Interim UpdateDear friends and neighbors, It’s been so good to be back home, reconnecting with the wonderful people of District 18A. Summer is moving quickly (how is it August already?), and while the Legislature may be out of session, there’s still plenty happening across the state. Let’s get you caught up on a few important updates: In mid-July, Senator Nicole Mitchell went to trial for an incident that happened last April—and the verdict is in. She was found guilty on two felony counts: first-degree burglary and possession of burglary tools. With the Senate’s razor-thin DFL majority (just one seat), her conviction has thrown everything into uncertainty, possibly triggering a 33–33 party split. Buckle up! Adding to the drama, U.S. Senator Kelly Morrison also stepped down recently, which means two Senate seats will be up for grabs in a special election on Tuesday, November 4th. Translation? The balance of power in the Senate just got a lot more interesting. Stay tuned! Meanwhile, the Capitol’s getting a security upgrade. After a string of troubling incidents—including a man breaking in after hours claiming to be the governor (yes, really)—Capitol officials are tightening things up. As of August 6th, most entrances are now locked, and only two doors on the south side remain open to the public during business hours. Capitol Security and State Patrol are now posted at those doors, and a full audit is underway to evaluate what other changes might be needed, including the possible addition of metal detectors or bag checks. While no one wants the Capitol to feel like an airport, we all agree it should be safe and secure for everyone—especially those who visit, work, and serve there. I’ll keep you posted as those conversations continue. And lastly—farewell, Northstar Rail. Metro Transit has announced plans to officially suspend the commuter train by January 2026, after years of sky-high costs and low ridership. It’s been a long time coming. Thanks to strong advocacy from House Transportation Chair Rep. Jon Koznick (R-Lakeville) and others, we’re finally seeing a shift toward more effective transit. Starting January 5, 2026, Northstar will be replaced with expanded bus service—giving riders more flexibility and taxpayers a much-needed break. That’s the scoop from the Capitol—but now, let’s bring it back to the home front. Here’s a peek at what I’ve been up to this week around the district! Sowing Seeds for Next Session Farmfest 2025 was one for the books—sunshine and some fantastic conversations with the Minnesota Soybean Growers Association! I had the chance to sit down with some of our state’s Ag leaders to talk through how we can keep supporting Minnesota farmers in meaningful ways. One highlight was chatting about House File 2665, the bill I authored this session to include crude soybean oil in the list of agricultural products that can be transported under a special overweight vehicle permit. It’s a commonsense change that helps our farmers keep moving—literally. Big thanks to the Soybean Growers for their partnership and insight. I’m already looking forward to working together again next session to keep making life easier for Minnesota’s Ag community!  I also had the chance to catch up with Mary Piechel, president of the Nicollet County Farm Bureau. Running into her at Farmfest was a real highlight—always great to connect with the folks who are working hard to keep Minnesota agriculture strong. Congratulations to the Waibel Family – Nicollet County’s 2025 Farm Family of the Year! I’m thrilled to congratulate Tim and Mary Waibel, along with their children Justin, Jonathan, Rebecca, Anna, and Clarissa, on being named the 2025 Nicollet County Farm Family of the Year. Farming has been a way of life for the Waibels since they purchased their land in 1990, and their dedication shows in every acre they tend and every hog site they manage. The Waibels operate a thriving corn and soybean operation alongside contract wean-to-finish pork sites. It’s truly a family effort, with each member playing a vital role in keeping the operation running smoothly. Beyond their farm gates, the Waibels have made a lasting impact on Minnesota agriculture. Tim is a past president of the Minnesota Corn Growers Association, and both Tim and Jonathan are active in local corn growers groups and pork producers associations. Their involvement in the Farm City Hub Club and their “Service to Agriculture” award are testaments to their commitment to the farming community. Congratulations again to the Waibel family on this well-deserved honor, and thank you for your outstanding contributions to agriculture in Nicollet County and across Minnesota! A Memorable Morning with Blue Earth County Farm Bureau Last week I had the pleasure of attending "Breakfast on the Farm," hosted by the Blue Earth County Farm Bureau. While there, I bumped into Kevin Papp, Blue Earth County Commissioner, and even caught a photo with none other than Princess Kay of the Milky Way (yes, her crown is just as sparkly in person)! I also enjoyed visiting with our Minnesota State Patrol—which is always a reassuring sight. But the real joy? Tagging along with my boys as they turned Breakfast on the Farm into their own personal adventure. They got their faces painted, climbed up into a massive farm combine like true little farmers-in-training, and soaked up every bit of the excitement. Safe to say, they left with big smiles… and maybe a little more dust on their shoes than when we arrived.  Let’s Stay in Touch!As summer winds down, I’m grateful for the conversations, smiles, and handshakes I’ve shared with so many of you—whether it was catching up at Farmfest, visiting with folks at Breakfast on the Farm, or meeting local leaders who keep our communities thriving. Representing such a strong, grounded, and community-minded district is truly an honor! Have a question or concern? My door—and my inbox—are always open to you. Let’s make the most of these last beautiful weeks of summer. I’ll see you out and about in the district—very possibly with an ice cream cone in hand! All the best, Representative Erica Schwartz
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |