It was an honor meeting Riley Gaines today at the MN Senate!!

Dear friends and neighbors,

We are in the eighth week of the legislative session and much is going on in Saint Paul. 

Sen. Lucero meeting with constituents from across the community who visited the MN Capitol.

Sen. Lucero at a press conference explaining his ethics complaint filed against Sen. Mitchell.

Background: An additional criminal felony charge was filed against Sen. Nicole Mitchell several weeks back for possession of burglary or theft tools during her arrest in April 22, 2024 for being accused of breaking into her stepmother’s home. In response, my colleagues and I submitted an updated ethics complaint to the Senate subcommittee on ethical conduct. The updated complaint builds upon the original complaint filed last year, incorporating the new charge to provide a fuller picture of the events that took place.

Why It Matters: Sen. Mitchell has clearly broken ethical standards and violated trust Minnesotans have in the Senate by refusing to recuse herself from the vote on her potential expulsion. A clear conflict of interest. The Senate has rules in place to prevent such conflicts. In defiance however, Sen. Mitchell ignored the rules and cast her vote nevertheless. Additionally, due to the Democrats’ narrow majority in the Minnesota Senate, Sen. Mitchell has deliberately delayed her trial for nearly a year, avoiding accountability. These tactics have obstructed both the ethics investigation and the judicial process leaving the Senate under a cloud of uncertainty and denying justice to the real victim, Carol Mitchell.

Next Steps: The Ethics Committee is scheduled to meet on March 13th. I look forward to this ethics hearing and remain hopeful that we can uphold the ethical standards of the Minnesota Senate and restore its integrity.

Sen. Lucero at a Capitol press conference presenting the HOA Reform Bill SF 1750.

Background: Last week I co-led a press conference which included a bi-partisan group of legislators from both the House and Senate who collaborated to create an HOA reform bill, SF 1750. The bill contains many provisions to address concerns surrounding abusive practices by homeowners’ associations (HOAs). During the press conference, we described the bill and took questions from reporters.

Why It Matters: The primary goal of this bill is to protect individuals and ensure HOAs operate with transparency and fairness. Among provisions contained within SF 1750 include creating a framework to prevent excessive fines and fees, prevent conflicts of interest, and foster dispute resolution. Many Minnesotans have voiced frustrations with HOA practices for years, making this legislation a crucial step toward addressing concerns.

Next Steps: Next Steps: We are working to build upon our bipartisan support to pass the bill through both legislative chambers and ultimately get it to the Governor’s desk. If passed, SF 1750 would be a significant victory for homeowners across Minnesota, ensuring fair and transparent HOA governance. I am proud to serve as the Chief Author of SF 1750 in the Senate and look forward to advocating for its passage.  

Sen. Lucero speaking in the Senate Education Finance Committee highlighting the hundreds of millions in confirmed fraud during Gov. Walz’s tenure.

Background: There are over 60 open federal fraud investigations and over $600 million (that we know of) in confirmed fraud uncovered during the Gov. Walz administration. Clearly, Gov Walz and legislative Democrats mismanaged taxpayer dollars allowing the pervasive fraud, waste, and abuse to occur. Minnesotans deserve better. SF 856 was recently introduced to create an Office of the Inspector General (OIG) toward fixing the damage caused by Gov. Walz and Democrats.

Why It Matters: Creation of the OIG would fight to combat fraud and oversee government spending. Minnesotans expect Legislators to exercise integrity and high fiduciary responsibility when spending tax dollars. An OIG would significantly aid in returning transparency and accountability to government spending.

Next Steps: SF 856 was heard in the Education Finance Committee and referred to the Human Services Committee. My remarks in the Education Finance Committee can be heard at the following link here. The bill is expected to pass through to the Senate Floor in the next several weeks.

Gov. Walz responding to questions after calling Republicans Nazis

Background: Gov. Tim Walz is once again exercising hyper-division calling Republicans names. During a recent speech, Gov. Walz called Republicans "Fascists and Nazis" and ended his speech saying "our government has been stolen by fascists and Nazis". This behavior by the governor is extreme and radically out of line.

Why it matters:  Calling anyone a "fascist" or "Nazi" is no light term to throw around. These comments are in no way constructive criticism about Republicans, President Trump, or his work as President. Obviously, Gov. Walz should have apologized, but did he? Of course not. Instead, Gov. Walz dug in his heels and played innocent when reporters asked him about his comments the following day. Gov. Walz’s actions are very unproductive and incredibly offensive toward the Jewish People and all those harmed by the Holocaust. 

Next Steps: Bipartisan work is extremely important during a split legislature. Calling half the Legislature "Nazis" hinders which should be healthy discussions for the betterment of all Minnesotans. Gov. Walz’s comments demonstrate he is not suited for the highest office in the state. Governor Walz should apologize or resign. 

Sen. Lucero visiting with constituent childcare providers, Wright-Hennepin Electric Board Members, physical therapy college students, and high school students at the MN Capitol.

Sen. Lucero and Rep. Hudson visiting with teachers, staff, and young people touring St. Michael Catholic School. Thank you to Principal Gallus for the invitation.

Capitol Address

95 University Avenue W.
Minnesota Senate Bldg. 2413
St. Paul, MN 55155

651-296-5655

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