Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, We’re officially in the home stretch! After returning to the Capitol this week, the House is shifting into high gear to finish strong before our May 19 adjournment deadline. With less than five weeks left in the 2025 session, the pace is picking up—and fast! Committee negotiations have wrapped up, and now we’re turning our attention to voting on omnibus bills on the House floor. From the budget to key policy decisions, this final push is where all the behind-the-scenes work comes to life. I’m focused on making sure we pass a responsible, balanced budget and move forward with solutions that truly serve the people of Minnesota. Let’s get it done! A Special First: Attending the State of the State Address This Wednesday, I had the honor of attending my very first State of the State Address, and what a truly memorable experience it was! It felt like a milestone in my journey here at the Capitol, and I couldn’t have been more excited to share it with the people who have supported me along the way. I was lucky enough to invite Kevin Watchman, an incredible friend and someone who played a huge role in helping me during my campaign. Kevin is such a dedicated and passionate individual, and it meant so much to have him by my side as I took in this important event. Of course, I’m also deeply grateful that my husband, Kevin, was able to join us as well. Having him there made the night even more special. His unwavering support and belief in me are what keep me grounded, and sharing this experience with both him and Kevin felt like the perfect way to celebrate this new chapter. It was an evening filled with inspiration and reflection, and I’m so grateful to be part of such a pivotal moment in our state’s journey. Moments like these remind me of why I do this work and how lucky I am to have such incredible people in my corner. Here's to more shared memories and continuing to move Minnesota forward!  Coffee & Conversations with Congressman Finstad Tuesday morning kicked off on a high note as I had the pleasure of connecting with Congressman Brad Finstad right here at the Capitol! It’s always a great day when we get to catch up with our partners in D.C. and talk shop about how we can work together to deliver real results for Minnesota. We swapped stories, compared notes on the legislative session, and had a great conversation about what matters most to the folks back home. Congressman Finstad’s dedication to rural communities and commonsense leadership is always inspiring—and it was a treat to share some time (and laughs!) before diving into another busy day under the dome. Grateful for his partnership and commitment to Minnesota—let’s keep the momentum going!  Minnesotans Footing the Bill for Skyrocketing Healthcare Costs for Immigrants Here IllegallyThe Democrats’ expansion of taxpayer-funded healthcare to cover immigrants here illegally has spiraled into a budget disaster—and Minnesotans are stuck with the bill. The Minnesota Department of Health recently revealed that 17,396 immigrants who are here illegally are now enrolled in MinnesotaCare. That’s more than double the original estimate of 7,700 from just a year ago. When Democrats expanded MinnesotaCare to offer free healthcare to this group, they projected a $196 million cost over four years. Fast forward to today, and that number has skyrocketed to $550 million—and it's still climbing. What’s worse? These shocking enrollment numbers were kept hidden from the public, only surfacing after repeated prodding from House Republicans. And here’s the kicker: Unlike other MinnesotaCare enrollees, immigrants here illegally aren’t eligible for federal matching funds. Normally, the feds pick up 90% of the tab, with the state covering just 10%. But in this case, Minnesota taxpayers are picking up 100% of the cost. This comes at a time when our state is facing a $6 billion budget deficit. Families across Minnesota are already feeling the sting of rising costs, and critical services like ambulance care, rural hospitals, and emergency services are on the line. But instead of focusing on these urgent needs, the state is pouring more than half a billion dollars into healthcare for individuals who are here in violation of federal law. House Republicans are committed to restoring fiscal sanity at the Capitol. It’s time to put Minnesota taxpayers first and ensure our healthcare dollars are spent where they’re truly needed—on Minnesotans who need it most. Cereal, Community, and Capitol Fun! This Tuesday marked a very sweet milestone—I got to celebrate my first-ever Cereal Day at the Capitol! It’s a time-honored GOP caucus tradition, and let me just say… I now totally get the hype. There’s something magical about swapping policy talk for Cocoa Puffs (just for a morning, of course). From sugary classics to healthy crunch, the cereal selection was top-tier—and so was the company. It was a fun, lighthearted break from our usual legislative grind and a great reminder that a little levity goes a long way during these fast-paced final weeks of session. It’s the little things—like cereal and camaraderie—that make serving here at the Capitol such a joy. Already looking forward to next year’s bowl!  Steak on a Stick and Good Times with Friends Earlier this week, I had the best time catching up with a dear friend over some delicious steak on a stick—and what better way to do it than on Cattleman’s Day! There's something about the combination of good food, great company, and a little downtime that just hits the spot. Whether you're a steak lover or just enjoy good conversation, this was one of those perfect moments that made my week. So grateful for these fun, simple times that remind me how important it is to connect with the people around us! Looking Ahead!As spring blooms and the Capitol buzzes with activity, I want to remind you that your voice matters now more than ever! Your thoughts, concerns, and ideas help shape the decisions I make on your behalf—and I truly value every message, phone call, and conversation. Whether you’ve got questions about a specific bill, want to share feedback, or simply want to stay in the loop, my office is always open. This is your government, and I’m here to serve you. It’s an incredible honor to represent District 18A, and I’m excited to keep working alongside you to make Minnesota an even better place to call home. Let’s keep the conversation going! Warmly, Representative Erica Schwartz Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |