Departing House members say goodbye from the House Floor

As is tradition, once members have finished months of debating one another over myriad bills, House members who have opted not to seek re-election said goodbye to the body early Monday morning.

This year a dozen members took the opportunity to reflect on their careers, share future plans and offer advice for representatives hoping to return in 2019 and those who want to become part of the body.

In order of speeches, here are those who bid adieu:

• Rep. Peggy Flanagan (DFL-St. Louis Park)
• Rep. Jon Applebaum (DFL-Minnetonka)
• Rep. Abigail Whelan (R-Ramsey)
• Rep. Clark Johnson (DFL-North Mankato)
• Rep. JoAnn Ward (DFL-Woodbury)
• Rep. Susan Allen (DFL-Mpls)
• Rep. Mark Uglem (R-Champlin)
• Rep. Jim Newberger (R-Becker)
• Rep. David Bly (DFL-Northfield)
• Rep. Linda Slocum (DFL-Richfield)
• Rep. Matt Dean (R-Dellwood)
• Rep. Karen Clark (DFL-Mpls)

Rep. Sheldon Johnson (DFL-St. Paul) is also not seeking re-election; however, he was not present. He has missed much of session with health concerns.

Rep. Paul Thissen (DFL-Mpls) resigned April 20 after being named to the Minnesota Supreme Court.