Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, It has been a frustrating few weeks, but I’m excited to share that we’ve finally reached an organizational agreement in the House that will allow us to get back to work! After nearly four weeks of delays, it’s a relief to have clarity and a path forward. This agreement will ensure we can move forward with critical business—passing a state budget and tackling the challenges facing Minnesotans. The House Agreement: What It Means for MinnesotaAs many of you know, the legislative session was delayed due to the absence of a quorum, which is the minimum number of members required to conduct official business. According to the Minnesota Supreme Court, at least 68 members must be present for the House to function. With Republicans holding 67 seats and Democrats at 66, the absence of Democratic legislators left us in limbo. The new agreement establishes a solid framework that allows legislative work to resume while ensuring fair representation for both parties. Here's what's in store: - Republican Leadership for the Biennium: Rep. Lisa Demuth will remain Speaker of the House for the entire 2025-26 legislative biennium, ensuring continuity in leadership and allowing the House to move forward with its work.
- Committee Structure and Control: For the first five weeks following the agreement, Republicans will chair all committees and hold a one-vote majority. This temporary structure allows legislative priorities to be advanced after weeks of delay.
Bipartisan Committee Co-Chairs (If Necessary): If the upcoming special election in Roseville results in a 67-67 tie in the House, committees will transition to a co-chair system, with equal membership from both parties. In this case, committee control will rotate between parties, ensuring shared decision-making. Oversight and Accountability: The agreement also creates a new House Fraud and Agency Oversight Committee, which will have a permanent Republican chair and a 5-3 Republican majority for the entire biennium. This committee will be responsible for investigating fraud, waste, and abuse in state government programs, reinforcing the need for fiscal responsibility and transparency. Why This Agreement Matters:This deal was crucial for moving the House forward. With a state budget on the line and so much work to be done, it was imperative that we reached an agreement that would allow us to get back to business. I know we’ll face challenges ahead, but I’m optimistic. This agreement sets us up to make real progress on the issues that matter most to all of us! Strengthening Our Community Through Education It was a real pleasure to sit down with Dr. Edward Inch, President of Minnesota State University-Mankato, and talk about the incredible impact the university has on our community. Dr. Inch and I discussed the university’s commitment to supporting students and faculty, as well as its important role in driving local growth. It was clear from our conversation how much he cares about both the university and our district, and I’m excited to work together to ensure MSU-Mankato continues to thrive and provide even more opportunities for students and residents alike. It’s always inspiring to connect with leaders who are so dedicated to making a real difference!
Meeting with AFSCME Local 404: Advocating for St. Peter Regional Treatment Center Employees I was grateful for the opportunity to meet with the dedicated members of AFSCME Local 404, who represent the hardworking employees at the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center. These frontline workers provide essential care and support to some of our most vulnerable Minnesotans, and it was an honor to hear about the challenges they face in their important roles. Our conversation focused on ways we can better support these workers, improve conditions at the facility, and ensure they have the resources needed to continue providing excellent care. I’m committed to advocating for the needs of the St. Peter Regional Treatment Center and its employees as we work together to strengthen our state’s mental health services.
A Special Visit from the McQuiggin Family It was such a joy to have the McQuiggin family from North Mankato visit the Capitol earlier this week. I had the chance to show them around and update them on the work we're doing to support our families in district 18A. It's always so wonderful to connect with constituents in person, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to share the progress we're making together. Having people like the McQuiggins stop by really reminds me of why I do this work—it's all about our community!
Stay Connected!As always, I want to hear from you! Your ideas, concerns, and feedback help shape the work I do for our district. Whether you have questions about a specific issue or just want to stay updated on what's happening at the Capitol, please reach out. My office is here to serve you, and I’m always ready to listen. Thank you for the privilege of representing District 18A. Together, we’ll continue working to make Minnesota a better place to live for all people. Sincerely,
Representative Erica Schwartz
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |