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Dippel




*"If you'd like to contact Rep. Dippel, please do NOT reply to this email. Rep. Dippel can be reached at "*[email protected]

 

Hello from the State Capitol,

 

This is the month of committee deadlines, and April 4 marked the final day a policy bill could be approved in committee and continue moving forward in either the House or Senate this session. April 11 represents the day most finance bills must be approved by a committee, which is necessary as the legislature’s top goal this session is to set a new budget for the State of Minnesota.

 

*HOUSE AGREES TO BUDGET FRAMEWORK*

Minnesota is expected to see a $6 billion budget deficit in the future, and House leaders agreed to a budget framework recently that begins to address this crisis.

 

Last session a Democrat legislative majority and Governor Walz agreed to spend an $18 billion surplus, raise taxes by $10 billion, and grow government by 40%. Because of these decisions, Minnesota is projected to see a $6 billion deficit in the next budget cycle.

 

The compromise House budget framework reduces state spending by $3.9 billion when compared to the 2024-25 budget and is $1.159 billion below the 2026-27 budget base. For the 2028-2029 projected budget, more than $2.6 billion in spending would be eliminated. Worth noting: it does not include any tax increases.

 

It’s good that we’re moving forward and addressing our future budget woes, but I believe there should be further budget savings and greater tax relief. Going from an $18 billion surplus to a $6 billion deficit in just two years shows misallocated funds. The government’s budget increased by 40% while no one else’s did, and inflation hit everyone hard. That’s something we need to resolve for hardworking Minnesotans.

 

*FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, LET THEM DRINK MILK!*

Legislation approved last session allows every student to receive a free breakfast and lunch at school, regardless of their family’s income level. A problem being seen in districts across this state centers on those who only want a carton of milk, as they are bringing food from home. The students are forced to take the entire meal and then proceed to dump all of that food, untouched, into the trash can so they can take their milk.

 

There is a very common-sense solution that would stop this tremendous waste of food: allow the child to skip the meal and just take the milk.

 

But the Minnesota Department of Education sees it very differently. It told our K-12 Education Finance Committee the agency needs nearly $10 million every two years to create and oversee a process, and a new full-time employee to implement it, so a child can bypass the meal line in order to take a carton of milk.

 

And you wonder why people get frustrated with government?

 

*PAY FOR LUNCH, HELP OUR SCHOOLS*

A bill that reduces state spending on school lunches and redirects the $85 million per year savings back to schools through Local Option Revenue was also considered by the education finance committee. Basically, $85 million would become available by reinstating lunch meal fees on families who earn $150,000 or more each year. The bill would not impact free breakfasts.

 

As one parent stated in committee, “I can pay for my kid’s meal, but I can’t give schools money to stop teacher or program cuts.”

 

*UPCOMING TOWN HALL MEETING*

 

Dippel

 

Please join me at my town hall meeting in Cottage Grove tomorrow! Please sign up and submit your legislative questions here. [ [link removed] ]

 

*TEENPACT VISIT*

I was pleased to address students taking part in TeenPact recently.

 

TeenPact

 

TeenPact is designed to help students understand the political process, value their liberty, and engage the culture. Students from around the state are brought to St. Paul for a week of hands-on training in leadership and government.

 

*LOCAL VISITORS*

 

Chamber

 

I had a good visit with members of the Hastings Chamber of Commerce this week. Thank you for stopping by!

 

Have a good weekend,

 

Tom









Centennial Office Bldg.
658 Cedar Street
St. Paul, MN 55155
651-296-3135
[email protected]







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