Legislative UpdateDear Friends and Neighbors, Four weeks into our Republican majority, and let me tell you—it’s been an exciting, fast-moving, and truly historic time at the Capitol! As we inch closer to the special election on March 11, our optimism and momentum are stronger than ever. We’re fighting hard for the values and priorities that matter to Minnesotans, and people are taking notice. In fact, the Minnesota House Republican Caucus has been making waves on the national stage, proving that common-sense leadership is alive and well in our great state. From important policy debates to meetings with incredible folks from across Minnesota, this week has been packed with action. I’m excited to share what we’ve been working on and give you a behind-the-scenes look at what’s happening in St. Paul. Let’s dive in! Minnesota’s Budget ForecastMinnesota’s latest budget forecast confirms what many of us have been warning about—reckless government spending is unsustainable, and now, Minnesotans are left footing the bill. The updated projection shows a shrinking surplus and an alarming $5.995 billion deficit looming in the FY 2028-29 biennium, nearly a billion dollars worse than previously expected. Simply put, the spending spree at the Capitol is catching up with us, and if we don’t change course, taxpayers will be the ones paying the price. This is exactly why House Republicans are fighting for fiscal responsibility. Government should live within its means—just like Minnesota families do every day. Instead of growing government and ballooning budgets, we should be working to provide permanent tax relief, rein in wasteful spending, and ensure that our economy remains strong for years to come. Minnesotans deserve leadership that plans for the future instead of spending recklessly today and hoping for the best tomorrow. I’ll continue advocating for smart, responsible budgeting that prioritizes taxpayers—not more government overreach. Standing Up for Female Athletes – Thank You, Riley Gaines! This week, we had an incredible visit from Riley Gaines at the Capitol, and I couldn’t be more grateful for her unwavering courage in standing up for fairness in women’s sports. As a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, Riley knows firsthand what’s at stake when female athletes are forced to compete on an uneven playing field. Her advocacy isn’t just about sports—it’s about protecting opportunities for girls across Minnesota and ensuring that the next generation of female athletes gets the chance to compete, win, and chase their dreams. Title IX opened the door for women and girls to have a fair shot, and we have a responsibility to make sure those protections remain strong. Riley’s message was powerful, and I’m so proud to stand alongside her in this fight. Thank you, Riley, for using your voice to stand up for what’s right!   On top of all of the amazing festivities, I had the absolute pleasure of catching up with my good friend, Kevin Watchman. Kevin joined me at the Preserving Girls’ Sports rally, and as always, his passion for standing up for what’s right was on full display. Kevin was a valuable member of my campaign team, and I can’t say enough about how grateful I am for his hard work, dedication, and love for politics. He’s the kind of person who puts his heart into everything he does, and it’s always a joy to connect and talk about the issues that matter most to our district. Looking forward to more conversations and, of course, more opportunities to work together for the people we serve! Great Conversation with Greater Mankato Growth It was a pleasure to meet with the team from Greater Mankato Growth at the Capitol this week! I had a fantastic discussion with Andy Wilke (Executive Vice President of Greater Mankato Growth), Dr. Annette Parker (President of South Central College), and Della Schmidt (President & CEO of Greater Mankato Growth) about the opportunities and challenges facing our region. From workforce development to economic growth and higher education, their insights were invaluable. It’s always great to connect with leaders who are working hard to strengthen our local economy and create more opportunities for Minnesotans. Thank you all for this amazing opportunity—I look forward to continuing our work together!  Building Bridges for Education & Business in Mankato I had the privilege of meeting with Dr. Edward Inch, President of Minnesota State University-Mankato, along with leaders from the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce’s Mankato chapter. It was a fantastic conversation about the intersection of education and economic growth—two things that go hand in hand when it comes to building a strong future for our region. Dr. Inch shared some of the incredible work happening at MSU-Mankato, from preparing students for the workforce to fostering innovation and research that benefits our local economy. Meanwhile, the Chamber continues to be a strong advocate for businesses, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to thrive. Bringing these two forces together—higher education and the business community—is key to developing a skilled workforce, strengthening our local economy, and keeping Minnesota competitive. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with such forward-thinking leaders, and I’m excited to keep working together to create opportunities for students, businesses, and the entire Mankato region!  A Great Morning with North Mankato’s Finest There’s nothing better than starting the day with great people, and Thursday morning was exactly that! I had the chance to sit down with the hardworking folks from the City of North Mankato, and let me tell you—this team is passionate about their community. We covered everything from infrastructure and growth to supporting local businesses and families, all with one goal in mind: making North Mankato the best it can be. What I love most about meetings like this is the teamwork. When people come together with a shared commitment to improving their community, real progress happens. North Mankato is full of people who care, and it was an absolute pleasure to connect, listen, and talk about ways we can keep pushing forward. I’m excited to keep working alongside them—because when we work together, great things happen! Talking Conservation with Michael Schultz This week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Michael Schultz, the District Manager of the Le Sueur County Soil and Water Conservation District. Let me tell you—this guy knows his stuff when it comes to protecting our land and water. We had a great conversation about the important work happening right here in our own backyard, from helping farmers implement smarter conservation practices to keeping our lakes and rivers clean. One of the things that really stood out to me was the district’s focus on practical, hands-on solutions—like cover crops and erosion control—that not only keep our soil healthy but also prevent pollutants from washing into our waterways. It’s real, impactful work that benefits all of us, and I’m grateful for leaders like Michael who are so dedicated to making it happen. Protecting our natural resources isn’t a one-person job—it takes teamwork, partnerships, and a shared commitment to good stewardship. I’m looking forward to working together to support these efforts because when we take care of the land, the land takes care of us! A Great Saturday at the Mankato Gun Show This past Saturday, I had the chance to attend the Mankato Gun Show, and let me tell you—it did not disappoint! It’s always fun to connect with folks who are passionate about our Second Amendment rights, responsible gun ownership, and the great tradition of hunting in Minnesota. One of the highlights was meeting a few members of the Minnesota Deer Hunters Association. These men and women do incredible work to support conservation efforts and ensure future generations can enjoy our state’s rich hunting heritage. We had some great conversations about deer populations, habitat management, and, of course, a few good hunting stories! Thanks to everyone who stopped to chat—I always enjoy hearing from you. Looking forward to the next one!  Looking Ahead!I always want to hear from you! Your thoughts, concerns, and ideas help guide the work I do for our district. Whether you have questions about a specific issue or just want to stay informed about what’s happening at the Capitol, don’t hesitate to reach out. My office is here to serve you, and I’m always ready to listen. It’s an honor to represent District 18A, and I look forward to continuing our work together to make Minnesota a better place for everyone. Sincerely, Representative Erica Schwartz Minnesota House of Representatives, District 18A |