Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, As we head into the final week of session, it’s starting to look like we might not finish on time. The constitutionally-mandated end of session is May 19th, but with major bills still up in the air and key agreements yet to be reached, wrapping things up on schedule is looking less likely. Unfortunately, the first 23 days of session were wasted when one caucus decided to stay home and not show up for work. Now, we’re seeing the cost of that delay in real time. That being said, we’ve made good progress over the past couple of weeks. Most of the budget bills have passed through the Minnesota House, and we’re down to just a few remaining. But as the clock ticks down, some of my Democrat colleagues are starting to worry we’re running out of time. To them, I say: remember, Republicans showed up ready to work on Day 1. Meanwhile, some folks chose to stay absent for nearly a month, all while collecting their taxpayer-funded paychecks. If you missed it, you can see Rep. Dawn Gillman giving Rep. Tina Liebling a reality check during a recent committee hearing [HERE]. With only a few bills left to approve, I’m optimistic that we’ll get them through early next week. The Senate is doing its part, and once both chambers have passed their versions, any differences will be hammered out in conference committees before heading to the Governor’s desk for approval. Now, I made a promise last fall to lower taxes and control government spending, and that’s exactly what I’ve been fighting for. I’m voting for bills that aim to right-size government, and I’m voting against those that would lock in irresponsible spending or raise your taxes. Why is this so important? Because last session, Democrats and Governor Walz managed to waste an $18 billion surplus and raised your taxes by an additional $10 billion. Fast forward two years, and here we are, facing a $6 billion deficit. In the meantime, government grew by nearly 40%, adding 6,000 new employees and hundreds of millions of dollars in new salaries. Minnesotans deserve a smarter, more responsible approach. It’s time to put taxpayers first and stop this cycle of waste. Standing Up for Nonpublic Education On Wednesday, I had the honor of joining a powerful group of students, parents, educators, and community leaders at the Capitol to stand up for nonpublic education. The Governor’s push to slash aid for these schools is not only short-sighted—it’s flat-out wrong. Let’s be clear: Republicans in the Minnesota House won’t even entertain this idea. It’s a no-go. Our Senate colleagues feel the same. Stripping support from nonpublic schools doesn’t just hurt students—it undermines the very families who depend on them. These schools play a vital role in our state’s education system, and we won’t stand by while that’s threatened. This proposal flies in the face of the unity the Governor claims to champion under his “One Minnesota” slogan. If that motto means anything, it should mean opportunity and respect for all Minnesota students—regardless of the school they attend. Check out House Republican Leader Niska’s comments on this issue [HERE]. Happy Fishing Opener, Minnesota! To the amazing people of District 18A—Happy Fishing Opener! This is one of those weekends that marks the heart of Minnesota’s outdoor spirit. Whether you’re reeling in your first catch or simply enjoying the tranquility of our state’s beautiful lakes, it’s a time to embrace the thrill of the hunt, the beauty of nature, and the joy of time spent with loved ones. Minnesota is lucky to have some of the best fishing in the country, and our lakes are primed and ready for anglers of all kinds. Whether you’re chasing walleye, bass, or just looking to enjoy a peaceful day on the water, here’s to tight lines and great memories! Wishing you all a fun and safe fishing opener weekend—may the fish be biting and the weather perfect for a day out on the water! Supporting Our Seniors and Care Facilities This week, I had the privilege of speaking on the House floor in support of House File 2434, our Human Services Omnibus Bill. One of the most important provisions in this bill is our commitment to supporting nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Minnesota. These facilities aren’t just places where our seniors receive care—they’re vital pillars of our local economy. When they close, it’s not just the residents who are affected. Jobs are lost, families struggle, and entire communities feel the ripple effect. Minnesotans deserve better than watching these essential services disappear. I’m proud to stand up for our seniors, our caregivers, and our communities. Let’s continue to ensure that these lifelines remain strong and available for generations to come. A Mother’s Day Message: From One Mom to Another This Mother’s Day, I want to take a moment—not as your representative, but as a fellow mom—to recognize the love, strength, and quiet heroism you show every single day. Motherhood is a journey filled with deep joys and real challenges. It’s in the early mornings, the late-night worries, the endless to-do lists, and the moments of grace in between. Whether you're holding tiny hands or cheering on grown kids from afar, the work you do shapes the future in ways the world often overlooks—but never forgets. As a mom myself, I carry those experiences with me into every decision I make at the Capitol. I think of the families back home, the values we hold dear, and the dreams we all share for our children. And I want you to know—your role matters more than words can say. So today, I celebrate you. Thank you for your tireless love, your unwavering courage, and the way you keep going, even when no one’s watching. Happy Mother’s Day—from my heart to yours.  Proud to Announce House File 2665 Included in This Year’s Agriculture Omnibus BillI’m incredibly proud to share that my bill, House File 2665, has been included in this year’s Agriculture Omnibus Bill! As a first-term legislator, this is a huge honor for me, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve Minnesota’s farmers. This bill adds crude soybean oil to the list of agricultural products that can be transported under a special overweight vehicle permit for farm products. Effective August 1, 2025, this will allow six- or seven-axle vehicles to transport crude soybean oil at weights exceeding the limits set in state statute. These special permits, which are issued by road authorities like the Minnesota Department of Transportation or counties, help farmers transport their goods more efficiently, reducing logistical challenges and supporting the agricultural industry. This is a step forward in helping our farmers keep their operations running smoothly, and it’s an honor to be part of the effort to make sure Minnesota’s agricultural community continues to thrive. For those interested in the full details, you can read more about the bill [HERE]. Celebrating Small Business Week As a small business owner myself, I know the challenges—and the rewards—that come with running a business here in Minnesota. During National Small Business Week, I want to take a moment to thank the hardworking entrepreneurs who are the backbone of our communities. Your dedication and grit make our state stronger, and I am committed to doing everything I can to make Minnesota a better, more affordable place to own and operate a business. After all, your success is Minnesota’s success. Keep thriving, and know that I’ll always be fighting for policies that support you and your business! Looking Ahead!As this year's legislative session comes to a close, 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 |