Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you had a good Happy Valentine’s Day this week as we celebrate love and care for the special people in our lives.
Rep. Lucero and legislative colleagues in the festive spirit of Valentine's Day at the Capitol Thursday this week.
MNLARS
MNLARS is the new computer system that was launched July 2017 by the MN Department of Vehicle Services to process vehicle tabs, plates, drivers licenses etc. A decade in the making and over $100 million taxpayer dollars later, the rollout was a COMPLETE DISASTER!
The disaster roll out led to a deep dive audit performed by the non-partisan Legislative Auditor to determine what went wrong. After months of investigation, the bluntly worded report was released this week concluding systemic failures by government agencies led by then Democrat Governor Mark Dayton.
“The system did not adequately meet the needs of Minnesota residents and key stakeholders, despite a decade of work and significant state expenditures,” the report said. “Leaders of these agencies and the project did not provide the oversight and direction necessary to ensure, in the end, that the system would meet user needs.”
Gov. Walz is now seeking to dump yet another $16 million into MNLARS. This is outrageous. Minnesotans deserve a licensing system that works, but Minnesotans deserve to see a detailed plan on what improvements we can expect before one more penny is spent on MNLARS. Moreover, any additional money request must include relief for our deputy registrars who've suffered significant financial losses and countless headaches caused by none other than failed government and MNLARS.
Rep. Lucero meeting with Jen and Gina this week after Jen shared her moving testimony in committee of successfully overcoming drug addiction! Praise the Lord we serve a Living God, Jesus Christ, who is full of grace and changes lives!!
ENBRIDGE LINE 3 REPLACEMENT PIPELINE
In June 2018, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (PUC) unanimously approved a certificate of need to replace an existing oil pipeline in northern Minnesota that is corroding. The aging pipeline must be replaced because it poses serious risk to the environment and currently only operates at half capacity due to safety concerns. The PUC's decision to approve came after many months of careful consideration, deliberation, and stakeholder feedback. Nevertheless, guided by radical-Left, metro-centric extremists, the MN Dept. of Commerce, at the direction of then Gov. Mark Dayton, responded by suing in court attempting to block construction of the new oil pipeline intended to replace the existing oil pipeline. The lawsuit filed under Gov. Dayton's watch was subsequently dismissed by the court based on a technicality.
Oil is the single largest source of energy in Minnesota used for home heating, powering farm tractors, commercial trucks bringing goods to stores, lifesaving healthcare for ambulances and backup generators for hospitals, the 87% of Minnesotans that own automobiles, and much, much more. Construction of the new oil pipeline would protect the environment and would promote the creation of countless good-paying jobs for many Minnesota communities.
Gov. Walz this week announced he intends to continue the radical-Left agenda by refiling the lawsuit to block the new pipeline. Not only does Gov. Walz's decision jeopardize environmental safety, but his decision also prevents much needed economic growth and job creation for northern Minnesota.
Rep. Lucero visiting with members of the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans this week.
2019 MN RALLY TO DEFEND THE 2ND AMENDMENT
Those committed to eroding the Constitutional Rights of law-abiding gun owners are working hard to pass legislation this session. Michael Bloomberg's out-of-state gun control agenda is in full force after spending more than $1 million electing an anti-gun majority in the Minnesota House. Two anti-gun bills will receive committee hearings in the next several weeks.
Mark your calendars for Saturday, February 23rd at 11 AM to join myself and thousands of Pro Second Amendment defenders to make your voice heard at the 2019 MN Rally to Defend the 2nd Amendment in the Capitol Rotunda hosted by the Minnesota Gun Owners Caucus!
Rep. Lucero crossing paths Doug Wardlow at an event last weekend.
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