ST. PAUL – State Rep. Eric Lucero, R-Dayton, campaigned upon equity in education and transportation as his top priorities. Less than two weeks into the legislative session, Lucero introduced his first two House bills to address each.
Lucero is the chief author in the House of H.F. 175 which will help narrow the disparity in education funding between schools including Saint Michael-Albertville District 885, Elk River District 728, and Buffalo-Hanover-Montrose District 877.
“The disparity between metro vs. rural per-pupil funding has been growing for several decades now as the result of a very long and complicated education funding formula,” Lucero said. “Achieving greater equity funding will take several years to correct. The winning strategy for us to achieve our goal is a multi-year, persistent effort of making corrections to the funding formula a piece at a time. My bill is the first step in raising per pupil funding for our schools, moving us closer to the state average.”
Lucero is also the chief House author of H.F. 201 which will add a third lane to Interstate 94 between State Highway 241 in Saint Michael and County Road 19 in Albertville. State funding has already been approved to conduct the environmental impact study as well as perform the design work for the project. Lucero’s bill seeks funding for the construction itself.
“That stretch of road is a major headache for anyone who lives in our area and travels I-94,” Lucero said. “Widening that roadway to three lanes each direction will not only be a major relief for people in our area but will also provide economic benefits by allowing us to move goods and services more freely through the region.”
Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer, R-Big Lake, is the chief author of both senate companion bills.
“Senator Kiffmeyer has been working very hard on both these issues as well, and with her help in the Senate I am hopeful we can pass both bills this year,” Lucero said.
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