“I believe that politics is fundamentally about helping people live better, more fulfilled lives.

My priorities are shaped by my values and the thousands of conversations I’ve had with people throughout my district. I am committed to putting good ideas to work for all Minnesotans and keeping our community a great place to live, work, learn and play.” -Cwod

Healthy Communities

We are all better off when we are part of something larger than ourselves. Our strong community bonds are what bring us together and part of what makes Minnesota so special. Steve believes in nurturing these bonds through sound policies that bring people together to promote physical, mental, and environmental health. As an avid lover of nature, Steve enthusiastically supports efforts to make Minnesota's outdoor recreation system the best in the nation. 

He will continue investments in programs like the Statewide Health Improvement Partnership (SHIP), which has proven results in decreasing smoking and obesity rates, and improving walkability in communities across Minnesota to encourage people to get outside and come together to explore our beautiful natural resources. 

Common Sense Gun Safety

Steve knows how hard it is to look out at a classroom full of students and explain that there was another school shooting like Columbine, Rocori, Red Lake, or Sandy Hook. We need to put a stop to needless gun violence in our communities. As our State Senator, Steve has supported numerous measures to improve our approach to gun safety; including policies to keep firearms out of the hands of the mentally ill and expanding background checks. 

Education

Steve spent over 30 years as a teacher at Eden Prairie High School. He knows firsthand education is the foundation that innovation and success are built upon. Steve will passionately  support efforts to make Minnesota schools the best in the nation from preschool to our universities and vocational schools. 

A strong public school system benefits all Minnesotans by creating a well-educated next generation and a brighter future. We must fully fund our schools and invest in teachers, so our kids get the support they need to succeed and reach their potential. 

Jobs and Economy

Steve believes that a successful private sector is the backbone of any community. He is committed to policies that cut through red tape, reward innovation and invest in workers to promote a thriving business community. Steve will encourage entrepreneurship by advocating for policies that will keep Minnesota a leading hub of innovation especially in the healthcare, clean energy and agricultural sectors. 

Steve knows we need to pursue policies that create economic opportunity for all Minnesotans and build a strong economy where everyone can succeed. This includes paid sick and family leave so workers can take time to care for a new child or deal with serious illness and initiatives to level the playing field for women and people of color. 

Criminal Justice Reform

Everyone deserves to feel safe in their community. Steve knows that for too long our criminal justice system has not treated everyone equally. He believes that the bipartisan police reforms that established a duty to intervene for police officers and directed officers to use de-escalation tactics are an important first step, but we still have work to do.

Minnesota’s strength comes from our ability to be there for one another, whether white, black or brown. We need to come together to pursue community focused criminal justice reforms that emphasize fairness, prevention and redemption. 

Infrastructure

Modernizing and maintaining Minnesota’s infrastructure is critical to ensuring our state can thrive in the modern world. Steve was crucial in bringing the light rail expansion to Eden Prairie, which will promote economic growth by connecting our community to the Twin Cities. He strongly supports efforts to upgrade our transportation system through investments in roads, bridges, rail and transit. 

Steve is a leading advocate for the bonding bill that will bring needed infrastructure investment across Minnesota, create well-paying jobs and boost our economy. 

Environment

As someone who enjoys spending his free time in a canoe or hiking, Steve has an intimate knowledge of the beauty and importance of Minnesota’s natural landscape and resources. Climate change threatens many of the things that make Minnesota such a great place to live from our 10,000 lakes to our farmable land and fresh air. 

As a member of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Policy and Legacy Finance Committee, Steve passionately works to maintain and protect our environment through policies that invest in conservation, reduce emissions and promote clean energy solutions. He is committed to helping Minnesota achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2050. We owe it to future generations to act now to protect our climate so they enjoy our environment as well. 

Veterans’ Issues

Steve firmly believes in protecting and fighting for those who have fought for us. While serving on the Veterans and Military Affairs Committee at the Capitol, Steve has worked tirelessly to defend the lives and livelihoods of Minnesota’s veterans through investing in programs that help our veterans adjust to civilian life through housing and job search assistance and ensuring they have access to adequate health care. 

Health Care 

A healthy Minnesota is a thriving and prosperous Minnesota. Steve believes that all Minnesotans should have access to affordable and high quality health care. He has worked across the aisle to pass legislation lowering the cost of prescription drugs so people do not have to go bankrupt to afford life saving medications. 

Steve comes from a family of nurses and knows the importance of supporting our doctors, nurses and frontline workers who are heroically keeping us safe and healthy. We need to make sure they have the proper equipment, resources and tools to keep themselves and our communities safe.

Reproductive rights are an essential part of health care too. The passage of the Protect Reproductive Options act, that codifies the right to an abortion in state law, is a top priority for me next session.