Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, What a week it’s been at the Capitol! With session in full swing, the energy in St. Paul is nonstop as legislators on both sides of the aisle work hard to pass meaningful, bipartisan legislation that benefits Minnesotans. From committee hearings to important meetings with advocates and constituents, every day has been packed with opportunities to move our state forward. I’m excited to share some of this week’s highlights with you—let’s dive in! Giving Minnesotans Their Money Back: The Fight for HF 4When the government collects more than it needs, who should benefit—politicians or the taxpayers who actually paid the bill? That’s the question at the heart of House File 4, and I think the answer is pretty clear. HF 4 would place a constitutional amendment on the ballot in 2026, allowing Minnesotans to decide whether surplus tax dollars should be automatically returned to taxpayers instead of being funneled into endless government expansion. If this policy had been in place during the $18 billion surplus just a couple of years ago, taxpayers would have seen $5 billion in relief. Instead, Democrats spent it all, raised taxes by another $10 billion, and left us with a looming $6 billion deficit. That’s not fiscal responsibility—that’s reckless. This bill isn’t about party politics; it’s about common sense. When families, farmers, small business owners, and retirees across Minnesota are struggling with rising costs, the last thing they need is more government waste. HF 4 ensures that when the state takes in more than it needs, that money goes back to the hardworking people who earned it. It’s simple: Minnesota taxpayers deserve relief, not more bloated budgets. House Republicans are fighting to put this decision where it belongs—with you, the people. Let’s make sure your voice is heard. Connecting with Conservatives at the CD1 Convention! This past weekend, I had the pleasure of attending the CD1 Convention in New Ulm, and what a fantastic event it was! It was great to see so many dedicated grassroots conservatives coming together to shape the future of our district. A special shoutout to my local BPOU members—your passion, commitment, and hard work are what keep our movement strong. It was also wonderful catching up with Congressman Brad Finstad, whose leadership and dedication to southern Minnesota continue to inspire us all. Events like these remind me why I do this work—because of the incredible people who care deeply about their communities and our shared values. Thank you to everyone who helped make the convention a success!   One of the best moments at the CD1 Convention was getting to catch up with Madame Chair Emily Novotny! Her passion, leadership, and tireless dedication to our party are truly inspiring. She pours her heart into strengthening our movement, and it’s because of leaders like her that we can keep fighting for our conservative values here in Minnesota. I’m so grateful for all she does to keep us organized, motivated, and moving forward! Standing with Disability Advocates at the Capitol On Tuesday, I had the privilege of meeting with incredible disability advocates for Disability Services Day at the Capitol. These passionate individuals work tirelessly to ensure that Minnesotans with disabilities receive the care, support, and resources they need to live full and independent lives. I was honored to be joined by Representative Luke Frederick and Senator Nick Frentz as we listened to stories, concerns, and ideas from advocates who are on the front lines of this issue every day. Their dedication is truly inspiring, and it’s a reminder of why we must continue fighting for policies that strengthen disability services and support the amazing providers who make a difference in so many lives. Thank you to everyone who took the time to come to the Capitol and share your voice. Your advocacy is powerful, and I am proud to stand with you in this fight! Standing with Minnesota Farmers On Tuesday, I had the privilege of meeting with members of the Farm Bureau to discuss the pressing issues facing Minnesota’s agriculture industry. Our farmers work tirelessly to feed our communities, drive our economy, and preserve our agricultural heritage, and they deserve strong advocates at the Capitol. We had important conversations about the challenges they’re facing—rising costs, regulatory hurdles, and the need for smart policies that support, rather than hinder, their work. Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota, and I’m committed to ensuring our farmers have the resources and support they need to thrive. A huge thank you to the Farm Bureau for your advocacy and for taking the time to share your insights. Your work is invaluable, and I will continue fighting for policies that strengthen and protect Minnesota’s agricultural community! A Great Night of Hockey at Minnesota State! This past weekend, I had an absolute blast at the Minnesota State University hockey game! There’s nothing quite like the energy of a packed arena, cheering on our local team and celebrating the incredible talent on the ice. A special thank you to Dr. Edward Inch, President of Minnesota State, for the wonderful company—his leadership and dedication to the university are truly inspiring. Supporting our local universities is so important, and Minnesota State continues to be a shining example of excellence both in academics and athletics. Thank you to everyone who made the night so special—can’t wait to be back for another game soon! Go Mavericks!  Stay Connected!I always want to hear from you! Your thoughts, concerns, and ideas help guide the work I do for our district. Whether you have questions about a specific issue or just want to stay informed about what’s happening at the Capitol, don’t hesitate to reach out. My office is here to serve you, and I’m always ready to listen. It’s an honor to represent District 18A, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make Minnesota a better place for everyone. Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |