Mary Franson

Education

Franson graduated from AlBrook High School in Saginaw and the University of Minnesota Duluth in Duluth, earning her Bachelor of Arts in psychology and humanities.

Career

She is also a licensed child care provider and a former employee of American Telephone & Telegraph Company.

She and her family live in Alexandria. Franson was first elected to the House in 2010, succeeding Republican Mary Ellen Otremba, who did not seek re-election.

Franson has been a vocal opponent of an executive order issued by Governor Mark Dayton allowing for the unionization of child care providers.

In March 2012, Franson was featured in a YouTube video in which she shared a statement made by someone she referred to as "a friend":

"Isn"t it ironic that the food stamp program, part of the Department of Agriculture, is pleased to be distributing the greatest amount of food stamps ever. Meanwhile, the Park Service, also part of the Department of Agriculture, asks us to please not feed the animals, because the animals may grow dependent and not learn to take care of themselves."

Opponents saw Franson"s comments as comparing people who receive food stamps to wild animals.

After Star Tribune journalist Jon Tevlin tried to clarify her position, she issued a press release calling him a "voice for the dependency lobby." Franson was widely criticized for her comments and she eventually apologized to those who were offended and removed the video from YouTube, though mirrors of the video remain available. On April 20, 2012 Franson objected to the opening prayer on the House floor, where the House Chaplain Review

Francis Grady mentioned Earth Day and tied it to the Gulf oil spill.

Franson tweeted that the Prayer was "offensive" and ""may as well been dedicated to "Mother Earth", coincidence? I think not. 2nd offensive prayer in a month."

Franson emerged from election night on November 6, 2012, with a one-vote margin of victory, triggering an automatic recount under Minnesota law. Due primarily to a voting irregularity, the recount left Franson with a 12-vote lead and challenger Bob Cunniff conceded on November 29.

Achievements

• Franson handily won her third term in the 2014 election.

Politics

Republican Party of Minnesota, Republican Party.

Membership

A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota, she represents District 8B, which includes portions of Douglas and Otter Tail counties in the west central part of the state.