Interim UpdateDear friends and neighbors, Washington wasn’t the only place where tempers flared this week. On Tuesday night, Congressional Democrats decided they’d rather cling to their trillion-dollar liberal wish list than keep the lights on for the American people—forcing a completely avoidable government shutdown. Instead of passing a simple, clean funding bill to support essential services, they dug in their heels and shut the doors. It’s unfortunate that Democrats would rather obstruct than allow the government to continue functioning. Meanwhile here in Minnesota, House Democrats seem to be taking notes from their counterparts in D.C. Tuesday morning, they ended our leader meeting and rushed to the press with their “offer,” while refusing to actually sit down and do the work with us. Speaker Lisa Demuth and Leader Harry Niska reminded everyone that the Governor is the only one who can call a special session, and that demanding Republican support for a bill that hasn’t even been written isn’t negotiating—it’s playing games with Minnesotans’ livelihoods. We laid out a fair and transparent framework: let’s take ideas through the committee process, shine sunlight on the proposals, and work together on issues we all agree matter—like student safety, mental health access, and public safety. But instead of engaging, Democrats want Republicans to sign off on a mystery bill that hasn’t seen the light of day. That’s not how you govern—that’s how you steamroll. Even worse, they’re holding up commonsense safety measures to push for an undefined gun ban, all while Minnesota families continue to face tragedy after tragedy. That’s irresponsible leadership, plain and simple. Minnesotans deserve open debate, real solutions, and transparency—not political theater behind closed doors. House Republicans will keep showing up, ready to work, ready to govern, and ready to fight for the people we serve. Uncovering Fraud—Holding Criminals AccountableIf it feels like we’re reading about a new fraud case every week under Governor Walz’s Department of Human Services… it’s because we are. Sadly, this week was no exception. Federal prosecutors charged a 28-year-old woman in a $14 million scheme that during the years 2019-2024, she siphoned money from programs meant to help children with autism. Court documents allege kickbacks to parents, false Medicaid billing, and even fraudulent meal claims tied to the Feeding Our Future scandal. Nearly 200,000 phantom meals later, she pocketed almost half a million dollars. That’s not a paperwork mistake, that’s betrayal. Pile that on top of 11 disability programs halted, 17 frozen, eight people indicted for housing fraud, and hundreds of millions still at risk in Feeding Our Future, and you start to see a pattern. Minnesotans are honest, hardworking people who pay their taxes expecting those dollars to help neighbors in need, not to bankroll kickbacks and fake invoices. Here’s the bottom line: Minnesotans deserve accountability, not excuses. And as your representative, I’ll keep fighting to make sure every dollar goes where it’s supposed to—into the hands of those who truly need help, not into the headlines of the next fraud scandal. Having Fun in Brown County! I had so much fun on Thursday night meeting with community members at the Brown County Republican “Fun”raiser! It was a great opportunity to connect, share ideas, and hear directly from neighbors about what matters most to them. I was joined by my fellow House colleague, Rep. Paul Torkelson, State Senator Gary Dahms, Congressman Brad Finstad, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, and Mike Amery from the American Experiment who also serves as the Director of Greater Minnesota Outreach. Events like these are a reminder of how important it is to stay connected with our communities—and to have a little fun while doing it! Thank you to everyone who came out and made the evening so memorable.    Big Opportunities for Minnesota StudentsApplications are now open for the 2026 High School Page Program (for juniors) and the Undergraduate Internship Program! These programs give students the chance to experience state government firsthand, see the legislative process in action, and gain valuable skills that will last a lifetime. The Sergeant at Arms Office will be sending informational packets to every high school in Minnesota soon—but we also need your help to spread the word. Please share these opportunities with students, schools, and community partners in your district. Learn more and apply here: [High School Page Program] [Undergraduate Internship Program] Questions?
Contact our office at (651) 296-4860 or email Thomas Holien, Educational Programs Coordinator, at Thomas.Holien@house.mn.gov. Don’t miss this opportunity to step inside the Minnesota House, see democracy at work, and maybe even spark a future career in public service! Thank You for Staying ConnectedThank you for taking the time to stay connected with me. I know how busy life can be, and it truly means a lot that you choose to engage and share this journey with me. Your questions, your ideas, and your support remind me every day why I chose to serve—it’s because of you, and for you. Please know that I’m always here to listen. Whether it’s a phone call, an email, or even a chance to sit down over coffee, your voice matters and I want to hear it. And if you’re ever in the area, chances are you’ll find me at my store, Nicollet Mart, working alongside my husband, Kevin—where we love meeting neighbors face-to-face.  Serving as your representative is one of the greatest honors of my life. I promise to keep showing up with honesty, hard work, and heart—because the challenges we face together deserve nothing less. Thank you for trusting me to be your voice at the Capitol. I’ll keep carrying your stories and your hopes with me every step of the way. Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |