Legislative Update Big news from the Capitol! Over the weekend, House Republicans and House Democrats struck a deal on a budget framework—and let’s be clear, this is a huge win for fiscal responsibility. Here’s what it means: - The largest spending reduction in state history—a $3.9 billion cut compared to the 2024-25 budget.
- A leaner 2026-27 budget, coming in $1.159 billion below the current base.
- A major step toward solving the deficit mess Democrats created—cutting the projected 2028-29 shortfall by $2.608 billion.
To put this in perspective, back in 2023-24, Democrats increased spending by $20 billion (a 40% jump), burned through the entire $18 billion surplus, and raised taxes by $10 billion. Now, Republicans are stepping up to do the hard work of reining it all in and moving us back toward a more sustainable path. While the House remains divided politically, this agreement is a strong bipartisan step toward right-sizing government—making it smaller, smarter, and more efficient, all while protecting the essential services Minnesotans rely on. This framework shows what’s possible when we prioritize solutions over politics—and I’m proud to be part of the effort to get our fiscal house in order. Supporting Our Farmers: House File 2665 Minnesota’s farmers are the backbone of our state, and I’m working hard to ensure they have the resources and flexibility they need to thrive. That’s why I’m proud to author House File 2665, a bill that updates the definition of “qualifying agricultural products” for special farm products permits. This bill makes a simple yet important change by adding crude soybean oil to the list of qualifying agricultural products, ensuring that our soybean farmers have the same transportation opportunities as other agricultural sectors. It’s a small fix with a big impact—supporting our soybean producers, strengthening our agricultural economy, and making it easier to get products where they need to go. Minnesota’s farming community works hard every day to feed, fuel, and support our state. I’ll keep working just as hard to represent them! Connecting Across Districts: A Great Meeting with Madeleine Lerner! On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Madeleine Lerner, District Director for Congresswoman Angie Craig’s office, and let’s just say—it was a fantastic conversation! From policy priorities to district needs, we covered a lot of ground and had some great discussions about how we can work together to better serve Minnesotans. Madeleine brings incredible energy and insight to the table, and it’s always refreshing to connect with leaders who are passionate about making a real impact. Whether it’s tackling constituent concerns, ensuring resources reach the right places, or just sharing a few laughs along the way, it’s clear that teamwork makes all the difference. A huge thank you to Madeleine for her time and dedication to public service. Looking forward to more collaboration in the future! Supporting South Central College This week, I had the pleasure of meeting with Dr. Annette Parker, President of South Central College in North Mankato. She stopped by to visit and personally thanked me for submitting House File 2165—a bonding bill that would help fund important upgrades on campus. This bill would invest in much-needed infrastructure improvements at South Central College, helping ensure the facilities are modern, safe, and ready to support the next generation of students. When we invest in our schools, we’re really investing in our future workforce—and that’s a win for our entire community. I’m proud to carry this bill and to support the incredible work being done at South Central. Big thanks to President Parker for her leadership and vision. I can’t wait to see how this investment helps the college continue to thrive! Championing Business: Meeting with the Greater MN Chamber On Thursday, I had the opportunity to sit down with the Greater Minnesota Chamber and hear directly from them about the challenges and opportunities businesses in our state are facing. From workforce shortages to regulatory hurdles, they brought important issues to the table, and I appreciate their dedication to advocating for our business community. Supporting our local job creators is key to a thriving Minnesota, and I’m grateful for the chance to work alongside them to find solutions. Great discussions, great people, and a great afternoon! Looking forward to continuing these conversations. A Gopher Good Time! I had a fantastic visit with the University of Minnesota faculty liaisons this week! It’s always great to connect with the brilliant minds shaping the future of our state. We had thoughtful conversations about higher education, student success, and how we can continue working together to keep the U of M a world-class institution. Their passion and commitment to students and research is contagious—and I walked away energized and full of ideas. Go Gophers! Serving with Heart: My Visit with the Salvation Army Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting with the incredible folks at the Salvation Army, including the one and only Captain Andy. Let me tell you—this man is a force of nature when it comes to serving our community! His passion for helping people in need is truly inspiring, and his dedication to making a difference in our district is something to admire. From providing food and shelter to offering a helping hand when times are tough, the Salvation Army is doing the kind of work that changes lives. I’m grateful for the chance to sit down with Captain Andy, hear about their efforts, and talk about ways we can continue supporting their mission. If you ever need a reminder that good people are out there doing great things—just spend five minutes with Captain Andy. I promise, you’ll walk away feeling hopeful! 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 |