Dear Neighbor,
The 2016 legislative session began this week with the reconvening of the Legislature at noon on Tuesday. Activities were immediately in full swing and I’ve included several highlights of this week below.
It was a pleasure to attend Monday's Albertville City Council meeting and provide a preview of the 2016 legislative session. During the meeting, Albertville Fire Chief Eric Bullen presented fire service awards honoring several members of the Albertville Fire Department for their years of service and one retirement.
State of the State
Wednesday evening was Gov. Dayton’s State of the State speech. The governor’s speech normally takes place in the House of Representatives chamber but, due to the limited space caused by the current Capitol renovation project, the State of the State speech was held at the McNamara Alumni Center on the University of Minnesota campus.
The governor used his speech to continue pushing for more spending on failed programs, Universal Pre-K (which is public preschool for all 4-year-olds), and reiterated his opposition to tax cuts. The most revealing of Gov. Dayton’s remarks was when he declared his No. 1 priority was to ensure the financial integrity of state government. In contrast, the Republican priority is to work to ensure the financial integrity of hardworking families and businesses, NOT to ensure government is taxing families and businesses to the max like Dayton and the Democrats are doing.
Joined by fellow Reps. Jim Newberger, Abigail Whelan and Peggy Scott advocating for our Second Amendment rights during an event Thursday at the Capitol.
Second Amendment
Thursday was Minnesota Gun Owners Lobby Day at the Capitol. A BIG THANK YOU to the gun owners from across the state who came to the State Capitol in support of our Second Amendment rights. I also want to thank the Gun Owners Civil Rights Alliance (GOCRA) for sponsoring the event!
I was very honored this week to receive the 2016 Friend of the Second Amendment award from the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus & Political Action Committee by being among the select group of 11 legislators that contributed the most to advocacy, public policy, and legislation protecting gun rights.
Boy Scout Troop 547 invited me to an Eagle Scout Ceremony last Sunday in which I presented House Resolutions honoring Brody and Kevin for achieving Eagle Scout distinction.
Survey results
Thank you to everybody who participated in my legislative survey. Below are the feedback results received from all around our community which help me ensure I am best representing the values and priorities of our district.
Do you support stopping all Minnesota Tax Payer funding to Planned Parenthood of Minnesota?
• 74% Yes
• 26% No
Governor Dayton desires to send all 4 year-olds to school (Universal Pre-K. Do you support using tax payer dollars to fund this initiative?
• 89% No
• 11% Yes
Are you concerned about the lack of screening of refugees resettling to MN from the Middle East and the high potential terrorists may take advantage to gain entry to our country and state?
• 92% Yes
• 8% No
The state capitol is currently under reconstruction. Some are pushing for the removal of some historical works of art in order to be more politically correct. What is the best option?
• 93% Retain original artwork
• 7% Replace some of the artwork to reflect political correctness and diversity and remove Civil and Indian War paintings
Do you support shutting down coal power plants in MN resulting in higher energy costs and job losses in order to conform to Governor Dayton and President Obama's “Clean Energy” goals?
• 92% No
• 8% Yes
Do you support commuter rail such as the North Star line and the proposed Southwest and Bottineau light rail lines?
• 69% No, waste of taxpayer dollars
• 31% Yes, wise use of taxpayer dollars
Minnesota is projected to have about $1.2 billion in surplus. What should be done with the surplus?
• 36% Cut taxes
• 29% Pay for infrastructure projects in lieu of borrowing
• 25% Use it for roads and bridges
• 9% Other
How has ObamaCare/MNSure impacted your healthcare costs?
• 76% Raised costs
• 20% Costs remained about the same
• 4% Lowered costs
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Rep. Eric Lucero
State Representative
District 30B
Albertville, Hanover, Otsego, Saint Michael, and the Wright County portion of Dayton