Legislative Update
 Der friends and neighbors,
I hope you had a great week and were able to get outside and enjoy those almost-summer temperatures we got a sneak peek of yesterday. After a long Minnesota winter, those days feel like a reward.
Down at the Capitol, things are moving fast—as they always do this time of year. We’ve already cleared our first and second legislative deadlines, and the final bill deadline hits today at 5:00 p.m. After that, most committees start wrapping up their work, though the Tax Committee will keep going right up until the end of session on May 17.
It’s that point in session where everything speeds up at once—late nights, packed agendas, and a lot of decisions getting made in a short amount of time.
House Republicans have a number of proposals ready to go that would help ease the burden on families, rein in rising costs, and bring a little more common sense back to how we tax Minnesotans.
Now we just need the chance to get them across the finish line.
As always, I’m listening and I’ll continue working to make sure your voice is part of every conversation.
Safe Schools Shouldn’t Be Controversial
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On Tuesday, we rolled out our House Republican school safety proposal—a proposal we've been fine tuning since the tragedy at Annunciation Catholic School took place last fall. It was practical, comprehensive, and most importantly, it was built around what we’ve been hearing directly from superintendents, teachers, parents, and students across Minnesota.
Unfortunately, House Democrats voted against the amendment needed to move it forward, and the proposal didn’t make it out of committee.
That’s not just disappointing, it’s a missed opportunity for students across our state.
Our plan focused on immediate improvements schools could actually use right now. It increased funding for school safety across public, nonpublic, and Tribal schools; because a student’s safety shouldn’t depend on where they go to school. It strengthened access to mental health resources, recognizing that early intervention can prevent crises before they happen. It gave schools more flexibility with tools like anonymous threat reporting and safety planning, so they can respond quickly and in ways that make sense for their communities.
We also addressed what’s happening inside the classroom—supporting discipline reforms that help restore order and protect both students and staff—and invested in facility upgrades to make school buildings themselves safer.
This wasn’t a partisan wishlist. It was a multilayered plan that pulled from ideas on both sides of the aisle, many of which have had bipartisan support in the past.
That’s what makes this outcome so frustrating.
Instead of moving forward on solutions we largely agree on, the conversation stalled over broader policy debates that, while important, don’t need to stop us from taking action on school safety right now. We can walk and chew gum at the same time. We can have those larger conversations and pass commonsense measures that protect students today.
Because here’s the reality: delay is a decision.
Every day we don’t act is another day schools are left waiting. Teachers are left managing increasingly difficult situations without enough support. Parents are left wondering if everything that can be done is actually being done.
With about a month left in session, the choice is pretty simple—move forward on solutions we know can pass, or keep waiting.
I don’t think Minnesota families want more waiting. They want action. And that’s exactly what House Republicans are ready to deliver.
A Capitol Favorite (for Good Reason)
Thursday brought one of my favorite traditions at the Capitol—Steak on a Stick Day with our friends from the West Central Cattlemen’s Association.
Every year, they show up with some of the best steak you’ll find anywhere, and it’s something legislators and staff on both sides of the aisle look forward to every year. But more than that, it’s a great reminder of the hardworking farmers and producers who are such a vital part of Minnesota’s economy and way of life.
It was especially great to see my good friend Jerry Beckel there, who is actively involved in the association and does so much to support the industry.
We’re incredibly grateful for the Cattlemen’s partnership—not just for the food, but for the work they do advocating for beef producers across Minnesota. They do it the right way, too—bringing people together from both sides of the aisle to have real conversations about what our farmers need to succeed.
It’s a good day, a great meal, and an even better reminder of the people behind one of Minnesota’s most important industries.
Stay Connected!
As always, I am so grateful for your continued support and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to represent you. As always, my door is open to you. Please feel free to stop by my office for a meeting or reach out via email at rep.erica.schwartz@house.mn.gov or by phone at 651.296.8634.
I’m here to listen and work together for our community's success!
Sincerely,
Representative Erica Schwartz
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