Last year’s $2.6 billion bonding bill was the largest in Minnesota history. However, the bill included errors that now need to be repaired. A bonding corrections bill is expected in the coming weeks. Senate Republicans are proposing a more modest bonding bill focusing on infrastructure basics like safe roads and clean water, not politically aligned special interest groups. The size and scope of the bill are pending the results of the February economic forecast.
Budget Forecast
Thursday last week, the state released the February budget forecast, showing Democrat tax increases are expected to result in a $3.7 billion surplus in 2025 and a $1.5 billion deficit in 2026. The deficit is calculated as if the surplus will not be spent. But, Democrats are likely to spend some or all of the $3.7 billion surplus meaning the deficit in 2026 will be much larger than $1.5 billion.
The extreme tax and spend policies of the Democrat trifecta are creating an unsustainable cycle of more spending that demands even more tax increases. Democrats are already planning to spend more money despite state officials urging caution as a deficit looms.
Sen. Lucero New Bills Introduced
SF 4442 - HOA Reform Bill: This is a project I have been working on over the last year and I'm thrilled to finally introduce it. Over the years, I have heard from many constituents of the unfair and unethical activity they have experienced with their HOA. My bill will start to push Minnesota in the right direction as we see the number of homeowners living in associations continue to grow. Below are provisions in the bill.
- Limits Interest of property management company in certain firms: Prohibits property managers from holding financial interest in vendors. Preventing unethical practices such as “fee splitting” or inducement to refer certain vendors to clients.
- Automatic Renewal: Contracts between associations and property management companies shall not exceed one year and must not contain an automatic renewal provision that requires notification of nonrenewal more than 30 days in advance. All contracts automatically renewed shall be terminable for any reason up to 60 days.
- Certain compensation prohibited: Property managers shall not receive compensation based on the amount of fines collected from residents.
- Limits on Fines: A fine levied against a unit owner must not exceed $100 for a single violation and must not exceed $2,500 for an ongoing violation.
- Unit/Common Area Modifications: Associations must have fair, clear procedures described in their governing documents to make decisions on proposed changes. A decision shall be made within 90 days of proposal, and an explanation must be given for decision.
- Parking Restrictions: Associations may not restrict parking on public roads unless authority to regulate parking has been granted by local government responsible.
- Foreclosure: Associations may not initiate foreclosure against a homeowner unless unpaid charges (not fines or legal fees) are outstanding more than 180 days.
- Retaliation Prohibited: Association may not retaliate, decrease services, or impose fine against owner for asserting rights held under this law.
SF 4347 - Prohibiting licensed professionals joining or supporting hate or extremist groups: Last year, Democrats passed language in their ongoing attack on law enforcement, that fearmongers and implies that law enforcement officers hold racist views, and prohibited them from joining vaguely defined "hate" groups. This bill would extend those standards to other licensed professionals. We have seen many lawyers, teachers, and more associate with antisemitic, anti-Israel, pro-Hamas groups, and this bill would address this concerning trend.
SF 4373 - Requiring consent to replace analog electric meters with smart meters: Electric utility providers are often replacing traditional analog meters with new smart meters without providing the option to the homeowner to keep their old meter. Many are concerned for the intrusion into their privacy from the data these devices collect.
SF 4372 - Prohibiting the use of Central Bank Digital Currency as money: This bill defines CBDC in statute and explicitly excludes it from the definition of money. CBDC is a is a government blockchain currency being proposed that will allow the government to further intrude on the spending habits of citizens and centralize financial data.
SF 4323 - Education Savings Accounts for Minnesota Students: A necessary reform to provide school choice at a time where families are increasingly becoming interested in alternatives to public schools at a massive rate.
SF 4211 - Written estimates for repairs exceeding $100 required: Consumer protection requiring written estimates for repairs costing more than $100 including the price of parts and materials, to restore a malfunctioning, defective, or worn motor vehicle, appliance, or dwelling used primarily for personal, family, or household purposes
SF 4210 - Guidelines to remove school board members: In response to the bullying we have seen of two conservative Elk River School Board members, I have introduced this bill to define "proper cause" for removing a school board members to protect board members from being removed for simply doing their job.
In Other News
