Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you, your family, and your loved ones had a blessed Easter and Passover last weekend and I hope you continue to remain safe and healthy!
Earlier today, President Trump tweeted "LIBERATE MINNESOTA!" in conjunction with the “Liberate MN Rally” that took place outside Gov. Waltz’s mansion from Noon – 3 PM today organized by those seeking to end Gov. Walz’s shutdown and get Minnesota working again. More about the President’s tweet and the protest can be found at the link here.
Rep. Lucero maintained a six-foot distance while visiting with a group protesting at the Capitol Tuesday of this week.
GET MINNESOTA BACK TO WORK
Gov. Walz's action to bypass the Legislative Branch and unilaterally continue the GREAT MINNESOTA SHUTDOWN is crushing dreams and destroying livelihoods. I’ve received hundreds of emails, letters, phone calls, and social media messages within the last week alone from individuals, families, and businesses owners across our community demanding an end to Gov. Walz’s shutdown.
Tuesday this week, motions were made to bring two separate Resolutions to the House Floor to end Gov. Walz’s shutdown. While I voted “YES” to both Resolutions, unfortunately both were defeated by the Democrat House majority. Minnesota can open for business while at the same time operate in accordance with CDC guidelines to protect Minnesotans and this is what I’m continuing to push for. We’ve learned a lot over the last month and I trust business owners will make the wisest decisions to maintain safety for their employees and customers vs. big government making the decisions for them. Gov. Walz’s one-size-fits-all shutdown policy is clearly subjective, unfair, and not working.
In related news, MN Attorney General Keith Ellison announced this week he is forming a “Minnesota COVID-19 Action Team (MCAT)” in partnership with U.S. Attorney Erica MacDonald to establish a “coordinated statewide effort focused on investigating and prosecuting unlawful activity associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and enforcing all state and federal laws and executive orders to put an end to it.” These actions of the Attorney General combined with Gov. Walz’s “report your neighbor tip line” are absolutely NOT what we should be doing in MN! I recorded a video that went viral on social media this week with over 700 shares and nearly 12,000 views! A copy of my video can be found here.
Rep. Eric Lucero speaking on the House Floor Friday this week. Only about two-dozen legislators were permitted on the House Floor with over 100 legislators participating and voting via dial-in conference call.
TAKE OUT BEER & WINE
Friday this week, we voted and passed SF 4489 off the House Floor, a bill that temporarily permits bars and restaurants to offer beer, wine, hard seltzer, and cider with take-out orders of food. I voted “YES” on the bill. The Senate passed the bill yesterday, so SF 4489 is on its way to Gov. Walz which he has stated he will sign immediately. While this is certainly a positive step in the right direction, much, much more must be done to help our local businesses.
During the Floor debate, I read several of the heartbreaking emails I’ve received from local business owners in our community. My comments on the House Floor can be viewed here.
OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES
Gov. Walz today issued Executive Order 20-38 allowing Minnesotans to engage in a range of activities, including golfing, boating, fishing, hunting, and hiking, as long as they follow new outdoor recreation guidelines. These guidelines include maintaining 6-foot social distancing, avoiding crowded areas, and staying close to home.
Facilities permitted to reopen include:
- Bait shops for live bait
- Outdoor shooting ranges and game farms
- Public and private parks and trails
- Golf courses and driving ranges
- Boating and off-highway vehicle services, including:
- Marina services
- Dock installation and other lake services
- Boat and off-highway vehicle sales and repair, by appointment only
These new provisions will go into effect Saturday, April 18 at 5:00 AM. Frustratingly, Gov. Walz left closed campgrounds and dispersed camping, outdoor recreational equipment retail stores, recreational equipment rental, charter boats, launches, and guided fishing remain closed.
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 Rep.Eric.Lucero@House.MN or by phone at 651-296-1534.
Sincerely,
Eric Lucero
State Representative District 30B Albertville, Hanover, Otsego, Saint Michael, and the Wright County portion of Dayton