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Stop Fraud in Real Time
This week, the House human services committee heard my bill that would stop fraud in real time.
The proposal draws attention to human services programs that are operating over budget. Under the plan, if a program is 5% over budget, it’s required to report why. At 10% over budget, officials within the program need to expedite a report. At more than 10%, the program is terminated until revisions and changes are made…
JUST ONE MORE VOTE
The week following our Easter/Passover holiday break will be known as the “just one more vote” week, as a handful of common sense provisions received votes on the Minnesota House floor. All of them received unanimous support from 67 Republicans. But every Democrat voted against them, and because of this, none of them moved forward because 68 votes are needed for approval.
With “just one more vote,” we could have addressed three significant proposals…
E-MOTO BILL MOVES AHEAD
My e-moto bill that would ensure that electric motorcycles must follow the same rules as any other motorcycle had a second hearing in the transportation committee this week and was passed with unanimous support. Next stop for the bill is the House Ways and Means Committee.
Housing Stabilization Services
A program filled with fraud – Housing Stabilization Services – would be removed from state law under legislation approved unanimously by the full Minnesota House recently.
The program, which was supposed to help eligible recipients find housing, had state money funneled to it at obscene levels. Launched in 2020, its estimated cost was roughly $2.5 million a year. Four years later, it had skyrocketed to a cost of more than $100 million…
Fraud Monitor – February
Welcome back to another monthly edition of the MN Fraud Monitor. Each month, we highlight major developments in fraud across Minnesota and track the state’s efforts to identify, address, and prevent it.
The 2026 legislative session resumed in February, bringing with it a renewed focus on fraud prevention, program integrity, and oversight in state-administered programs. This month included the long-awaited 3rd-party report of DHS’ 14 high-risk programs from…
E-Moto Bill
On Wednesday, I presented my e-moto bill before the House transportation committee. I was joined by Hastings resident Janet Stotko, who nearly died after being hit by teenager on a sidewalk.
My bill would ensure that electric motorcycles must follow the same rules as any other motorcycle. Janet’s tragedy showed that legislative action needs to be taken before more people – who aren’t even driving them – are accidentally injured, or worse.
The bill was referred to the House commerce committee for further debate.
WALZ ADMINISTRATION REDACTS MAJORITY OF AUTISM SERVICES PROGRAM FRAUD REPORT
A new analysis from Optum raises serious concerns about oversight in Minnesota’s autism services program. Even more concerning is that the Walz administration blocked lawmakers from reading 90% of it.
According to the portions of the report that we could read, as much as 90 percent of claims reviewed may be improper or potentially fraudulent, deepening an already significant accountability crisis.
Minnesota Fraud Monitor
With Governor Walz and Attorney General Ellison in Washington D.C. again today to testify about Minnesota’s fraud problems, I thought I’d share some information with you that has been compiled by numerous folks in the Minnesota House: The Minnesota Fraud Monitor…
School Safety Bills Debated
With $9 billion already lost to fraud in Minnesota, it’s clear that action needs to be taken.
One of the most important ways we can do this is by creating an office that can investigate and provide some much needed enforcement, and not have to worry about the administration covering up the unwelcome news…
2026 Legislative Session
The Minnesota House of Representatives is once again open for business after lawmakers returned to St. Paul on Tuesday for the start of the 2026 legislative session. The off-year of the legislative biennium is normally the shorter year of the two and this session will be no different, as we are constitutionally required to end session on May 17.
So, what topics could be among those making headlines this year? You can count on fraud to be there.
Our former U.S. attorney estimated that Minnesota has lost at least $9 billion…
Fraud Epidemic
About a month ago, I shared details about the rampant fraud that is taking place in Minnesota. At that time a report stated that Minnesota taxpayer dollars are being sent overseas to fund terrorist organizations, and I joined others in asking for a federal investigation to be conducted into Minnesota’s fraud problems.
A lot has changed in a month. And almost all of it is bad for the taxpayer, as the scope of fraud and the degree to which it has been covered up is mind-blowing. It’s so bad that the federal government is now auditing programs or has suspended payments to them, everything from child care to SNAP funding…
A Christmas Greeting
We are only days away from celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. I wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and hope you will join me in celebrating the reason for the season!
Addressing Rampant Fraud
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…
Minnesota Fraud Whistleblower Portal
On this page, you will find a link to the Minnesota House Republican’s Fraud Whistleblower Portal…
Minnesota Has A Fraud Problem
Minnesota has a fraud problem. For years, the Walz administration and Democrats tried to ignore the problem or deflect that they had any responsibility. With nearly $2 billion – that we know about – lost to people who have scammed the system and 3 federal investigations opened in the last week that are now centered on Minnesota fraud, pretending the problem exists is no longer acceptable.
Fraud of this magnitude just doesn’t pop up out of nowhere. It takes a system that tolerates negligence. It takes leaders who overlook warnings, and…
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update – November 7, 2025
On Thursday, the Minnesota House Capital Investment Committee visited Hastings to learn about it’s request for state funds to help the city build 3 PFAS and nitrate decentralized treatment plants.
As you’ll recall, years ago, PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) were found in east Metro city water supplies. 3M was charged with releasing chemicals into the groundwater and eventually reached a $720 million settlement with the state in 2018…
Food Insecurity Resources
On this page, you will find several food insecurity resources located in Cottage Grove, Hastings, Lake Elmo, Stillwater, and the surrounding communities.
2025 Session Highlights
As your representative, I’ve poured my heart into serving our community and making a real difference for Minnesota families. I was proud to co-sponsor HF2023, a bill that passed unanimously on April 30, bringing overdose prevention education to our schools to tackle the opioid crisis head-on and give our kids the tools to stay safe.
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
June 10, 2025
On June 9, Governor Walz called state lawmakers into a special session in order to complete the outstanding budget work that remained after the regular legislative session concluded in mid-May.
During the day, we approved numerous finance proposals…
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
May 20, 2025
May 19 marks the official end to the 2025 legislative session, but we will need a small overtime period in order to finish up our budget items.
Late last week, legislative leaders and Governor Walz came to a budget agreement…
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
May 8, 2025
Budget bills continued to arrive for debate on the House floor this week, and I am hopeful those few that remain outstanding will receive approval early next week…
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
May 2, 2025
Common-sense legislation to increase cooperation between local law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has failed to advance in the Minnesota House.
The proposal would have required authorities to notify ICE when illegal immigrants are arrested for violent crimes. These would include offenses like murder, assault, carjacking, and kidnapping.
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
April 24, 2025
Many people I speak with are shocked when I tell them Minnesota provides free health care to illegal immigrants.
This week we learned this taxpayer-funded giveaway is one of the reasons Minnesota now faces a significant future state budget deficit…
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
April 10, 2025
April 11 was the deadline for any spending proposal to have been approved by a committee in order to receive continued debate during the rest of the 2025 session. This is important as lawmakers must approve a budget before session ends. Nearly all House committees have approved their budget bills (such as public safety or agriculture), and they are expected to receive House floor votes in the coming weeks.
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
April 4, 2025
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.
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
March 28, 2025
It’s been a busy week with K-12 Education initiatives in the Minnesota House. As I serve on both the education policy and education finance committees, we’ve had numerous discussions on proposals, including some that I am authoring.
Our education leads held a press conference this week highlighting the need to provide a lifeline to our schools that are overwhelmed with the 65 mandates…
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
March 14, 2025
Recently, Minnesota’s economic officials gave lawmakers their analysis of where our state’s economy is headed.
Unfortunately, it is headed in the wrong direction.
Let’s do a comparison with previous budget forecasts. The February projection found our state will see a $456 million budget surplus for the upcoming budget cycle…
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
March 7, 2025
Earlier this week, I held a news conference at the Hastings City Hall to announce several legislative options I’m authoring that could help Hastings pay for its water treatment needs.
Hastings residents are likely aware that the City has PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) contaminants in its water supply. Years ago, 3M was charged with releasing chemicals into the groundwater and eventually reached a $760 million settlement with the state in 2018.
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
February 28, 2025
This week, Hastings Mayor Mary Fasbender and City Administrator Dan Wietecha joined me at a Minnesota House Capital Investment hearing. They support my bill that would secure $16.7 million in bonding proceeds to help pay for a water treatment plant and associated water lines in the city…
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
Februrary 20, 2025
Earlier this week, I held a news conference at the Hastings City Hall to announce several legislative options I’m authoring that could help Hastings pay for its water treatment needs.
Hastings residents are likely aware that the City has PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) contaminants in its water supply. Years ago, 3M was charged with releasing chemicals into the groundwater and eventually reached a $760 million settlement with the state in 2018.
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
February 13, 2025
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi received a formal request from Minnesota House Republicans this week, urging a Department of Justice investigation into the rampant waste, fraud, and abuse that is taking place within Minnesota’s state agencies.
At minimum, $610 million of your tax dollars have been stolen, and some believe the total is well above $1 billion.
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
Februrary 7, 2025
Work can finally begin at the Minnesota House, as Democrats have ended their 24-day shutdown after reaching an agreement with Republicans on how the 2025 and 2026 sessions will operate.
Under the approved agreement, Republican Lisa Demuth will serve as Speaker of the House for both the 2025 and 2026 legislative sessions…
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
January 31, 2025
As you might expect, I have a number of goals this session. They include ending the fraud that’s running rampant in Minnesota’s government, reducing mandates for our schools, and making life more affordable for residents. But when it comes to local initiatives this session, my top priority is ensuring our water is safe to drink.
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
January 24, 2025
The 2025 legislative session has begun, and lawmakers – well, most of them anyway – have returned to St. Paul to work on behalf of the people of Minnesota.
Taking the oath of office for the first time was a memorable and humbling experience. It is an honor to represent your interests in the Minnesota House, and it is a responsibility I do not take lightly.
Rep. Dippel Legislative Update
January 23, 2025
$250 million in Feeding our Future. $100 million in child care/CCAP. $50 million in Medicaid. $45 million for frontline workers.
All of these are examples of fraud that have taken place during Governor Walz’s tenure. To date, Minnesota’s taxpayers are out more than $1 billion – that we’ve discovered so far – due to crooks who are scamming the system…
STATE REPRESENTATIVE TOM DIPPEL SWORN INTO OFFICE, APPOINTED TO MINNESOTA HOUSE COMMITTEES
St. Paul – State Representative Tom Dippel (R-Cottage Grove) began his first term in office Tuesday as he was sworn in as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives.
“It is such an honor to serve as state representative for the people in Hastings, Cottage Grove and the surrounding areas,” Dippel said. “I am excited to get to work and I look forward to representing their interests in the Minnesota House.”
Dippel Demands Tax Cuts in St. Paul
COTTAGE GROVE, Minn. – Representative-Elect Tom Dippel announced on Thursday that tax and spending cuts must be part of the conversation. This announcement is in response to talks of tax increases at the Minnesota Capitol.
“These last few months have shown us that our government agencies have lost hundreds of millions of dollars to fraudulent schemes. That money must be recouped and returned to taxpayers.” Dippel explained.