Interim UpdateDear friends and neighbors, I hope you’re staying warm today—because Minnesota just reminded us it’s still the boss. We’re experiencing the coldest temperatures since 2019, and I’m not sure my winter coat signed up for this kind of commitment! With just over three short weeks until the start of the second half our 94th legislative session, I’ve found myself reflecting on my first year at the Capitol. One word keeps rising to the top: gratitude. Gratitude for the incredible community I have the honor of representing every single day. Gratitude for the neighbors, small business owners, parents, and advocates who take the time to meet with me—whether back home in the district or by braving the drive (and the parking) to the Capitol—to share ideas on how we can make an already wonderful community even better. And gratitude for the dedicated group of legislators I get to serve alongside, even on the days when we don’t always agree, but still show up ready to work. This past year certainly came with its share of challenges. It wasn’t always easy, and it definitely wasn’t always predictable—but we stuck together and got the job done. We focused on the work Minnesotans sent us here to do, and we did it with determination, resilience, and a healthy dose of grit. As we look ahead to the next session, there’s no sugarcoating it—2026 has already gotten off to a wild start. With serious concerns emerging around fraud within the Walz administration, there is important work ahead of us. Accountability matters, and so does earning the trust of the people we serve. I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and dive right in—this community deserves nothing less. A Day of "Truth and Freedom" — But at What Cost? Today has been labeled the “Day of Truth and Freedom” by certain activist groups, with calls for residents and businesses to essentially shut down the economy—to stay home, skip work, and avoid shopping. As a small business owner, I support the right of every Minnesotan to peacefully protest. That is a core American value. But what concerns me is the real-world impact of this type of strike, especially on the very people it claims to support. The truth is, this kind of economic shutdown doesn’t just affect large corporations or politicians. It hits Main Street hardest. It hurts small businesses that are already struggling to stay afloat—and it hurts the employees who depend on their paychecks to put food on the table. Many immigrant-owned businesses have shared privately that they feel pressured to close for the day, even though doing so could jeopardize their livelihoods. What’s more, workers have been encouraged to use Earned Sick and Safe Time (ESST) to participate. ESST is a critical program that protects Minnesotans who are genuinely sick or facing dangerous personal circumstances. State law makes clear it is intended for medical and safety needs—not political protests. Using ESST for a strike is not what the law intended, and it sets a dangerous precedent. Minnesota deserves better than economic disruption. Our families and small business owners are counting on us to protect their jobs, their incomes, and their futures—not to use them as pawns in political theater. Walz Admin Mismanagement = Real ConsequencesAlso in the news this week, more Walz admin fraudulent failures! As a small business owner, I know how quickly a company can go from “making it” to “struggling to survive” when payments don’t come through on time. That’s why I’m deeply concerned about a growing crisis in Minnesota’s Medical Assistance system—one that is putting legitimate care providers at risk of shutting down. Right now, roughly 40% of Minnesota home care providers remain unpaid due to billing errors, mismanagement, and a breakdown in communication at the Department of Human Services (DHS). These aren’t optional payments. Many of these providers rely almost entirely on Medical Assistance reimbursements to meet payroll and keep their doors open. Some providers have now gone two pay periods without being paid, and they’re hundreds of thousands of dollars short. This is not a paperwork issue or a minor delay—it’s a crisis that is already forcing providers to make heartbreaking decisions. The consequences are already unfolding across Minnesota. Highly regarded autism centers, substance use disorder providers, and home care agencies are being forced to shut down services or take on unsustainable debt just to keep going. In one case, NorthStar Services was forced to bring clients to local hospitals because it could no longer operate due to nonpayment. These are providers who did the work the state asked them to do. They served vulnerable Minnesotans—and now the state is not paying them. Providers were told earlier this week by DHS leadership that payments would be issued by Tuesday. Those payments never arrived, and communication from the department has since stopped. That’s unacceptable. This isn’t just an administrative failure. It’s a failure that hits real people—families who rely on care, workers who rely on paychecks, and providers who are trying to do the right thing. And it’s part of a broader pattern of mismanagement, including years of unchecked fraud and high Medicaid error rates under Governor Walz. I’m calling on Governor Walz and DHS to fix this immediately. Providers need to be paid now—not next month, not after another review. The people of Minnesota deserve far better than a system that fails when they need it most. Warm Hearts, Strong NeighborsAs more revelations continue to come to light, I’ll keep you updated—because you deserve transparency and accountability, not surprises. In the meantime, please keep advocating for your needs, and don’t hesitate to have conversations with your neighbors. That’s how democracy thrives—not just through votes, but through everyday connection and community. And while we’re on the subject of connection: take care of each other. Minnesota is going through a tough season right now, and it’s more important than ever to remember what makes our state special—our people, our compassion, and our community spirit. So this weekend, consider it your official Minnesota mission: - check in on a friend or family member
- volunteer at a local event
- visit someone you haven’t seen in a while
- or simply brighten someone’s day with a quick phone call
Winter can be cold, but our hearts don’t have to be. It’s important to feed our souls during these long months—and the best way to do that is by staying connected. As always, please feel free to reach out anytime at rep.erica.schwartz@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651-296-8634. Sincerely,
Representative Erica Schwartz
Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |