Dear Friends and Neighbors,

 

During the 2023 legislative session, I routinely attempted to warn the Democrat majority of the consequences their reckless spending would lead to. Not only does our record high state budget not include meaningful tax relief for Minnesotans, but the large amounts of spending on unaccountable non-profits leaves us open to more potential fraud such as the Feeding our Future scandal, as well as taxpayer dollars funding projects that Minnesotans find morally abhorrent. 

 

Recently, we have seen taxpayer money go to an organization hosting "family-friendly" demon summoning rituals. The Walker Art Center has a history of hosting provocative events, including a pornographic play Walker warned “contains nudity and sexual content.” 

In April, the Legacy Omnibus bill was debated on the Senate Floor, including an appropriation of over $190 million over the next biennium for the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund. This is the source of taxpayer money that has provided the Walker Art Center millions over the years, and for which, Walker thanks voters in their latest annual report. To prevent the abuse of these funds on projects that intentionally violate the values of Minnesotans, I offered an amendment prohibiting the use of money from the Art and Cultural Heritage Fund from being used to promote the occult, divination, necromancy, soothsaying, Satanism, demonology, or pedophilia. Rather than support me and my efforts to prevent state dollars from being spent on demonology and pedophilia, all 34 Democrats in the majority stood together in solidarity to defeat my amendment giving a seeming pass on these wicked activities. 

During the discussion of the amendment, the bill's chief author, Senator Hawj, denied that this money would be used to fund the activities described in my amendment. Senator Maye Quade rose to speak next, and mockingly compared my amendment to the fictional activities in the Harry Potter series. The Democrat Party also spread videos of the discussion to mock the concern of taxpayer money funding evil on social media, bringing us through a very familiar cycle the left has used over the decades to incrementally introduce more and more evil into society. You can watch the unedited discussion here.

New Laws going into Effect

 

In July and August, several of the controversial laws passed this year went into effect. Many more remain for the rest of 2023 and 2024.

 

Small Tax Rebates - You may have recently received your $260 tax rebate that was passed during the legislative session. This tiny amount of money pales in comparison to the tax relief that could have been provided to Minnesotans in the form of permanent income tax cuts, a full elimination of the tax on Social Security Income, or even the $1,000 checks Governor Walz campaigned on. This small one-time payment will do nothing to aid Minnesotans in long-term financial success.

 

Recreational Marijuana - While the permitting process for dispensaries is still ongoing, the legalization of recreational marijuana has gone into effect. Local law enforcement agencies are rushing to improve their ability to test for drug consumption for suspected DUI's.

 

Guns - Universal background checks and red-flag gun confiscation laws are now in effect. Private firearm transfers to friends or family members are now more difficult, local government may deny firearm permit applications to law abiding citizens, and firearms may be confiscated before an individual is charged, or even suspected of committing a crime.

 

Faith Based Schools - Schools that require a faith statement are no longer eligible for PSEO. However, a pending lawsuit is keeping the state from enforcing the new law until it is resolved.

 

Tax and Fee Increases - The state motor vehicle sales tax and driver's license/ID card fee increases are now in effect. Several more tax and fee increases will go into effect in 2024.

 

 

STAYING IN TOUCH

Each and every day I’m continuously humbled at the opportunity to represent and fight for the values and priorities of our great community!

 

Please contact me to share any issues, concerns, or feedback you have to assist me best represent you. The best way to reach me is by email at [email protected] or by phone at 651-296-5655.

 

Sincerely,

Eric Lucero

 

State Senator

District 30

Rockford Township, Hanover, Saint Michael, Albertville, Otsego, Elk River, Nowthen, Western Oak Grove

Capitol Address

95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg. 2413
St. Paul, MN 55155

651-296-5655