State Senator Jim Abeler (R-Anoka) was recently honored with the Betty Bednarczyk Courage Award by Service Employee International Union (SEIU) Healthcare Minnesota & Iowa. Senator Abeler was selected for his continuous leadership on human services issues and for standing up for home care, nursing home and hospital workers.

Betty made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless people. It is humbling to be presented with an award named after such an inspiring Minnesota leader, and I want to express my gratitude to SEIU Healthcare Minnesota for this great honor. Thank you to each SEIU member for the sacrifices you make each day for the well-being of others.

The award is named for Betty Bednarczyk, a long-time leader of SEIU Healthcare Minnesota and one of the first woman leaders of any union in Minnesota and nationally.  Throughout her career, Betty was committed to excellence in leadership, and she believed that members deserved the very best from their union. Each year SEIU HCMN executive board members dedicate the Betty Bednarczyk Courage Award in her memory to an outstanding individual who is an ally to the union’s mission and goal.