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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,

 

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.

 

*FIGHTING FOR CLEAN DRINKING WATER*

Years ago, PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) were found in east Metro city water supplies, including Cottage Grove. 3M was charged with releasing chemicals into the groundwater and eventually reached a $760 million settlement with the state in 2018.

 

Despite having some PFAS water pollution at the time, Hastings was not among the communities that could access this settlement funding. The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency eventually found a connection between Cottage Grove’s 3M facility and PFAS in a city well in Hastings, meaning the City can access funding to treat its water.

 

Last April, Minnesota increased its threshold limit for PFAS contaminants. The Department of Health told Hastings that five of its six wells were now above the allowable drinking water standard, forcing the City to act. Hastings has decided the best course of action is to build several water treatment plants at an estimated cost of $68.9 million. The first well under construction is estimated to cost $26.7 million.

 

To help pay for this, the City increased water rates by 10% on January 1. A second potential rate hike is set for July 1, and that also could approach 10%.

 

In order to help prevent any further financial punishment of Hastings residents and business owners, I am authoring three separate bills that would utilize state funding to cover the costs. The first proposal would seek $45.7 million from the 3M trust fund to help pay for the three treatment facilities. The next two would allocate $16.6 million in either general fund or capital investment proceeds to help pay for the first water treatment plant and associated water lines. To me, it’s important to have numerous options on the table for the House to consider. There is also a 4th option in the works, but more on that later.

 

The City of Hastings is completely faultless here yet is now on the hook for a nearly $70 million project. Doing nothing is not an option. If that happened, the State could shut down the City’s wells due to noncompliance. 

 

Moving forward, I will continue to keep Hastings’ water treatment plant funding needs at the forefront and will keep you updated on any progress in the Minnesota House.

 

In the meantime, if you have any questions on these three bills or any other legislative issue, do not hesitate to contact me. I can be reached at [email protected] or 651.296.3135.

 

18

 

Since session began on January 14, House Republicans have been at the Capitol ready to do the people’s business. But last Friday the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that 68 members must be present in order to officially hold session and committee hearings, and Republicans only have 67 members. Democrats have created a shutdown in the House by refusing to come to work.

 

Money

 

Every day Democrats don’t show up in St. Paul, state taxpayers pay them roughly $10,000 for not doing their jobs.

 

Secretary of State Steve Simon attempts to start session every day, but when he determines 68 members aren’t there, he leaves.

 

Our constitution allows the House to make and approve numerous motions without 68 members present. The Secretary of State surely knows this, as he was a former state representative himself. But he is also wearing his partisan hat these days, doing his part to ensure the protection of fellow Democrats who refuse to show up for work by ignoring what is stated in our Constitution.

 

House Republicans remain ready to work and we continue to show up in St. Paul. Meanwhile the Democrat shutdown could continue until mid-March, and you could be paying them for two months of holding the Capitol hostage.  

 

*LOCAL VISITORS*

This week, I was pleased to be able to visit St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Hastings.

 

Dippel

 

Buddy and Maggie pictured above gave me a full tour of the school. Buddy actually sent a letter to the Capitol and invited me! It was great to meet with students and teachers and learn more about how I can support schools in our community. Thanks to all at SEAS who served as great hosts! It was a pleasure to meet with you.

 

If your group, business, or organization is interested in visiting with me, please reach out! Email [email protected] or call 651.296.3135 and we’ll get you on the schedule.

 

Have a good weekend!

 

Tom









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







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