Interim UpdateFriends and neighbors, We are now three weeks into 2026, and so far this year has been nothing short of eventful. With Minnesota seemingly making national headlines every week, I want to keep our focus on one of the most significant—and disturbing—revelations to come out of the end of 2025: the massive scale of fraud uncovered across multiple state programs. We cannot allow this to be brushed aside, minimized, or ignored. Minnesotans deserve the full truth, and they deserve accountability. While the media and much of the general public are only now beginning to grasp the scope of this fraud, House Republicans have been sounding the alarm for years. Long before the headlines, Republican legislators pushed for stronger oversight, tougher safeguards, and real consequences for bad actors. For far too long, those efforts were dismissed. Only recently—when the evidence became impossible to ignore—have DFL leaders begun to acknowledge the problem and appear willing to engage. Fraud prevention should never be partisan, but the reality is that sustained pressure from House Republicans is what forced this issue into the open. Broad oversight through the Fraud CommitteeThe House Fraud Committee has been actively examining fraud across state government. The committee has brought in commissioners, agency leaders, and experts to review known cases of fraud and identify vulnerabilities that could be exploited in the future. Topics examined include: Oversight of state-funded grants to nonprofit organizations Grant management and implementation of recommendations from the Office of the Legislative Auditor Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) funding and daycare oversight DEED grant programs, including economic development and broadband Fraud, waste, and abuse trends from 2019–2025 Program integrity in mental health and substance abuse services The Governor’s anti-fraud package COVID-era funds and unemployment insurance fraud Medicaid fraud enforcement Election-related fraud cases Preparedness for Paid Family and Medical Leave Oversight of assisted living and adult day care services This work has been detailed, deliberate, and ongoing—because real reform requires careful study, not quick fixes. What comes next?As we move into the 2026 session, the Fraud Committee is advancing additional reforms, including strengthening the Office of the Inspector General, tightening standards for providers in public programs, improving oversight of business registrations, and closing loopholes that allow fraudsters to exploit well-intended services. Fraud at this scale steals from taxpayers, undermines trust in government, and hurts the people these programs are meant to serve. I will continue fighting for transparency, accountability, and reforms that protect your hard-earned dollars. Minnesotans deserve a government that is honest, vigilant, and worthy of their trust—and I am committed to seeing that through. Working Together for Student SuccessAside from the important work House Republicans are doing at the Capitol to combat the growing fraud epidemic in Minnesota, I’ve also had a wonderful and refreshing week back home in the district.  I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with the President of South Central College in North Mankato, Dr. Rita Riju. President Riju has been an outstanding partner in our shared efforts to make higher education more accessible and attainable for more Minnesotans. South Central College holds a very special place in my heart—it’s my alma mater—and it was meaningful to return not just as a graduate, but as a legislator working alongside college leadership to ensure students have the opportunities and support they need to succeed. Your Voice Matters!As we transition into the 2026 legislative session, I want to remind you that my office is always open to you. The best ideas and solutions come from the people who know our communities best—you. Whether it’s fraud prevention, education, public safety, or any other issue that matters to you, I encourage you to stop by, share your perspective, and advocate for the changes you want to see. Your input helps guide the work we do at the Capitol and ensures that the policies we advance truly reflect the needs of Minnesotans. So please, don’t hesitate—come into the office, speak up, and be part of the process. Together, we can make Minnesota stronger, safer, and more accountable for everyone. Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |