Sen. Lucero and his wife, Erum, at the Garden Tomb during their second visit to Israel in 2016. The channel system which held the stone that was rolled away can be seen behind them near the ground.
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Dear friends and neighbors,
This coming Sunday is celebration of Christ’s resurrection from the dead overcoming death and the grave.
I wish you, your family, and loved ones a blessed Resurrection Day!
The Minnesota Legislature began the Easter legislative recess Friday last week and will not reconvene until Tuesday April 22 in recognition of this important celebration. When we return next week, I look forward to continuing the fight for truth and the future of our great Republic!
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Ethics Complaint Against Democrat Senate President Champion
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Background: Recent media reporting exposed Democrat Senate President Bobby Joe Champion of funneling millions in taxpayer dollars for years to nonprofits he has relationships with. The news accounts reveal Sen. Champion failed to disclose the relationships, including one nonprofit run by a legal client of his, a North Minneapolis pastor named Rev. Jerry McAfee.
Why it matters: Sen. Champion authored bills for and testified on behalf of groups but failed to disclose the groups were clients of his legal practice. When a potential for a conflict of interest exists, elected officials must disclose before voting or abstain from voting. Sen. Champion claims the legal work was “pro bono.” However, ethics experts cited within the media reports assert this is a textbook case of conflict of interest and a direct violation of public trust. Legal experts on both sides of the aisle agree.
Sen. Champion’s failure to disclose the conflict violated senate ethics requirements. Ironically, Sen. Champion is also the chair of the Senate Ethics Committee, the very committee charged with policing behavior like this. You may recall, when Sen. Housley and I presented our ethics complaint against Sen. Mitchell, it was Sen. Champion who chaired the hearing. Despite being the Ethics Committee Chair, Sen. Champion has displayed an arrogant disregard for applying ethical standards to his own behavior.
Next Steps: Sen. Champion has stepped down as Ethics Committee Chair, but that does not solve the larger violation. Minnesotans expect and deserve public officials to maintain the highest ethical standards. Several of my Republican colleagues and I filed a formal ethics complaint against Sen. Champion demanding a full investigation into his conduct. When a sitting legislator uses their position and influence to push through taxpayer funding for their business associates, it doesn’t just appear unethical. It is unethical.
As with the case of Sen. Nicole Mitchell, the Democrat who continues to serve in the Senate despite being on trial for felony burglary, legislators must be held to the highest standards of conduct.
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Sen. Lucero meeting with St. Francis School District teachers last Saturday.
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Background: A teacher hired June 30, 1989 or earlier is known as a Tier 1 Teacher, whereas a teacher hired July 1, 1989 or later is known as a Tier 2 Teacher. In 1989, the Minnesota Legislature ended the Rule of 90 pension qualification creating the two tier pension system. Tier 1 Teachers are part of the Rule of 90 pension whereas Tier 2 teachers are not.
Why it matters: The Rule of 90 pension for Tier 1 teachers is underfunded. As a result, one third of the payments Tier 2 teachers are paying into their Tier 2 pension plan is currently being siphoned off to subsidize the Tier 1 pension plan. This is grossly unfair to Tier 2 teachers. Tier 2 teachers should not be subsidizing the pensions of Tier 1 teachers.
Last week in the Senate Education Finance committee, I was one of two Republicans who offered amendments toward fixing the broken teacher pension system. Sen. Kreun offered an amendment patterned after SF 3239, and I offered an amendment patterned after SF 2992. As expected, the Democrat majority on the committee spoke against pension fixes and defeated both amendments.
Next Steps: As a former educator myself and strong supporter of the great work teachers do, I’m among the Republicans who will keep pushing to fix the broken teacher pension system.
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Sen. Lucero last week meeting with Elk River constituents at the MN Capitol during Veterans Day on the Hill as we honor all who served.
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An appropriate response to science deniers in media.
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Our Republic will be a better place by ridding ourselves of these unhealthy, government-funded, propaganda mouthpieces.
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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
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Capitol Address
95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg. 2413
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-5655
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