A Moment for Reflection—and a Call to Do BetterFriends and neighbors, This week brought a plethora of difficult and unsettling news. On Tuesday, the Office of the Legislative Auditor released a report showing serious problems within the Department of Human Services. Grants meant to help Minnesotans struggling with mental health and substance use disorders were mishandled, and in some cases, documents were backdated or created during the audit itself. These are not just mistakes—they are failures that affect real people who rely on these programs for help and hope. Reading the report, I couldn’t help but think about the families it touches: a parent trying to make ends meet, a child waiting for therapy, a neighbor seeking help during one of life’s hardest moments. It’s deeply upsetting to see public resources meant for care fall short. The truth is, these problems are bigger than any one person. Over time, weak oversight and a culture of complacency allowed mistakes—and in some cases, fraud—to take root. And when that happens, it’s everyday Minnesotans who bear the cost. This matters to all of us. Billions of dollars lost to fraud can sound like a large, abstract number—but when you break it down, it’s families, neighbors, and children who don’t receive the help they deserve. Money that could have helped with child care, heating bills, mental health care, or support for children with autism instead disappears. Every dollar lost is a missed opportunity to lift someone up. Accountability isn’t about blaming—it’s about responsibility, care, and trust. Our neighbors deserve systems that work, families deserve help when they need it, and Minnesotans deserve government that honors the faith we place in it. That’s what we must fight for in the months ahead. Minnesota Takes the Mic in D.C. This week, while Minneapolis was buzzing, a different kind of spotlight beamed all the way to Washington, D.C. I want to take a moment to shine a big, proud spotlight on three of my incredible House colleagues—Representative Kristin Robbins (R-Maple Grove), Representative Walter Hudson, and Representative Marion Rarick—who stepped up and spoke truth to power at a U.S. House Oversight Committee hearing about Minnesota’s pervasive fraud challenges. Let me tell you, they didn’t just show up—they absolutely killed it. Their testimony laid out what Minnesotans already know too well: this isn’t about politics, it’s about accountability. It’s about taxpayer dollars meant to help those in need being siphoned off by bad actors, while warnings were ignored and oversight fell short. They didn’t sugarcoat the facts, and they didn’t back down. Instead, they made sure Minnesota’s story was heard loud and clear on the national stage—and they did it with integrity and heart. I’m incredibly proud to serve alongside colleagues who are willing to stand up, ask the hard questions, and fight to restore trust in how our government works. Minnesota deserves nothing less. Honoring Our Heroes in Blue Today, we pause to honor the brave men and women in law enforcement on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day. Every officer is more than the badge they wear. They are moms and dads, sons and daughters, neighbors and friends—people who leave their families each day to face the unknown, not because they have to, but because they choose to serve. They step into difficult situations so others can feel safe at home, at school, at work, and in their communities. I also want to recognize the families behind these officers—the quiet strength that supports them through long nights, missed birthdays, and moments most of us never see. Your love and sacrifice make the service possible, and it does not go unnoticed. To all of Minnesota’s law enforcement officers and your families: thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful for the courage, care, and dedication you bring to your communities every single day. You make a difference in ways that can’t always be measured, but your impact is felt in every safe street, every calm neighborhood, and every life you protect. Staying Connected & Looking AheadAs we look toward the 2026 legislative session, I want you to know how much your voice truly matters. The best ideas don’t come from inside the Capitol—they come from kitchens, classrooms, farms, and small businesses across our district. Your experiences, your stories, and your priorities guide the work I do every day in St. Paul. Please never hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s a concern, a suggestion, or just a story you want to share, I welcome hearing from you. Serving our community is an honor, and I am grateful for the trust you place in me. Thank you for staying engaged, for caring about our neighbors, and for helping move Minnesota forward—together. Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |