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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,

 

Minnesota budget officials recently unveiled the latest economic forecast. While it’s good that we won’t be forced to cut spending for the remainder of this budget cycle, in the next budget cycle we are expected to see a $3 billion budget deficit.

 

It cannot be denied that if Governor Walz and the previous Democrat-led legislature hadn’t wasted a $19 billion surplus and grown state government spending by 40%, we would not be facing these future economic problems. Common sense says if you wouldn’t have spent all the surplus, and you would have kept government growth to a percentage in the single digits, we would not be facing a future deficit.

 

Last session the legislature reduced state spending – thanks to another deficit alert – but it’s clear we didn’t go far enough. We now need to heed this warning and continue finding ways to reduce our state expenses next session.

 

*ADDRESSING RAMPANT FRAUD*

Not long ago, I signed on to a letter to U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen to conduct an immediate investigation into allegations of fraud under Governor Tim Walz. A recent report stated that Minnesota taxpayer dollars are being sent overseas to fund terrorist organizations. A source quoted stated, "The largest funder of Al-Shabaab is the Minnesota taxpayer.”

 

Letter

 

One of the ways we could have stopped this fraud was to approve the creation of a new state watchdog agency, an independent Office of Inspector General. The bill was approved in the Senate, but with a statistical tie in the Minnesota House between Republicans and Democrats, not one Democrat would vote to move this legislation forward.

 

I did vote in favor the bill and strongly support the creation of this office. We have lost billions of dollars – that we know of – to fraud due to the Walz administration’s decision not to take the problem seriously, and many legislative Democrats refusing to address it. To me, this legislation is Priority #1 in the 2026 session.

 

*AGRICULTURE AND THE MINNESOTA FARM BUREAU FEDERATION *

As a member of the Minnesota Farm Bureau Federation, I’m always pleased to see good things happening within the organization.

 

Not long ago, it held its annual meeting.

 

farm

 

Agriculture is the backbone of Minnesota’s economy, and this session the MFBF plans work with lawmakers on four priority areas to support the vitality of farmers, ranchers and rural communities: family farm legacy; rural economic vitality; environmental stewardship; and energy and farmland preservation. I strongly support their mission.

 

*LOCAL VISITS*

Loved being out and about enjoying the Christmas and holiday season with our community! From the tree lighting ceremonies in Cottage Grove and Lake Elmo, to the Christkindlmarkt at the Gasthaus, and a visit to the Afton Holiday Village — it’s been wonderful celebrating the traditions that make this time of year so special. Grateful for our neighbors, small businesses, and the joy that fills our towns this season.

 

CG

 

Recently, I had the opportunity to tour Basic Needs, Inc., an organization dedicated to supporting our neighbors by ensuring everyone has access to fresh food. The important work they do every day uplifts those who face hardship and makes our community stronger.

 

Needs

 

Not long ago I also spoke at the Red Ribbon Week event with the Devin J. Noring Foundation. 

 

Speak

 

Minnesota has become a major hub for drug trafficking, and meth and fentanyl are taking too many young lives. Together, we can take action, support prevention, and build a safer future for our kids.

 

The United Heroes League held their grand opening recently. Their team is doing incredible work to support our veterans and their families, and I’m grateful for the meaningful impact they make in our community. This year, they’re hosting Hockey Day Minnesota—a major event expected to bring nearly 100,000 visitors over eight days.

 

UHL

 

I also had the opportunity to attend a local Q&A event on modular and mobile home parks.

 

Home

 

These communities are facing rising costs, and it’s important we listen, learn, and work together to find real solutions that protect long-term affordability.

 

A recent fire safety demonstration in Cottage Grove was a powerful reminder of the incredible work our firefighters do to protect our communities. I’m committed to supporting policies that protect families, strengthen emergency response, and ensure our firefighters and local communities have the tools they need to stay safe.

 

Fire

 

I also had a great tour of the Woodbury Leadership Academy.

 

Woodbury

 

This school teaches over 1,200 students, including many from Cottage Grove, Denmark Township, Lake Elmo, and beyond — and I’m proud that my nieces and nephew are among them. Strong schools build strong communities, and I’m grateful for the leadership shaping the next generation.

 

Have a good weekend,

 

Tom









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







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