Dear Friends and Neighbors, The MN Constitution limits the number of days the Legislature can meet in session. As such, adjournment of the 2023 session is anticipated to be no later than the third week of May. The end of this week puts us at the halfway mark. Thus far in the session, Democrats have prioritized growing big government in every way over cutting taxes to bring relief for hard working Minnesotans! | Sen. Lucero meeting with many constituents and friends Tuesday last week to discuss and continue the ongoing fight for truth and protecting innocent life in the womb! TAX CUTS NEEDED NOW Monday last week Minnesota’s office of Management and Budget (MMB) released its February revenue forecast, which provides information and an outlook for Minnesota’s financial picture. The report projects a surplus of $17.5 billion for the next budget cycle, which begins in July. This is the official number the Legislature will use for all spending this session. With a $17.5 budget surplus, our first priority must be giving it back to taxpayers. Unfortunately, under Democrats’ radical agenda, that is not going to happen. Individuals, families, and businesses continue to be crushed by inflation, but in the first two months of the legislative session Democrats have passed the most extreme abortion bill the state has ever seen, passed an energy bill that will cause blackouts and price spikes, provided driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and given felons the right to vote before completing their sentence. Hardworking Minnesotans continue to be non-priority background noise to Democrats. Democrats care more about passing an extreme agenda to satisfy their extreme base than working together to do what is best for all people across the state. I’m among the Republicans continuing to press hard for tax cuts such as eliminating the tax on social security. | Sen. Lucero attending the MCCL annual dinner Tuesday evening last week. We will not give up fighting for the truth of innocent life in the womb. | Sen. Lucero attending a joint House-Senate Republican press conference highlighting the need for a reading reset. READING RESET Wednesday last week I participated in a joint House-Senate Republican press conference to highlight the alarming reality half of Minnesota’s students are unable to read at grade level. Literacy is learning and children unable to read at grade level is a real crisis. Republicans are proposing a “Reading Reset” consisting of three primary components: · Funding for schools that would like to replace the ineffective literacy materials they are currently using and purchase proven Science of Reading curriculum and instructional materials/books · Funding for teacher training and professional development in the Science of Reading · Funding for tutoring to help struggling students who have fallen behind in reading While Democrats promote new mandates for K-12 schools including CRT curriculum and requiring menstrual products be available in boys bathrooms, other countries such as China and India are focused on ensuring their children learn the reading, math, and science skills necessary to complete in an international competitive workforce. Government schools are failing and Republicans are committed to the transformation needed to ensure our children succeed! | Sen. Lucero is chief author of SF 1553 pertaining to American Indian education aid. The bill is the result of Oak Grove constituent Marsha (left) bringing the issue to Sen. Lucero’s attention. A bill hearing occurred Wednesday last week in which friend Candy (right) was among the testifiers in favor of the bill. | Sen. Lucero connecting with Annette from Wright-Hennepin Cooperative Electric Association Monday last week after the Senate Energy Committee. Annette is the Community Relations & Beneficial Electrification Director with Wright-Hennepin, one of the great utility providers working to provide clean, cheap, and reliable energy to our great community! HOUSING Last week Democrats announced $3 billion in new, big government spending on housing. As a licensed real estate agent, licensed general contractor, and Republican lead on the Senate Housing Committee, I have a deep passion toward achieving a healthy balance of all housing options. The Democrat announced plan continues to focus on the symptoms of high housing costs in MN rather than being focused on addressing the root cause of high housing costs in MN. The cost of housing and new construction in Minnesota is dramatically more expensive than all surrounding states. Weather and cost of building materials cannot be blamed for the cost difference because weather and the cost of building materials is comparable in surrounding states. It is effectively illegal to build affordable housing in Minnesota due to government mandates on new construction. The only way to achieve more housing supply in MN is to remove government barriers, over-regulation, and rolling back government overreach. These are the priorities Republicans are fighting for. Unfortunately, the Democrat majority has put little effort into resolving the root cause of expensive housing in MN and even less effort into increasing supply of housing new construction in our state. | Sen. Lucero visiting with Otsego constituent Becky Tuesday last week during PA Day on the Hill. | Sen. Lucero Wednesday last week visiting with multiple constituents from across our great community on multiple topics important to individuals, families, and businesses in our area and state. | Sen. Lucero visiting with Elk River constituent Olivia Tuesday last week. BILLS INTRODUCED Some of the bills I introduced last week include: · SF2555 Penalty enhancement for assaulting a police officer · SF2554 Charging the victim of a crime prohibition for towing or impounding a motor vehicle · SF2279 Vaccination consent addition to the Human Rights Act · SF2278 Certain health care providers requirement to report adverse vaccination events and disclose certain information · SF2277 Vaccination consent requirement | Sen. Lucero Saturday last week with friends and constituents attending a chili cookoff contest. | 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 | |
