NGA to honor Blatz

Posted at 10:54 AM on June 29, 2009 by Tom Scheck

The National Governor's Association will honor former MN Supreme Court Justice Kathleen Blatz in July. She is one of eight individuals who are being recognized for her service to states. Here's a portion of the release:

Kathleen Blatz, Former Chief Justice, MN Supreme Court, Former Legislator and Children's Rights Advocate, Minnesota

A former legislator and children's rights advocate, Justice Kathleen Blatz became the first woman to lead the state's highest court in 1998. Under her leadership, Minnesota overhauled its child protection system. She also spearheaded the Children's Justice Initiative, designed to get abused and neglected kids out of foster care faster, and led improvements in public trust and confidence, access to justice and court technology. Prior to being appointed to the state Supreme Court in 1996, Justice Blatz served eight terms in the Minnesota House of representatives, representing Bloomington from 1979 to 1994. There she chaired the Crime and Family Law committee and sponsored legislation to help pregnant, drug addicted women. "The state of Minnesota is a better place because of her contributions," said Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty. "We are proud to call her our own."

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