Legislative Update Dear Friends and Neighbors, Wow—what a whirlwind of a first session! When I stepped into this role, I came ready to roll up my sleeves and get to work for you. What I didn’t expect was how quickly I'd be asked to help lead. Being named Co-Vice-Chair of the Higher Education Committee in my very first term was an incredible honor—and a responsibility I don’t take lightly. Making college more affordable, more accessible, and more effective for Minnesotans is a mission I care deeply about, and I’m proud to be part of the solution. Beyond Higher Ed, I also served on the Public Safety Finance and Policy Committee and the Taxes Committee. These might sound like big, bureaucratic titles—but they come down to something simple: how we keep our communities safe and how we respect the hard-earned dollars you send to St. Paul. I’ve listened carefully, asked tough questions, and shown up every day ready to make government work for you. To be honest, it hasn’t all been smooth sailing. The session got off to a rocky start, with House Democrats missing the first 23 days of work. That’s nearly a month lost—time we needed to debate, draft, and deliver results. Now, as we head into a special session, that delay feels even heavier. We could’ve used those days to get ahead instead of scrambling at the finish line. But here’s the deal: I didn’t run for office to sit on the sidelines. And I’m not backing down now. I’m still here—fighting for smart, responsible budgeting and a higher education system that lifts people up, not buries them in debt. The work continues, and so does my commitment to you. Thank you for your trust and your support. I’ll keep you posted every step of the way. A Heartfelt Visit with Shannon Nowell, Mayor of St. Peter I recently had the chance to sit down with St. Peter Mayor Shanon Nowell—and what a lovely visit it was! We ended up having a wonderful, down-to-earth "mom moment," swapping stories about our boys and the everyday joys (and chaos!) of motherhood. It’s always refreshing to connect with fellow leaders not just on policy, but on the personal experiences that shape who we are. It reminded me how much our roles as parents influence our work in public service. I walked away from our conversation feeling inspired and grateful for strong women in leadership who are navigating both city hall and family life with heart. Celebrating 60 Years of MVAC! I recently had the joy of joining the Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) in celebrating an incredible milestone—60 years of service to our community. What a legacy! For six decades, MVAC has been a steady hand and a hopeful heart for families across southern Minnesota, empowering people to grow, thrive, and build a better life. One of my favorite moments during the visit was stopping by their preschool program. I was welcomed with bright smiles, big hugs, and plenty of giggles from the kids—pure joy! It was such a beautiful reminder of why early childhood education matters and just how deeply MVAC’s work is planting seeds for a brighter future. Congratulations to the entire MVAC team on this amazing achievement. Thank you for all you’ve done—and continue to do—for the people of our region. I can’t wait to see what the next 60 years bring!  Honoring the Brave: Memorial Day Weekend Reflections As we step into Memorial Day weekend, many of us look forward to time with family, backyard barbecues, and the unofficial start of summer. But at the heart of this weekend is something far deeper—remembrance. Memorial Day is a solemn reminder of the brave men and women who laid down their lives in service to our country. Their courage, their sacrifice, and their unwavering dedication to the freedoms we enjoy today deserve more than just a passing thought. They deserve our heartfelt gratitude. Whether you're attending a local ceremony, visiting a cemetery, or simply taking a quiet moment to reflect, I encourage you to honor those who gave everything for our nation. If you see a Gold Star family, thank them. If you know a veteran, listen to their stories. And if you’re gathering with loved ones this weekend, let your conversations be touched by the awareness that our freedom came at a great cost. From my family to yours, have a safe, meaningful, and restful Memorial Day weekend. Let us remember not only with words, but with actions—living lives worthy of their sacrifice. Click to edit this placeholder text.As we head into a special session, I know many of you are feeling frustrated—and I don’t blame you. This isn’t how the session was supposed to end. But even now, I truly believe we have a chance to come together, refocus, and finish the job the right way. This first term has been full of eye-opening moments, meaningful conversations, and—yes—plenty of challenges. But through it all, my commitment has stayed the same: to represent our district with integrity, to lead with heart, and to put people before politics. I’ve been fortunate to work alongside colleagues on both sides of the aisle who care deeply about Minnesota’s future. Whether it’s making college more affordable, strengthening public safety, or ensuring your tax dollars are spent wisely, I’ve tried to stay grounded in what matters most: strong families, safe communities, and a government that works for the people—not against them. Thank you for placing your trust in me. It’s a privilege I carry with humility and resolve. I’ll keep showing up, speaking truthfully, and doing the hard work—because that’s what you sent me here to do. Let’s keep working together to build a Minnesota that’s smarter, safer, and more hopeful—for everyone. Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz Minnesota House of Representatives | District 18A |