Todd Lippert Explained

Todd Lippert
State House:Minnesota
District:20B
Term Start:January 7, 2019
Term End:January 2, 2023
Predecessor:David Bly
Successor:Kristi Pursell
Birth Date:26 January 1977
Birth Place:Larchwood, Iowa, U.S.
Party:Democratic
Children:3
Education:University of Iowa (BM)
United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities (MDiv)

Todd Lippert (born January 26, 1977)[1] is an American politician and former pastor who served as a member of the Minnesota House of Representatives from 2019 to 2022. A member of the Minnesota Democratic–Farmer–Labor Party (DFL), he represented District 20B which includes the city of Northfield and portions of Le Sueur and Rice County in south-central Minnesota.

Early life and education

Lippert was born in Larchwood, Iowa.[2] He attended the University of Iowa, graduating with a Bachelor of Music in music performance. He later attended the United Theological Seminary of the Twin Cities, graduating with a Master of Divinity in theology.

Career

Lippert served as a pastor in local churches from 2003 to February 2020. He served as a senior minister at the United Church of Christ in Northfield, Minnesota, from 2012 to 2020.

Minnesota House of Representatives

Lippert was elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2018, winning the seat left open by former representative David Bly, who announced his retirement in February 2018.[3] Lippert stated that he became active in politics through his work as a pastor, getting involved in faith-based groups such as ISAIAH Minnesota which led to him wanting to run for office.[4] During the 2021–2022 session, Lippert served as an assistant majority leader. In January 2022, Lippert announced he would not seek re-election for a third term, stating that he would like to continue working to help Democrats connect with rural communities.[5]

While in the legislature, Lippert authored many bills relating to rural communities, small farmers, soil and water health, and combating climate change.[6] [7] [8] [9] [10] [11] Alongside Republican Mike Goggin, Lippert advocated for a "Farm to School" program to get local produce into school lunches.[12] He proposed a ban on chlorpyrifos, the most widely used pesticide for soybean farms in Minnesota, and which can cause brain damage in children.[13] In 2022, he authored a bill creating a carbon trading program alongside Senator Dave Senjem.[14] Lippert also worked with senate republicans to pass a bill that increased the minimum wage of caregivers employed by the state through Medicaid.[15] [16]

2021–2022 committee assignments:

2019–2020 committee assignments:

Personal life

Lippert and his wife, Sara, have three children. They reside in Northfield, Minnesota.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Lippert, Todd . Minnesota Legislative Reference Library . November 8, 2018 . en.
  2. News: Weyhe . Philip . Lippert announces candidacy for District 20B seat . November 8, 2018 . Lonsdale News Review . Adams Publishing Group . March 22, 2018 . en.
  3. Web site: Weyhe . Philip . Rep. Bly announces retirement from Legislature . 2022-08-07 . Southernminn.com . en.
  4. Web site: 2019 New Member Video - Minnesota Legislature . 2022-08-07 . www.lrl.mn.gov.
  5. Web site: Lippert will not run for re-election - Session Daily - Minnesota House of Representatives . 2022-08-07 . www.house.leg.state.mn.us.
  6. Web site: Smith . Kelly . Nonprofits lobby Legislature to fund program that helps low-income residents buy at farmers' markets . 2022-08-07 . Star Tribune.
  7. Web site: Aamot . Greg . 2021-05-07 . More cover crops could help Minnesota’s soil and water. What do farmers think about it? . 2022-08-07 . MinnPost . en-US.
  8. Web site: Stanley . Greg . Novel crops can save rural Minnesota's drinking water, U says . 2022-08-07 . Star Tribune.
  9. Web site: 2020-05-20 . Walz signs bill aiding Minnesota farmers facing foreclosure . 2022-08-07 . Twin Cities . en-US.
  10. Web site: Koehler . Amanda . 2021-02-09 . Economic justice, for people and the land Opinion . 2022-08-07 . Minnesota Reformer . en-US.
  11. Web site: Orenstein . Walker . 2022-04-12 . Why high gas prices may doom the chances of Minnesota adopting low-carbon fuel standards . 2022-08-07 . MinnPost . en-US.
  12. Web site: Lippert . Todd . Goggin . Mike . OPINION EXCHANGE 'Farm to School' bill: Now's the time for local foods in our schools . 2022-08-07 . Star Tribune.
  13. Web site: Stanley . Greg . Lawmakers consider banning Minnesota's most widely used pesticide . 2022-08-07 . Star Tribune.
  14. Web site: Bjorhus . Jennifer . Webster . MaryJo . Ethanol's clean air benefits clouded by greenhouse gas emissions . 2022-08-07 . Star Tribune.
  15. Web site: St Anthony . Neal . Minnesota home-health workers, PCA industry could use a financial boost . 2022-08-07 . Star Tribune.
  16. Web site: St Anthony . Neal . St. Anthony: Legislature fell short on help for Minnesota's most vulnerable preschool kids . 2022-08-07 . Star Tribune.