends of the Parks and Trails of St. Paul and Ramsey County Public Service Award 2007
- Arts All Star Award — Arts Advocate 2007 — Minnesota Citizens for the Arts
- Minnesota Farmers Union 2005-2006 Farm and Rural Legislative Award
- Minnesota Alliance for Progressive Action 2005 Elected Official of the Year
- 2005 St. Paul Youth Services High Hopes award
- Minnesota AIDS Project 2004 Hanson-Hemmingson Award
- Outfront MN 2004 Honored Ally award
- Minnesota Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice 2003 Faith and Freedom Award
- Minnesota Farmer’s Union Silver Triangle Award
- Minnesota League of Conservation Voters 2003 Environmental Leadership Award
- WiLL/WAND Pacesetter Award in 2003
- Minnesota Workforce Council Association Legislator of the Year Award in 2001
- Minnesota Nurses Association Public Action Award in 2001
- St. Paul Business and Professional Women’s Legislator of the Year Award in 1995
- Sierra Club North Star (Minnesota) Chapter 1994 Public Sector Environmentalist of the Year Award
- Minnesota Housing Partnership’s 1994 Builder of Housing Justice Award