SC Minnesota News

Minnesota State Representative Erica Schwartz has issued an update addressing recent political developments at both the federal and state levels. In her message, Schwartz criticized Congressional Democrats for their role in the recent government shutdown, stating, "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."

Schwartz also commented on actions by Minnesota House Democrats, noting similarities with national events. She said, "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." She added, "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."

According to Schwartz, House Republicans have proposed a framework for addressing issues such as student safety, mental health access, and public safety through committee processes and open debate. She expressed concern about what she described as a lack of transparency from Democratic colleagues: "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." She further criticized efforts to advance gun legislation without detailed proposals, stating, "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."

Schwartz addressed recent fraud cases involving state programs, referencing federal charges against an individual accused of misappropriating funds intended for children with autism between 2019 and 2024. She described the case: "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." Schwartz highlighted ongoing issues within the Department of Human Services under Governor Walz's administration.

The update also included information about community engagement activities. Schwartz attended the Brown County Republican fundraiser alongside colleagues including Rep. Paul Torkelson, State Senator Gary Dahms, Congressman Brad Finstad, Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, and Mike Amery from American Experiment.

Additionally, Schwartz announced that applications are open for both the 2026 High School Page Program and Undergraduate Internship Program at the Minnesota House of Representatives. She encouraged students and community members to apply for these opportunities to learn about state government firsthand.

Schwartz concluded her message by expressing gratitude for community engagement: "Thank 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." She invited constituents to reach out via phone or email or visit her at Nicollet Mart.