Legislative UpdateThings are moving quickly here at the Capitol! Today, April 11, marks the third and final budget deadline—an important milestone in our legislative session. This is the cutoff point for all finance bills to be heard and approved in their respective committees before they continue through the process. It’s a little hectic and definitely keeping us on our toes. Behind the scenes, we’re in deep negotiations to shape a responsible budget—one that doesn’t raise taxes on Minnesota’s working families. We know times are tight, and the last thing anyone needs is more government reaching into their pockets. Our focus remains on smart, efficient spending that protects essential services without overburdening taxpayers. After today’s deadline, legislators will head back to their districts for a short spring recess. I’ll be using that time to hear directly from you—what’s working, what isn’t, and what you expect as we head into the home stretch. Then on April 21, we return to the Capitol ready to finalize a budget that respects your hard-earned tax dollars. As always, I’ll keep you in the loop every step of the way. Thanks for following along and for letting me be your voice at the Capitol! Bright Ideas for Brighter Classrooms!Great news from the Capitol! As we round the corner on our third budget deadline, House Republicans are charging forward with a hopeful, student-first vision for Minnesota schools. We’re proud to roll out a package of education bills that puts trust back into the hands of the people who know our schools best—our teachers, administrators, and local school boards. In recent hearings, we’ve seen some concerning proposals that would shift burdens onto local districts while cutting funding for essential programs. That’s why we’re stepping up with real solutions—because we believe every student deserves a chance to thrive, and every school deserves the tools to make that happen. Here’s what our "Save Our Schools" package includes: Supporting Our Educators HF 2318 & HF 2329: Gives our teachers well-earned flexibility by improving retirement options, allowing teachers to retire with an unreduced pension at age 62 with 30 years of service. Because those who shape our kids’ futures deserve a secure one of their own! More Dollars Direct to Classrooms HF 2388: Boosts per-student funding by $100 across the board—getting more resources straight to our schools where they’re needed most. Healthy Meals, Smarter Spending HF 2201: Keeps free breakfast for all students and lunch support for families earning under $156K—while also redirecting $112 million in savings back into classrooms. Less Paperwork, More Teaching HF 1803: Cuts down on special education paperwork so teachers can spend more time helping students grow. Encouraging Local Innovation HF 1435: Empowers schools to create innovative programs without waiting for the green light from the Commissioner of Education. Safe and Supportive Learning Environments HF 1052: Offers better tools for handling disruptive behavior in early grades while maintaining a healthy learning atmosphere for all. Flexibility for Mandates HF 957: Helps schools manage timelines for new mandates so they can implement changes in a way that makes sense locally. Smart Use of State Aid HF 56: Combines aid sources so schools can better support their students through services like counseling, mental health support, and school safety. At the end of the day, we believe education isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our schools are unique, and so are the challenges they face. This package is about trusting our local educators, empowering parents, and ensuring every student has the chance to succeed. Let’s build a brighter future—together! You can view the full press conference on our solution [HERE].  Veteran's Day on the Hill! It was such a pleasure catching up with my friend Joe during Veterans Day on the Hill. Joe is not only a proud U.S. Air Force veteran, but also an active member of the Blue Earth BPOU—and someone who’s generously given his time to help on the campaign trail. His dedication to service, both in uniform and in our community, is truly inspiring. Events like this are a powerful reminder of the immense sacrifices our veterans have made for the freedoms we enjoy every day. Their courage, selflessness, and enduring commitment to our country deserve more than just our gratitude—they deserve our ongoing support and unwavering respect. To Joe, and to every veteran across Minnesota and beyond: thank you. Thank you for your bravery. Thank you for your service. And thank you for continuing to be the backbone of our communities long after your military duties have ended. We are forever in your debt. Play, Learn, Explore: A Great Day on the Hill! This week, I had an absolute blast meeting with the incredible folks who joined us at the Capitol for the Day of Play: Day on the Hill! From museum advocates to educators and families, the energy was incredible! I'm proud to be a coauthor of House File 1623, a bill that would provide funding for our amazing local museums and children’s museums across Minnesota. These museums spark curiosity, celebrate creativity, and help kids learn through play. Museums aren't just buildings filled with cool artifacts or colorful exhibits—they're vibrant community centers that inspire young minds and keep our history and culture alive. Whether you're exploring science, history, art, or agriculture, our museums provide opportunities that reach far beyond the classroom. I'm excited to support HF 1623 and keep pushing for investments that make learning fun, interactive, and accessible for all Minnesotans. Let’s continue building a state where curiosity is encouraged and play is part of the plan! 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 |