A Democrat, he represented the old Districts 30A and 29B and, later, 26B, which included all or portions of Blue Earth, Faribault, Freeborn, Martin and Waseca counties, changing somewhat through redistricting in 1980 and 1990.

He was, along with senators Dennis Frederickson, Earl Renneke and Jim Vickerman, and representatives Gilbert Esau and Wendell Erickson, one of the longest-serving legislators from southern Minnesota in the state's history.

[3] Kalis served in the legislature until 2002, representing parts of Blue Earth, Faribault, Freeborn, Martin and Waseca counties.

[5] Kalis served on the House Agriculture, Appropriations, Capital Investment, Economic Development, Education, Environment & Natural Resources, Financial Institutions & Insurance, Health & Human Services, Judiciary, Local & Urban Affairs, Regulated Industries, Transportation, and Ways & Means committees, and on various other committee incarnations and subcommittees.

[1] As chair of the Capital Investment Committee Kalis was known for not being afraid to turn down inefficient proposals and for his even-handed approach; he once said, "buildings don't care if they're in a Democrat or a Republican district".

[2] After his death Minnesota DFL chairman Ken Martin said that "as a legislator, Henry earned a reputation for championing issues to improve the lives of not just his constituents, but all Minnesotans".