Coya Knutson - Legacy

Legacy

While Knutson is most commonly remembered as a feminist martyr, she left her mark as a legislator. No bills she introduced were passed, but behind the scenes she played a significant role in passing legislation related to the federal Title II student loan program, school-lunch assistance and cystic fibrosis research. Many who served or worked in the House at the time recall that she was very effective at lobbying the leadership.

In 1997 some members of the Minnesota legislature wanted to erect a memorial to her at the capitol building in St. Paul, but could not pass a bill appropriating the money.

In her honor, the Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government program has named its 11th and 12th grade model senate the "Knutson Senate."

Several other prominent Minnesota politicians, including Walter Mondale, have spoken of her as an inspiration for their own careers.