Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, We are now three weeks into the Republican majority, and things are moving full speed ahead at the Capitol! The energy is high, the work is nonstop, and we’re making real progress on key priorities that matter to you. From committee hearings to conversations with colleagues and community leaders, every day has been packed with opportunities to push forward policies that support hardworking Minnesotans. I’m excited to share some important updates, highlights, and insights from the Capitol—let’s dive in! Future Leader in the Making! We had a very special visitor on the House floor this week—Representative Josh Heintzeman’s (R-Nisswa) son, Troy! He might be little, but he was all ears, taking in everything happening around him like a pro. From big debates to important votes, Troy sat through it all like a champ—maybe even better than some of us! It’s always fun to have young visitors at the Capitol, and who knows? With how engaged he was, he just might have caught the political bug! We’ll have to wait and see, but something tells me this won’t be the last time we see Troy in the House chamber. Le Sueur County BPOU Convention This past weekend, I had the privilege of speaking at the Le Sueur County BPOU Convention, and it was such a great opportunity to connect with so many engaged and passionate folks. I got to share updates on the bonding bills I’m working on—bills that are focused on real, meaningful investments to help our community grow and thrive. It’s always energizing to be in a room full of people who care deeply about the future of our state. We had great discussions about the challenges we’re facing, the opportunities ahead, and how we can work together to ensure our communities get the resources they need. A huge thank you to everyone who attended and for the thoughtful conversations—we’re making progress, and I’m excited to keep pushing for solutions that will make a real difference! Building Bonds: A Memorable Evening with Fellow Freshmen Legislators On Monday night, I had the absolute best time at my first New Legislator Dinner! It was such a great opportunity to connect with my fellow first-year colleagues outside of the Capitol halls, and honestly, it just made me even more excited for the work ahead. There’s something special about sitting down with people who are all navigating this new journey together. We come from different backgrounds and districts, but at the end of the day, we’re all here to serve and make a difference. Between the laughs, stories, and plenty of good food, it was clear that this freshman class is full of passionate, hardworking people—and I’m grateful to be a part of it. Moments like these remind me that while we may have different perspectives, the best solutions come when we work together. I’m looking forward to building on these relationships and tackling the challenges ahead—hopefully with just as much camaraderie (and maybe a few more great dinners along the way)! Inspiring Future Leaders: A Visit from Immanuel Lutheran School What an absolute joy it was to welcome the 5th–8th graders from Immanuel Lutheran School in Courtland, MN, to the Capitol! There’s nothing quite like seeing the excitement and curiosity in young minds as they explore the heart of our state’s government. We had a blast touring the Capitol, stopping in the House Chamber, and diving into how the legislative process works. From explaining how a bill becomes a law to answering some really thoughtful (and sometimes hilarious) questions, it was a reminder of why civic engagement at a young age is so important. Who knows—maybe a future representative, senator, or even governor was in the group! I’m always grateful for opportunities to connect with students and encourage them to take an interest in the world around them. A huge thank you to their teachers and chaperones for bringing them—it was a privilege to host them, and I hope they left feeling just as inspired as I did!  A Week of Fantastic Visitors at the Capitol! This week was packed with great conversations and meaningful visits from folks who are working hard for Minnesota. I had the pleasure of meeting with Blue Earth County Commissioners, Vance Stuhrenberg, and Deputy Administrator Josh Milow. Their insights into local governance and the challenges counties face were invaluable, and I’m grateful for their leadership in serving our communities.  I also had another visit from constituents of the Minnesota Turkey Growers Association, and let me tell you—these folks know their industry inside and out. Minnesota leads the nation in turkey production, and it’s always great to hear directly from the people who keep this important industry thriving.  And to top it all off, I had the honor of meeting with Teamsters Local 320, who represent some of the hardest-working public employees in the state. From corrections officers to city and county workers, these men and women keep our communities running. It was a great discussion about the issues that matter to them and how we can work together to support Minnesota’s workforce. A huge thank you to everyone who made the trip to the Capitol this week—your voices matter, and I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from you! Standing Up for Fairness in Girl's Sports I couldn’t be more excited to stand alongside Representative Peggy Scott (R-Andover) as she leads the charge on House File 12—because protecting fairness in women’s sports isn’t just good policy, it’s common sense. As a woman, this issue is deeply personal to me. Girls and women deserve to compete on a level playing field, and I’m proud to support legislation that ensures our hard-earned opportunities aren’t taken away. What makes this moment even more powerful? National advocates like Riley Gaines are stepping up and making their voices heard. Riley’s unwavering dedication to defending women’s sports is truly inspiring, and having her at the Capitol this Monday is a huge moment for Minnesota. It’s not every day that we get to rally with a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer who knows firsthand what’s at stake. This fight is bigger than just one bill—it’s about standing up for truth, fairness, and the future of female athletics. I’m proud to be part of this movement, and I encourage everyone who cares about protecting opportunities for women and girls to get involved. Let’s show up, speak out, and make sure our daughters, sisters, and future generations have the chance to compete and succeed! Stay Connected!I always want to hear from you! Your thoughts, concerns, and ideas help guide the work I do for our district. Whether you have questions about a specific issue or just want to stay informed about what’s happening at the Capitol, don’t hesitate to reach out. My office is here to serve you, and I’m always ready to listen. It’s an honor to represent District 18A, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make Minnesota a better place for everyone. Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |