Legislative UpdateThere’s truly no place like home. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been reminded just how special our community is. Whether I’m behind the counter at the gas station in the early morning or grabbing a quick coffee before my sons’ baseball practice, it’s been a gift to reconnect with so many of you—hearing your stories, sharing a laugh, or even just exchanging a quick wave has meant more than you know.  Last weekend, I had a blast attending North Mankato Fun Days with my kids. With the smell of mini donuts lingering in the air and the sun shining bright, we had an awesome time taking in all the fun. I especially loved running into so many friendly faces—it’s always a joy to see constituents out and about, and I’m so grateful for your continued support.  Looking ahead, I’m excited to spend more time in Blue Earth County this weekend as I join the Blue Earth County Republicans in the Eagle Lake Parade. If you’re in the area, I’d love for you to stop by and say hello! These little moments of connection—whether at a parade, community event, or a local store—are what keep me grounded and remind me why I’m honored to serve you every day. A Great Day in Greater Mankato This week, I had the incredible opportunity to join a panel at the Greater Mankato Growth Post-Session Legislative Forum, held at South Central College. It was such a treat to speak alongside my House DFL colleagues, my GOP colleague Rep. Paul Torkelson, and Senator Rich Draheim as we discussed the highlights and challenges of the 2025 session. With an audience full of passionate business and community leaders from the Greater Mankato region, we tackled big questions about the session's outcomes, the impact of legislation on our local economy, and where we go from here. The conversation was lively, respectful, and packed with insights from both sides of the aisle—proof that good policy discussions don’t have to be partisan. A special thank-you to Greater Mankato Growth for hosting and to Andy Wilke for moderating the forum so smoothly. It’s always a joy to be back in Mankato, especially when we get to have productive, civil conversations about the future of our state. If you missed it, don't worry—there will be more chances to connect soon. I’m already looking forward to the next event!  Investing in Our Community’s FutureI’m thrilled to share that $3 million has been secured for South Central College and another $3 million for a new affordable housing project in St. Peter! These investments will go a long way in supporting students and families right here in our district. The housing project, in particular, is deeply meaningful to me—I’ve lived that life before, and I know how critical stable, affordable housing is for those working hard to build a better future. Even more exciting: the Mayor of Nicollet is now exploring a similar housing initiative, and I’ll be meeting with him soon to talk through how we can bring this vision to life in even more communities across our region. As always, I want to hear from YOU. Your voice truly makes a difference in shaping our priorities at the Capitol. Please don’t hesitate to reach out and share what matters most to you and your family. Together, we’re making real progress—and I couldn’t be prouder to serve you. Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |