DEMOCRATS ABANDON DEMOCRACY
By: SENATOR ERIC LUCERO
The 2024 Legislature officially gaveled out last Sunday night. It continues to be my humble honor serving our great community by representing the values and priorities of our area in the Minnesota Senate.
In total, the Legislature consists of 104 Democrats (51.7%) and 97 Republicans (48.3%). The Senate makeup is 34 Democrats to 33 Republicans. Despite the nearly even split, Democrats shut out and ignored the 48% of Minnesotans who elected Republicans. Democrats abused their razor-thin majority the last two years to advance the most extreme, partisan legislation in Minnesota state history. And Democrats did so by relying on a senator arrested and charged with felony burglary to be their necessary 34th vote.
Meanwhile, hardworking families continue struggling to get by. Expenses such as gas, groceries, housing, childcare, insurance, and more are through the roof. Contrary to the best interests of Minnesota, Democrats prioritized legislation that eroded women’s rights, reduced academic opportunities for our children, squandered the $18 billion surplus, and raised taxes, fees, and expensive mandates.
With time running out as the constitutional midnight deadline approached last Sunday night, Democrats jammed all their remaining wish-list items into one massive bill exceeding 1,400 pages. Democrats abandoned their poorly masked facade of bipartisanship by blatantly breaking the rules of both the Senate and House. Democrats prevented debate, forced votes, and passed enormous bills in a matter of minutes before hard copies or digital copies of bills were even available to read. It was physically impossible to know what was being voted upon.
Democrats abandoned democracy. Democrats chose to violate all semblance of ethics, due process, the Constitution, and even ran tyranny over transparency for political expediency. Democrats’ behavior was shocking to members, staff, journalists, and even former Democrat Senate leader Melisa Franzen, who expressed her shock on social media. Democrats betrayed Minnesotans.
I am undeterred, however. I will continue my efforts for real solutions to help and improve the lives of ALL Minnesotans, and I will do so transparently while following the rules. I will continue working hard to advance truth, integrity, and preserve the future of our great Republic!
Senator
District 30
Rockford Township | Hanover | Saint Michael | Albertville | Otsego | Elk River | Nowthen | Western Oak Grove