Legislative Update from Rep. Erica Schwartz

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Legislative Update

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

After a long session—and a one-day special session to wrap things up—I’m back home and excited to share a few important updates with you.

This year’s session started off slower than expected. The House didn’t begin its real work until late January after House DFL members skipped town for the first 23 days. But when things finally got moving, House Republicans made the most of our shared power in a 67-67 House—and I’m proud to say that we brought common sense and accountability back into the budget conversation.

Minnesotans told us they were tired of the reckless spending, rising taxes, and government programs that overpromise and underdeliver. We listened—and we acted.

Cutting Waste and Refocusing on Families

Thanks to your voices and strong Republican leadership, we:

• Blocked a fifth-tier income tax hike that would’ve cost hardworking Minnesotans $8 billion
• Stopped the governor’s sales tax increase ($400 million)
• Rejected new taxes on professional services like accounting and legal help ($334 million)
• Ended taxpayer-funded health care for adult illegal immigrants

We also delivered the largest spending reduction in state history—cutting more than $2 billion and keeping total spending $5 billion lower than last session’s budget. That means more money in your pocket and less government overreach.

Putting Students Before Systems

As Co–Vice Chair of the Higher Education Committee, I was proud to champion a smarter, more compassionate higher education budget. This bill wasn’t just about trimming fat—it was about putting students, not systems, at the heart of every decision.

Here’s what we delivered:

• Fully funded the Fostering Independence Grant to help students aging out of foster care
• Removed taxpayer-funded cannabis workforce training
• Prevented misuse of the North Star Promise by blocking repeat degree seekers from tuition-free classes
• Closed a big shortfall in the State Grant Program
• Eliminated state grants for billion-dollar institutions like the Mayo Clinic, which can more than afford to fund themselves

This was a win for first generation students, foster youth, and every family trying to make college a reality without being crushed by red tape or tuition bills.

Supporting Restorative Justice (the Right Way)

I was proud to co-author House File 104, which was included in the Public Safety Omnibus Bill. This legislation provides added privacy protections for young people involved in restorative justice programs—which help victims and offenders alike find healing, understanding, and accountability outside the traditional court system.

Restorative justice works best when participants feel safe and supported and this bill helps us do just that!

Agriculture: A Win for Soybean Growers

I am also proud to have authored House File 2665, which passed as part of the Transportation Omnibus Bill. It’s a simple but meaningful change that includes crude soybean oil in the definition of “qualifying Ag products” for special transportation permits. It’s a small victory that makes a big difference for the farmers and producers who power our rural economy.

What Comes Next?

There’s still work to be done—but this session showed what’s possible when we listen more, spend less, and focus on what truly matters.

Whether it’s protecting our kids, helping our farmers, or fighting for fairness in higher education—I’ll never stop showing up, speaking out, and putting Greater Minnesota first.

Thank you for the honor of serving you!

Sincerely,

Representative Erica Schwartz

Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A

/RepEricaSchwartz

State Office Building
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Saint Paul, MN 55155
651-296-8634