Dear Friends and Neighbors,

 

I was among the 70 Minnesota House and Senate Republicans who co-signed a joint letter released this week in support of the Jewish People and Israel's right to self-defense. A PDF version of the letter can be found at the following link HERE, and the full text of the letter reads as follows:

 

“We, the undersigned, express our deep sorrow over the unprovoked attacks carried out against the people of Israel. These heinous acts of murder, rape, and kidnapping committed against innocent men, women, and children demonstrate the evil depravity which fills the hearts and minds of the enemies of Israel. It is imperative to stand in solidarity with Israel and the Jewish people.

 

Hamas is one of many Islamic terrorist organizations which has demonstrated a blatant disregard for human life and has actively undermined efforts to achieve peace in the region. They have been supported in their attacks by neighboring countries which leaves Israelis in a constant state of peril. The indiscriminate massacre of innocent people by Islamic terrorist organizations backed by countries which deny Israel’s right to exist is reprehensible and shocks the conscience of all decent people worldwide. In carrying out the largest mass murder of Jewish civilians since the Holocaust, Hamas has shown they are not interested in pursuing peaceful solutions. As leaders in the State of Minnesota, we condemn the heinous acts of terrorism, affirm our unequivocal support for Israel and to the values of peace, security, and justice, and demand an immediate release of all hostages.

 

Israel is the historical and ancestral homeland of Jewish people going back more than 3,000 years, and we support the safeguarding of their God-given right to their land. Like any sovereign nation, Israel has the fundamental right to defend itself and its citizens from threats and attacks. While facing relentless aggression, the Israeli government has shown remarkable restraint in its efforts to protect its people. It is crucial all peace-loving people support Israel's right to self-defense, and their mission to fully neutralize all threats to safety and security, including the Islamic terrorist government operating out of the Gaza Strip.

 

We appreciate the efforts of individuals and organizations advocating for peace and we encourage continued dialogue to promote truth and compassion among all people, regardless of background.

 

In prayer for the Peace of Jerusalem.”

Budget Surplus

 

Last week, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released a new forecast showing Minnesota is on track for a surplus totaling $2.4 billion, nearly 50% higher than previously expected. Despite Democrats spending Minnesota's $17.5 billion surplus in the 2023 legislative session, a new surplus is already building due to Minnesota having among the highest taxes in the country. Budget surpluses are a direct result of over-taxation. Instead of doing the right thing and cutting taxes, Democrats are obeying left-wing activists to spend the tax confiscation funding a Socialist wish-list seeking to turn Minnesota into a cold California.

State Office Building

 

Despite a surplus of cash from over-taxation, Democrats borrowed nearly half a billion dollars to be spent on a Taj Mahal like palace for the 134 Member House of Representatives office space. By comparison, just a few years ago $90 million was spend for a new similar office building for the Senate and just over $300 million for a top-to-bottom restoration of the entire Capitol building!

Data Practices Commission

 

I was appointed one of eight members to the Legislative Commission on Data Practices and Personal Data Privacy which met this week for the first time in 2023. The commission is charged with the following:

1. Review and provide the legislature with research and analysis of emerging issues relating to government data practices and security and privacy of personal data;
2. Review and make recommendations on legislative proposals relating to the Minnesota Government Data Practices Act;
3. Review and make recommendations on legislative proposals impacting personal data privacy rights, data security, and other related issues

As one with a deep commitment to the Constitution and individual liberty, I’m a firm believer in protecting digital privacy against data harvesting, data retention, data mining, and profile building. Government seeks to collect more and more information on citizens which is a direct threat to our freedoms and our Republic. I firmly believe individuals own their data and controls absolutely must be established to empower people to be the ultimate decision makers over digital information pertaining to themselves and their activities.

 

Following is a link to a short video clip showing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tracking both employees (number of cups of coffees produced) and customers (time sitting at tables) within a coffee shop…link to video HERE. There are those in government right now scrambling to devise and implement similar capabilities to track the movements, spending, and other lawful activities of citizens. Such technology absolutely erodes privacy and creates a chilling effect on civil rights!

 

Among the digital privacy topics I intend to focus on as a member of the commission include:

• Ensuring emails of government officials and bureaucrats are retained for a minimum of three years before being deleted to allow for data practices requests, transparency, and accountability
• Implementing controls for AI to protect civil rights
• Limiting facial recognition technology by government

Fun time Wednesday visiting with 6th graders from STMA West during their tour of the MN Capitol!

Hand signed letters congratulating 77 precious newborns and welcoming 105 new residents, all who joined our great community in September 2023!

The Fiscal Review reports budget and policy actions taken by the MN Legislature. The 2021 thin book (Republican Senate Majority) vs. the 2023 fat book (Democrat Senate Majority) highlight the billions in tax hikes and wasteful spending by Democrats in 2023.

 

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