Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy the gorgeous weather and had a blessed Mother’s Day this past weekend!
The MN Constitution requires the Legislature to adjourn exactly two weeks from today. Last week was dominated by House Floor sessions debating Democrat’s very partisan bills filled with provisions to grow government and squander taxpayer dollars.
Rep. Lucero on the House Floor Wednesday last week speaking against Democrat provisions in SF 4091 to pass dangerous Environment-Social-Governance (ESG) requirements into law. Click on the above photo or the link here to watch the video of Rep. Lucero’s remarks on the Floor.
DEMOCRAT TAX BILL
I continue the fight to return the budget surplus to overtaxed Minnesotans in the form of deep, permanent, tax cuts. Unfortunately, the Democrat’s tax bill, HF 3669, spends $1.645 billion in FY 22-23, and $1.6 billion in FY 24-25. Said another way, House Democrats spend $21 for every $1 in tax cuts/reductions. At a time when Minnesotans are being forced to pay more on nearly every cost-of-living item, the House Democrat bill contains little tax relief for middle class Minnesotans.
Rep. Lucero on the House Floor Tuesday last week speaking against Democrat provisions to erode privacy in SF 4410 which will allow government to perform home visits and studies to collect data on expecting parents, perform assessments of government determined physical, social, and emotional needs, and then make referrals. Click on the above photo or the link here to watch the video of Rep. Lucero’s remarks on the Floor.
HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES SUPPLEMENTAL SPENDING BILL
Republicans are focused on reducing the cost of health care and helping our struggling nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Unfortunately, the Democrat bill, SF 4410, will further drive up the cost of health care for Minnesota families and push our state even closer to a single payer system that would require billions in tax hikes on Minnesotans of every income level.
Minnesota has lost 16 nursing homes since the start of the pandemic including four facilities just since the beginning of 2022. Instead of increasing reimbursements to allow homes to pay housekeeping, dietary, and direct care staff better wages and attract workers, Democrats want to establish an unelected commission to require facilities to increase wages or hire more staff.
VETERANS BILL
On a 121-1 vote Friday last week, the House approved SF 4233, the omnibus military and veterans affairs bill and sent it to the governor for his signature. This bill shows the bipartisan commitment to taking care of our veterans. The bill awards bonuses to the veterans and gold star families who served our country after 9/11, and funding construction costs and enhancements to veterans homes throughout Minnesota.
HIGHLIGHTS:
- This bill includes more than $26 million for construction cost increases and enhancements/furnishings for the three new Veterans Homes in Bemidji, Montevideo, and Preston. House Republicans were instrumental in getting these veterans homes approved back in 2018.
- Veterans and gold star families who served post-9/11 will receive post-service bonus payments (total of $24.8 million).
- The bill includes funding to address veteran homelessness, money for the State Veterans Cemetery in Redwood Falls, and other veterans related programs.
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