To the editor:

In one of the most remarkable moments of this session, Rep. Schwartz secured unanimous passage of her bill, House File 2169, on a 134-0 vote. In a closely divided House, that kind of bipartisan support is almost unheard of-especially for a freshman legislator. But the reason is quite simple: the bill does exactly what good policy should do, it protects people.

House File 2169 closes a dangerous loophole in Minnesota law by ensuring that individuals who commit unintentional murder while under a protective order are held fully accountable, no matter where that order was issued. It’s a commonsense, victim-centered reform that reinforces a basic principle: protection orders should mean something, everywhere.

But Rep. Schwartz hasn’t stopped there.

She is also leading efforts to strengthen our region’s infrastructure by working to secure $1.265 million in funding for a new air traffic control tower at the Mankato Regional Airport, along with key investments at South Central College-including boiler system replacement, classroom and lab upgrades, and expanded space for the dental assistance Program.

At a time when it’s easy to get cynical about politics, Rep. Erica Schwartz is proving that thoughtful, effective leadership still exists-and that it can bring people together to get meaningful work done.

Mayor of Nicollet

Fred Froehlich