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Legislative News and Views - Rep. Eric Lucero (R)

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Rep. Eric Lucero (30B) - Legislative Update

Friday, March 6, 2015

Dear Neighbor,

Education, fireworks, and transportation are among the topics of this week. Also, I am going to be at Culver's in Albertville from 10:30 a.m. to noon Saturday March 7 (11025 61st St NE, Albertville, MN 55301). Please stop by to visit and let me know what's on your mind.

 

Education Reform

According to the MN Department of Education, between 2008 and 2013 approximately 2,200 teachers in Minnesota were laid off as a result of Last-In-First-Out (LIFO). Republicans passed HF 2 by the full House yesterday to address LIFO and other areas of education policy including: Teacher Licensure, Teacher Retention, and Teacher Evaluation. HF 2 will help to keep the most effective teachers in the classroom, empowers school districts to tap community experts to fill unmet needs to maintain or expand academic opportunities for Minnesota students, increases access to quality teachers through out-of-state teacher license recognition, encouraging regional licensure reciprocity, streamlining alternative pathways to teaching, and reinstating other licensure options. I voted in favor and the bill.

 

Committee Activity Highlights

FIREWORKS

Current Minnesota law only permits ground based fireworks, classified as “novelties and sparkling devices.” We heard HF 1089 in the Public Safety Committee this week which seeks to legalize “aerial and audible devices” fireworks sold for general public use containing 75 grams or less of a chemical mixture per tube for a total of 500 grams or less for multiple tubes in a device such as firecrackers and bottle rockets. If enacted into law, this change would bring Minnesota more consistent with what is legal to be sold and used in states such as Wisconsin and the Dakotas. M-80s and large display fireworks would remain illegal. The bill was not voted upon.

 

Other Bill Activity Highlights

CHIEF AUTHOR

  • HF 1400 – Seeks to remove the prohibition on the constriction of a new nuclear power plant in Minnesota.
  • HF 1506 – I am a strong supporter of Post Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO), College Level Examination Program (CLEP), and other programs granting opportunities for high school students to earn college credit. This bill seeks to consolidate and streamline the language across these programs making it easier for students and parents to participate in.

 AMONG THE BILLS I CO-AUTHORED

  • HF 1289 – Currently, the right to keep and bear arms is not guaranteed in the Minnesota State Constitution. This bill seeks to guarantee that right within the MN Constitution.
  • HF 1460 – This bill seeks to require the commissioner of human services to contract with an outside vendor to use the MNsure technology system and agency computerized systems to audit and verify the eligibility of those currently receiving medical assistance and MinnesotaCare.
  • HF 1512 – This bill seeks to fund the construction of a new freeway interchange at I-94 at Brockton. This is the third transportation funding bill I am author or co-author which will result in tremendous economic benefit for our region. The three bills I am supporting are the top three transportation priorities of Green Light 94 / I-94 West Corridor Coalition chaired by Saint Michael City Administrator Steve Bot.

I have received many emails on these and other important subjects this session so, please, keep sending me feedback. It always is welcome and your thoughts, ideas and concerns help me continue doing my best to represent the people of District 30B.

Eric Lucero
State Representative
District 30B
Albertville, Hanover, Otsego, Saint Michael, and the Wright County portion of Dayton