Dear Friends and Neighbors,
The 2021 regular legislative session officially came to an end Monday due to the constitutionally mandated May 17 adjournment. This will be the last of my regular weekly update emails, but I will continue to send periodic email updates on occasion. I will be crisscrossing our great community all summer attending speaking invites and other events. If we cross paths, make sure to stop me to say hi. I hope you, your family, and loved ones have a fantastic summer forming memories and building relationships!
Rep. Lucero with friend and colleague State Rep Patty Mueller on the MN House Floor the last day of session.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
While the regular session has concluded, the work has not. Thus, we will be back in a few weeks for a special session expected to be called sometime around June 14.
The primary objective of this legislative session (which lasted January to May) was to pass a budget to fund state government for the next two years, including funding K-12 education, roads and bridges transportation, human services, public safety, higher education, and more. Unfortunately, a budget was unable to be passed because out-of-touch Democrats held fast to their demand extremist provisions be included in the budget framework, including the following demands:
- Raising taxes despite an existing $4.4 billion surplus.
- Radical anti-law enforcement measures
- Permitting the Executive Branch to continue free rein to spend Federal dollars without oversight
- Requiring Minnesota automobiles to adhere to California car standards driving up the cost of ownership
- Allowing Gov. Walz to continue abusing emergency powers despite the fact COVID is no longer an emergency
Discussions will continue in the coming days and weeks to craft budget bills to be passed in a future special session. Budget bills must be passed on or before the end of June or state government will shut down beginning July 1, 2021. Regardless of what the future holds, you know you can count on me to continue fighting for truth, individual liberty, and constitutional principles.
"I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to travel to Israel in 2010 and again in 2016, including a Israeli military camp,” said State Rep. Eric Lucero. “I proudly stand in support of Israel against those enemies who seek the destruction of God's chosen, the Jewish People."
END OF MASK MANDATE (ALMOST)
Late last week, the CDC announced they were updating their COVID guidance to reflect fully vaccinated people no longer need to wear a mask. Later that same day, Gov. Walz announced his mask mandate in Minnesota would end. There are several exceptions, however. Local municipalities and businesses can still choose to have a mask mandate in place. Moreover, the Safe Learning Plan will be in effect through the end of the 2020-21 academic year, meaning K-12 students will still be required to wear masks in school and on the school bus.
My remarks on the House Floor regarding the mask mandate and ending Gov. Walz’s continued abuse of emergency powers can be viewed at this link.
"Fantastic energy and turnout at the Medical Freedom rally on the MN Capitol steps today organized by the Safety Council of Minnesota and Health Freedom Minnesota," said State Rep. Eric Lucero. "I'm continuing to fight hard protecting medical freedom, informed consent, and preserving the current parental authority conscientious objection provision in state law that Democrats are attempting to repeal."
MEDICAL FREEDOM
Democrats recently introduced legislation seeking to remove Minnesota’s longstanding state law allowing conscientious exemption to vaccination for school or daycare entry. The Democrat driven move sparked outrage from thousands of parents across the state. I’ve received a tremendous outpouring of communications opposing any repeal of the conscientious objection provision and there was an amazing turnout of parents for a rally on the MN Capitol steps standing for medical freedom.
Among the email notes I’ve received in the last several days on this topic include:
- “I am writing to you in regards to Bills SF 2554 and HF 2634 a strike through bill that is removing my right to opt out of vaccinations. DO NOT PASS THESE BILLS. These bills would take the conscientious exemption away from me as an individual and parent. We know what is best for our children, not the government. This would take away my rights to do what is best for myself and my family and would violate medical privacy and freedom. This affects me and my fellow citizens Constitutional rights.”
- “These bills would be a huge overreach on our human rights, making Minnesota the strictest state in the nation when it comes to vaccinations. There is unquestionably a risk to any medical procedure, and when there is a risk there must be a choice. Coercion is not consent.”
- “Stand up for me, my children, and all of your constituents, and say NO to forced or coerced vaccination of any kind!”
- “Removing my right to choose when and how to be vaccinated violates my bodily autonomy.”
- “No government should ever be allowed to dictate personal medical decisions for families, and I encourage you to support the brave legislators putting forth bills designed to protect our rights and personal freedoms.”
I’ve spent my entire time in the Legislature fighting hard to protect individual liberty, informed consent, and medical freedom. HF 2634 and SF 2554 are wicked bills and examples of just the latest battle in the war being waged by those seeking to eliminate parental authority, including parental autonomy of the medical decisions over one’s own children. I will continue to stand for truth and parental authority against those who crave government coercion over other people.
Rep. Lucero with legislative colleagues State Reps. Peggy Scott, Kristin Robbins, Donald Raleigh, and State Sen. Michelle Benson on the MN Capitol steps addressing attendees of the Medical Freedom rally.
CRONYISM WITH TAXPAYER DOLLARS
Details were recently revealed showing how Gov. Walz is spending the taxpayer COVID relief dollars. While closing Churches and Main Street businesses, Gov. Walz wasted thousands unilaterally directing taxpayer dollars enriching Democrat operatives and non-profits. Our constitutional Republic separates the branches of government by design to avoid financial abuse. Our system of government was not designed to allow the Executive Branch to make unilateral spending decisions. Rather, the power of the fiscal spending decision purse was constitutionally given to the House of Representatives. We need to return to constitutional Separation of Powers so the Legislature has oversight of the billions in federal relief coming to Minnesota. Gov. Walz’s spending priorities included:
- $100,000 to an "abortion doula" non-profit
- $275/hour contract to a Minnesota Democrat operative living in New York to provide public relations to Gov. Walz
- $20,000 per month contract to Democrat-linked PR firm to provide "strategic communications support" to Gov. Walz
More information can be found here.
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