Steve Pape on the Issues
Fraud
I believe Minnesota needs a serious crackdown on waste, fraud, and abuse in state government programs. Taxpayer dollars should be protected and used responsibly, not lost through poor oversight or loopholes in the system. I support stronger accountability measures and greater transparency so Minnesotans can trust how their money is being spent. Taxpayer money should go to the people it was intended to help, not to fraudsters exploiting weak oversight. I support stronger audits, tougher penalties, and increased transparency to prevent waste and fraud in state programs. Restoring accountability protects both taxpayers and legitimate public services.
Affordability
Families across Minnesota are struggling with higher costs for groceries, gas, and housing. We need lower taxes, responsible government spending, and policies that help working people keep more of their paychecks. A stronger economy starts with making everyday life more affordable. To make life more affordable, I support lowering taxes, reducing government spending, and cutting regulations that raise costs for businesses and consumers. More affordable energy, lower taxes, and a stronger private-sector economy will help reduce costs and allow families to keep more of what they earn.
Education
I support restructuring how we fund education to ensure every dollar goes as far as possible in supporting student success. I believe parents should have a voice in their children's education and greater control over where and how they learn. I support focusing on core subjects such as reading, writing, math, and civics. As a Grandfather, our schools should prioritize academic excellence and prepare students for real-world success.
Public Safety
Every family deserves to feel safe in their neighborhood, school, and workplace. I believe strong law enforcement and clear consequences for crime help keep communities secure. Public officials should prioritize protecting law-abiding citizens and supporting first responders. Failure to enforce reasonable public safety standards and prosecute criminal activity increases costs for everyone and diminishes our overall quality of life. Safe communities are essential to economic prosperity and a strong standard of living.
Support for Veterans
As a veteran myself, I understand the importance of ensuring that those who served are taken care of when they come home. We need to ensure access to healthcare, cut red tape at the VA, and ensure benefits are delivered without unnecessary delays. No veteran should have to struggle to receive the support they earned through their service.