Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, I hope your Fourth of July was full of joy, laughter, and just enough fireworks to light up the sky and your heart. Whether you were marching in a hometown parade, flipping burgers at a neighborhood BBQ, or simply soaking up the summer sun with loved ones—I hope you felt proud to call this country home. I had a wonderful time walking in our Fourth of July parade this year—it was such a joy to see so many friendly faces and meet some truly amazing constituents along the route. It’s moments like those that remind me how connected and vibrant our community really is. As we celebrate our freedoms, we also pause to recognize those who protect them. I’m incredibly grateful to our veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and law enforcement officers whose courage and sacrifice make celebrations like these possible. Thank you for all you do. This time of year always reminds me how lucky I am to serve this amazing community. I don’t take this responsibility lightly, and I’m more committed than ever to representing your voice and your values at the Capitol. We’ve got work to do—and I’m ready to keep moving forward, together.    Minnesotans Deserve Accountability, Not A PR SpinThis week, we saw just how far the Walz Administration is willing to go to protect its image—even if it means spending your hard-earned tax dollars to do it. Governor Walz—who spent over 12 years in Congress and is no stranger to the ins and outs of D.C. hearings—somehow thought it was appropriate to spend $430,000 in taxpayer money on a private law firm for services that essentially boiled down to public relations consulting. Let’s be clear: this wasn’t legal advice or policy development. It was prep work for a single congressional hearing—at a price tag that looks a lot more like a warm-up act for a future campaign than anything in Minnesota’s best interest. At the same time, serious questions are emerging across state agencies. The Department of Human Services has implemented a hiring policy that forces staff to justify the hiring of anyone not from a so-called "underrepresented group"—or face possible disciplinary action. And over at the Department of Education, a high-level employee was hired despite being a convicted sex offender with multiple deportation orders. This isn’t leadership. It’s dysfunction—and Minnesotans are being handed the bill. You deserve a state government that prioritizes integrity, competence, and transparency—not one that uses public dollars to manage optics or plays politics with personnel decisions. I’ll keep fighting to bring accountability back to state government and to ensure your tax dollars are spent where they belong: helping real people, not political ambitions. Highlighting Innovation in Agriculture with FarmAmerica I’m still reflecting on the incredible visit I had with the team at FarmAmerica earlier this week—thank you so much for the warm welcome and the meaningful conversation. Touring the University Research Center was more than just informative—it was inspiring. There’s something really special about seeing the future of agriculture up close. From cutting-edge research to hands-on education, the work being done here is shaping the next generation of farmers, Ag leaders, and innovators—and that’s something worth celebrating. As someone who deeply values the strength of our rural communities, I left feeling encouraged and energized about the direction we’re heading. Thank you to everyone who made the visit so memorable. I’m excited to keep working together to support Minnesota’s Ag future!  Home is Where the Heart Is! It’s been so wonderful spending time back home in the district and reconnecting with the community I’m proud to serve. On Thursday morning, my sons and I stopped by our favorite local coffee truck and grabbed some delicious lemonades—and let me tell you, they hit the spot! It’s little moments like these—sunshine, sweet drinks, and time with my boys—that remind me why I do this work in the first place. Serving this community is an honor, and I’m so grateful for every chance to support the local businesses and families that make our district such a special place to call home. Lines Are Open—Let’s Talk Minnesota!As always, I welcome your thoughts, ideas, and concerns—hearing directly from you is the best way for me to represent our district effectively. Whether it’s a big-picture policy issue or a small fix that could make life better in our community, your voice matters! Feel free to reach out anytime by emailing me at rep.erica.schwartz@house.mn.gov, or calling my office at (651) 296-8634. I’m here to serve, and I’m always glad to connect. Thanks for reading, and I hope you have a safe, productive, and joy-filled weekend ahead! Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |