Interim Update Friends and neighbors, I’m excited to share that this will be my final interim update for a while, as the 2026 legislative session gavels in on Tuesday! With a February 17 start date, this year’s session will be a sprint rather than a marathon—roughly 11 weeks to tackle a mountain of policy priorities. And if you’ve been keeping an eye on the headlines lately, you know there’s no shortage of work waiting at the Capitol. With at least $9 billion in taxpayer dollars lost to fraud in our state, let’s just say the debate is going to be lively… and absolutely essential. The Report That Told Us… Almost NothingLast Friday, the Minnesota Department of Human Services released the long-awaited Optum report—an external audit reviewing four years of Medicaid billing practices at DHS. To everyone's surprise, every single vulnerability and recommendation identified in the report was redacted, leaving legislators with little usable information as we work to strengthen safeguards and prevent fraud moving forward. Although, what we can see is deeply concerning. “Optum has identified recurring vulnerabilities across all high-risk services flagged by Minnesota DHS,” the outside consulting firm wrote. “These vulnerabilities stem from weaknesses in monitoring, auditing, and inter-agency communication, which undermine program integrity. Such gaps can result in beneficiary harm, improper payments, eligibility errors, or intentional fraud, waste, and abuse.” In other words, the system meant to protect taxpayer dollars and serve vulnerable Minnesotans has serious cracks—and they’ve been there for years. This report reinforces what many of us have been warning about: the Walz administration has not taken any measures to stop fraud and, in some cases, has failed to pursue the very tools needed to detect and prevent it. Despite the heavy redactions, the report did reveal one staggering statistic—90% of EIDBI claims submitted over the past four years were flagged as potentially fraudulent. During that same timeframe, nearly $750 million in claims were submitted. The bottom line is simple: the department that allowed this level of fraud to occur—and acknowledges it lacks the tools to stop it—cannot be expected to fix the problem on its own. As a reminder, the most recent Office of the Legislative Auditor report on fraud uncovered employees backdating and fabricating documentation—something Legislative Auditor Judy Randall said she had never seen in her more than 30 years with the OLA. Weeks later, we have yet to hear of any disciplinary action or accountability tied to those findings. Just as importantly, I want to be clear: stopping fraud and demanding accountability will remain a top priority for me and my colleagues as we head into session. Minnesotans who work hard and play by the rules deserve to know their tax dollars are being protected—not exploited by those gaming a system that is intended to serve our most vulnerable. I will continue pushing for stronger oversight, real enforcement, and the tools necessary to stop fraud before it starts. We also must pursue every opportunity to recover stolen funds. The people of Minnesota deserve a government that protects their resources with the same seriousness they use to earn them. Spring Grant Opportunities! Now, shifting gears to some genuinely good news, and a well-earned win for our agriculture community! Thanks to the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee, a new grant opportunity is now available to support Minnesota’s next generation of farmers. Through this program, beginning farmers can receive assistance to help cover costs for essential, agriculture-specific equipment used to grow crops, raise livestock, and properly store farm products. The grant also supports critical infrastructure investments, including water access and irrigation systems, fencing, electrical upgrades, walk-in coolers, livestock handling facilities, grain storage, barns, greenhouses, and other production-related structures that help farms succeed long-term. Starting a farm is no small task, and programs like this help ensure that Minnesota agriculture remains strong for generations to come. If you or someone you know may qualify, I strongly encourage you to apply. Applications are due by 4:00 p.m. CT on Thursday, March 26, 2026.  And while we’re talking about supporting working families and strengthening local communities, there is another important grant opportunity worth noting. The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), through its Office of Childcare and Community Services, is currently accepting applications for Childcare Economic Development Grants.These grants can support a wide range of solutions, including launching new childcare businesses, expanding existing programs, improving long-term sustainability, providing workforce training, making facility upgrades, assisting with licensing requirements, and offering incentives to help retain childcare employees. Applications for this program must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 17, 2026. District Days Done RightBefore heading back to St. Paul, I’ve been soaking up every extra minute in the district—building connections, cheering on fellow representatives, and logging more miles on the car than I care to admit (with an equal number of coffee refills to keep up)! Every week in the district is rewarding, but this one might just take the cake. three stops, countless great conversations, and a solid reminder that the real work—and the real inspiration—happens right here at home.  On Monday, I had the chance to sit down with Mankato City Manager Susan Arntz. This meeting was extra special as we are partnering on a bonding bill for the Mankato Regional Airport. It is always rewarding to finally put a face with the name—and even more rewarding when those face-to-face conversations help move meaningful projects closer to the finish line.
 Had the opportunity to spend time with local leaders at the Nicollet County Priorities Meeting, discussing important community goals and future initiatives.
 I also had the wonderful opportunity to attend the annual Ag Expo and support my colleague, Rep. Paul Anderson (R-Starbuck), who serves as Chair of the House Agriculture Committee. He did a fantastic job connecting with Minnesota farmers and constituents, sharing what the Agriculture Committee will be focusing on in the year ahead. Events like the Ag Expo are always a highlight. They give legislators a chance to step out of committee rooms and connect directly with the agriculture heroes who work tirelessly to feed our great state. It was a great opportunity to listen, learn, and hear firsthand about the challenges and priorities facing Minnesota’s farming community.
  Back to Work, and Just Getting Started!As we head into the back half of the legislative biennium, I am truly excited to get back to work serving you. While we have already completed the state budget—there is still plenty of important work ahead. With the budget in place, we now have greater opportunity to focus on policy solutions that help move Minnesota forward and strengthen our communities. One thing that will never change is my commitment to being accessible and responsive to you. My inbox, my office, and my phone are always open. I encourage you to make your voice heard, share your ideas, and advocate for the needs of your family and our community. The best policy decisions come from listening to the people we serve, and your input makes all the difference. Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |