Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, Time is flying by, and we’re now in the home stretch of the session with just eight weeks remaining until our May 19 adjournment deadline! While there’s plenty of work still to do, one thing is clear: the state budget is front and center in our conversations. Facing a projected $6 billion deficit, we’re at a crossroads. The previous administration used a historic surplus to expand the budget by 40%, and now, with a divided House, we have some tough decisions ahead. As we dive deeper into budget negotiations, I’ll be sure to keep you informed with any updates. For now, take a look at some of the key work happening at the Capitol this week! Governor Walz’s Budget Proposal: A Crisis of His Own MakingLet’s call this what it is—Democrats created this budget mess, and now they’re scrambling to clean it up at the expense of hardworking Minnesotans. After blowing through a record $18 billion surplus, raising taxes by $10 billion, and ballooning government spending by 40%, we are now facing a $6 billion deficit—a direct result of reckless fiscal mismanagement. Instead of taking responsibility, Governor Walz is doubling down on the same failed policies that got us here. His budget proposal makes deep and harmful cuts to essential services, including: Nursing homes, which provide critical care for our seniors. Education funding, cutting nonpublic pupil aid and merit-based teacher pay while piling on 65+ unfunded mandates that are already crushing school districts. Medicaid services for people with disabilities, leaving some of our most vulnerable Minnesotans without the support they rely on. As if that weren’t bad enough, Walz is looking to shift over $1.5 billion in costs to local counties, setting the stage for property tax hikes of up to 9% for families and small businesses. Even county leaders—who would be forced to clean up this mess—have raised alarms about how damaging this would be. And yet, while slashing services for seniors, students, and those with disabilities, Walz and Democrats continue to spend hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars on benefits for illegal immigrants. Meanwhile, he’s still pushing for another tax hike through a sales tax increase. Let’s be clear: Minnesota has a spending problem, not a revenue problem. House Republicans won’t stand for balancing the budget on the backs of our most vulnerable. We believe in fiscal responsibility, real priorities, and putting Minnesota taxpayers first. There’s more than enough money to fund what truly matters—we just need leadership that understands that. Expanding Opportunities for Farmers: Introducing House File 2665This week, I introduced House File 2665, a bill aimed at supporting Minnesota’s agricultural industry by expanding the definition of "qualifying agricultural products" for special farm products permits. This bill adds soybean oil to the list of products eligible for transport under these permits, making it easier for farmers and agribusinesses to efficiently move their goods. Agriculture is the backbone of our state, and ensuring that our transportation laws work for our farmers—not against them—is a top priority. By updating this definition, we’re giving soybean producers and processors the flexibility they need to keep Minnesota agriculture strong and competitive. I look forward to working with my colleagues to get this bill across the finish line and will keep you updated as it moves through the legislative process! Cracking Down on Fraud: A Big Step for Minnesota TaxpayersWe’ve seen it time and time again—millions of dollars lost to fraud, wasted on mismanagement instead of helping the people who actually need it. Minnesotans deserve better. That’s why I’m proud to share that Rep. Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove) has launched MNFraud.com, a secure and confidential website for reporting fraud in state government. This new tool gives state employees, service providers, and everyday Minnesotans a direct way to report suspected fraud in publicly funded programs—without fear of retaliation. The site is completely secure, and all tips will be reviewed by the House Fraud Prevention and State Agency Oversight Committee. We’re making it clear: Minnesota tax dollars should go to Minnesotans—not fraudsters. If you suspect waste or abuse in state government, visit www.MNFraud.com and help us hold the system accountable. Let’s work together to protect taxpayer dollars and restore trust in our government! A Wonderful Afternoon with Nicollet County Health and Human Services! On Thursday afternoon, I had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the incredible team at Nicollet County Health and Human Services. We discussed everything from local health initiatives to new ways we can support our community’s most vulnerable members. The passion and dedication in the room were truly inspiring! What I loved most about the meeting was how everyone was so eager to collaborate and share ideas. We explored some fantastic initiatives aimed at improving mental health resources, affordable healthcare access, and creating stronger support systems for families in need. It was clear that we’re all committed to working together to make Nicollet County a place where everyone can thrive! I’m beyond excited to continue these conversations and build partnerships that will help shape our future for the better. Stay tuned for more updates on how we’re working to strengthen our community! Let’s keep the momentum going! Please Reach Out!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 |