Sen. Lucero visiting the Saint Michael and Nowthen City Councils Tuesday evening this week sharing a post-session legislative update.

Dear friends and neighbors,

Monday this week we held a one-day special session concluding legislative action for the year. Despite being in the minority by 1-seat, Republicans did all we could to prioritize policies that help Minnesotans. At the same time, we worked to block damaging policies being promoted by Democrats. One big win is the ending of MinnesotaCare for Illegal immigrant adults which Democrats enacted in 2023. Repealing this terrible law will save taxpayer citizens millions of dollars!

Fantastic discussion as part of the panel Wednesday morning at U of M Humphrey School to discuss artificial intelligence and the future of healthcare!

Background: The regular legislative session adjourned May 19. Since that time, closed door talks had occurred crafting legislation.

Why It Matters: There are 67 senators and 134 representatives for a total of 201 legislators. Of the 201 legislators, a mere handful were even involved with the discussions leaving most of the 201 members of the Legislative Branch in the dark. Elected legislators, including myself, had no idea what points are being negotiated.

Zero access was granted to media thus eliminating all transparency. Lack of transparency prevents accountability.

The anti-transparency, closed-door discussions by a handful of people produced ~14 massive bills. Legislators received notification on Friday that a special session would be called Monday morning at 10 AM. Effectively 48-hours was given to review the ~14 massive bills. Moreover, we were instructed no amendments would be accepted unless signed off by the four caucus leaders. We were also told session cannot run past 7 AM Tuesday morning.

Generally, only one or two major omnibus bills are brought to the Floor for discussion, amendments, and votes. It is impossible to actually vet ~14 massive bills in a single Floor session. The special session that did occur last Monday was a farse to run through the motions.

The Minnesota Constitution requires a bill be given readings on three separate calendar days, known as First Reading, Second Reading, and Third Reading. This requirement exists to allow the public time to digest and provide feedback to their legislator regarding proposed legislation. This requirement can be suspended if an emergency is declared and voted upon by 45 senators (a super majority). For each of the bills, an emergency was declared further usurping transparency and denying Minnesotans to fully weigh in before legislators voted. I voted NO to each emergency.

So, to recap:

• Most legislators and the public were kept in the dark while details are negotiated.
• Legislators were given the impossible task of reading ~14 massive bills in approximately 48 hours.
• Legislators were told amendments would not be accepted.
• Legislators were told we have maximum of 21-hours to debate ~14 massive bills (average of 1.5-hours per bill).
• A fake emergency was declared before each bill usurping public transparency.

The system is broken and the process is an insult to all Minnesotans. My comments to the above points can be viewed at the following link HERE.

What I’m Doing About It: I’m firmly committed to single-subject bills, transparency in crafting legislation, and the public holding elected officials accountable for their votes. I will continue fighting for truth and the constitutional values and priorities of our great community and Republic.

Background: During the special session, one of the most significant victories for fiscal responsibility and rule of law came with the passage of a bill that ends taxpayer-funded MinnesotaCare coverage for individuals living in the country illegally. The repeal marks a major turning point in the fight to protect public resources for legal residents and citizens who live by the rules. As part of the negotiations with the MN House, the bill was structured in such a way that it cannot be vetoed by Governor Tim Walz, ensuring that the will of the Legislature—and the taxpayers—is carried through without obstruction. The repeal was necessary given the governor’s track record of siding with the far-left on nearly every issue, including his continued support for expanding benefits to those in the country unlawfully. Every Republican in the Legislature voted for the bill and two Democrats voted for the repeal as well as the Majority leader of the Senate, Erin Murphy and the Speaker Emeritus of the House, Melissa Hortman. With the support of those two Democrats, the bill was able to pass. 

Why It Matters: MinnesotaCare was never intended to become a magnet for illegal immigration or a vehicle for unlimited government giveaways. Our healthcare system is already under enormous strain, and extending taxpayer-funded benefits to noncitizens not only sends the wrong message, it burdens working families who are already struggling to afford care themselves. This is a matter of priorities—and for too long, Democrats have prioritized noncitizens over law-abiding Minnesotans. With our state facing economic uncertainty, housing shortages, rising healthcare costs, and more, we simply cannot afford to be the welfare state for the entire world. Ending MinnesotaCare for adult illegal immigrants is a necessary step to ensure our limited resources are used responsibly and directed toward citizens.

What I’m Doing About It: I supported the repeal because Minnesotans are tired of seeing their tax dollars spent on policies that reward illegal behavior. The repeal sends a clear message: we stand for fairness, the rule of law, and putting citizens first. I’ll continue to push back against Democrat radical policies and fight for legislation that protects the integrity of our programs, our economy, and our communities. I’ll also remain vigilant in making sure this policy is implemented as intended, without bureaucratic workarounds or future rollbacks. At a time when trust in government is low, it’s critical we prove to Minnesotans that their elected officials are willing to stand up for them, and that’s exactly what I intend to do.

For over a year, Democrats violated Senate rules and ethics to protect their 34-to-33 majority. The games are now over and Sen. Nicole Mitchell's felony criminal trial begins Monday, June 16.

If the people of Minneapolis are frustrated at lack of police presence, perhaps the people of Minneapolis should stop electing anti-police City Council Members.

The dangers of the mRNA jab. 

If one choose to spend tens-of-thousands of $$$ on a 4-year degree, make sure to choose the degree program wisely.

Pres. Trump previously thought Tim Walz and Democrat governors actually cared to protect safety/security of law-abiding citizens. Pres. Trump is now wiser and won't make that mistake again.

It would be much simpler for Mary Moriarty to improve her failed image by simply doing her job and prosecute crime vs. releasing dangerous criminals then hiring a PR firm for damage control.

This is what real leadership and putting citizens first looks like. If Gov. Walz truly cared about the safety of Minnesotans, Gov. Walz would take notice and learn from President Trump.

Capitol Address

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

651-296-5655

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