Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Winter’s freezing temps certainly hit us in full force this week but that didn’t stop the busy activities at the Capitol as I continue fighting for your values and priorities!!
Rep. Lucero standing for truth of life in the womb on the Capitol steps Tuesday this week at the annual March for Life rally joined by several thousand of his closest friends!
MY BILL INTRODUCTIONS
Several of the bills I’ve chief authored and introduced this week include:
- HF 275
- I’ve had conversations with heartbroken women who’ve had an abortion years ago and have suffered trauma and regret ever since. As part of those conversations, several women have disclosed to me they requested their medical files from the facilities where the abortions were performed in order to view the ultrasound of their baby only to shockingly discover the ultrasound and other important data was not retained. HF 275 seeks to implement minimum retention requirements for medical records, reports, and other documents related to each patient who has had an abortion.
- HF 332
- This bill is identical, bipartisan language that passed both the House and Senate last year but was unfortunately vetoed by then Gov. Dayton.
Temporary weight restrictions prevent trucks from driving on weight restricted roads unless a temporary permit is obtained, typically through the local municipality. Certain types of heavy vehicles such as garbage trucks are permitted to surpass weight restrictions without first having to obtain a permit.
Current law does NOT extend special exemptions to septic pumping trucks to drive on weight restricted roads despite the fact a significant portion of Minnesota is serviced by septic systems that must be pumped. When a home or business suffers a septic failure or frozen ground causes sewage to back up into the home or business, current law delays septic pumping trucks from being able to respond to some homes and businesses until after a weight restriction exemption permit can be obtained. Delays responding to emergency situations such as a septic back up can result in health hazards as well as increased damage.
My bill seeks to increase the weight restriction exemption for septic pumping trucks similar to the weight restriction exemption currently granted to garbage trucks.
Rep. Lucero joined by constituents and others citizens at the Capitol Thursday this week during MN Gun Owners Lobby Day fighting to protect our 2nd Amendment and God given rights to keep and bear arms.
ENHANCED PERMIT TO CARRY
Last year I chief authored a bill to help keep our children safe after then Gov. Dayton signaled his interest and willingness to have constructive conversations regarding arming school staff.
- Star Tribune article from February 26, 2018
- Star Tribune article from March 7, 2018
I received such overwhelming positive feedback and support last year from teachers, parents, and others for my proposal from all around our community I re-introduced the same language this year. My new bill this legislative session is HF 280.
Under Minnesota State Statute 609.66, a process presently exists in law to allow Permit to Carry holders to carry their firearm in school. The current process requires “written permission of the principal or other person having general control and supervision of the school.” Law abiding, Permit to Carry holders all across the State of Minnesota are currently following the process and are legally carrying firearms in Minnesota schools.
Whether schools, churches, movie theaters, malls, nightclubs, or other similar venues, the unfortunate reality is real and perceived “gun-free” zones have become the targets of people intent on committing evil acts of tragedy. The reason real and perceived gun-free zones have become targets is because evil people know gun-free zones are areas people are least likely able to defend themselves.
HF 280 seeks to build upon current law by creating an additional Enhanced Permit to Carry law. My bill would require the development of an advanced training course including active shooter training. A person seeking to obtain an Enhanced Permit to Carry would need to successfully complete the following:
- First complete requirements to obtain a standard Permit to Carry
- Be a staff member of the school district
- Complete an enhanced training course that includes active shooter training
- Submit an application at the sheriff’s office of their resident county
- Pay an application fee
- Pass a background check
- The Enhanced Permit to Carry would expire in 12 months
- Renewal of the Enhanced Permit to Carry would require the person repeating the advanced training, application, fee, and background check annually
No school staff would be mandated to obtain an Enhanced Permit to Carry and the costs to obtain would be paid by the individual person. A school staff member who obtains an Enhanced Permit to Carry would not need the written permission of the principal or other person having general control and supervision of the school.
Children are our number one asset and it is our solemn duty to protect our children. Protecting our children will certainly continue to be debated at the Legislature and I look forward to continue working toward the best policies to keep our children safe.
Rep. Lucero co-signed a letter sent to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Leader Chuck Schumer this week urging them to make national security a priority and fund the border wall to end the unnecessary Federal government shutdown.
DEMOCRATS DEMAND TAX HIKES
Among the tax hikes the Democrat House Majority and Governor Walz are demanding is a reinstatement of the 2-percent sick tax. The 2-percent tax on medical services such as baby deliveries, chemotherapy treatments, routine doctor and dentist appointments, emergency room visits, etc. does little more than INCREASE THE COST OF HEALTHCARE FOR BEING SICK!
Several years ago, elimination of the sick tax passed the Republican-controlled legislature and was signed into law establishing the 2-percent sick tax expiration at the end of 2019. As we draw ever closer to the sick tax expiration date and because Democrats can’t stand when taxes are eliminated nor the idea hardworking Minnesotans keeping more of their own, hard-earned money, Democrats are reiterating their demands for tax hikes. If Democrats get their way and reinstate the 2-percent sick tax, the cost of healthcare will rise by more than $600M per year.
Republicans know raising taxes is not good for Minnesotans and will be working hard to STOP Democrat attempts to raise taxes!
Rep. Lucero attending the Minnesota Voter Fraud Summit last weekend with fellow concerned Minnesotans in which disturbing anomalies from the 2018 mid-term elections were highlighted.
EVENTS AT THE CAPITOL NEXT WEEK
Several events are planned next week at the Capitol. I will be attending and would love to see you if your schedules allows:
- Girl Scouts Day at the Capitol
- ABATE of MN's Bikerday at the Capitol
- Minnesota Milk Ice Cream Social
Rep. Lucero & Sen. Kiffmeyer have joint town halls scheduled today and tomorrow.
TOWN HALLS
Sen. Mary Kiffmeyer and I are excited to announce the planned town halls found below. Please stop out to any of the day/time/locations to share your feedback with us.
Friday the 25th:
- 10:30-11:30 at the Otsego Denny's (room in the back)
- 12:30-1:30 at Albertville City Hall
Saturday the 26th:
- 9-10 at Hanover River Inn (room in front)
- 11-Noon at Saint Michael Cinema (room on main level)
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