Joseph R. Hoppe (born December 13, 1964) is an American politician and former member of the Minnesota House of Representatives. A member of the Republican Party of Minnesota, he represented District 47B, which included portions of Carver County in the southwestern part of the Twin Cities metropolitan area. Before becoming a politician, Hoppe worked as a local businessman and in communications.[1]
Hoppe was first elected to the Minnesota House of Representatives in 2002, and was re-elected every two years until retiring in 2018. He faced no opposition in 2010, 2012 and 2014.[3] Hoppe is a member of the Minnesota Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus.[4]
Since 2015, Hoppe has served as chair of the House Commerce & Regulatory Reform Committee.[5] He previously served as the committee chair from 2011–12.[6] Rep. Hoppe also serves as vice-chair of the Life Insurance & Financial Planning Committee in the National Council of Insurance Legislators.[7]
In 2017, Rep. Hoppe authored legislation to provide emergency premium relief in response to the individual health insurance market crisis.[8][9] The bill included historic reform of Minnesota's insurance laws to increase options and competition for individuals, farmers and small businesses, as well as protect consumers from surprise medical bills.[10] It passed the Minnesota House with broad bipartisan support by a vote of 108–19 and was signed by Governor Mark Dayton.[8]
Rep. Hoppe was the co-author of legislation to ensure women at risk of breast cancer have access to 3D mammograms through insurance, and has advocated for increased state support for mental health programming.[11][12] He has opposed the state-run MNsure insurance website.[13][14]
During his tenure as committee chair, Hoppe oversaw major efforts to modernize the state's alcohol laws in response to increasing consumer demand for Minnesota craft beer, spirits and wine.[15][16][17]
Personal life
Hoppe is married to Deanne, a public school administrator, and has two children. He is Catholic.
