Snapshot According to Politics in Minnesota, Stevens has a reputation for never backing away from a battle. He has become one of the Legislature's leading authorities on long-term care, heading a task force and pushing for reform on the issue. Stevens is also known for his willingness to take on groups like the Sierra Club, who disagree with his approach to environmental issues. Stevens is proud of the fact that he was named the 2000 Legislator of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts.
     A pioneer in welfare reform, Stevens has successfully authored legislation to crack down on deadbeat parents, mandate community service for some welfare recipients and provide child care for low income parents who work. In addition to long-term care reform, Stevens' legislative priorities include protecting private property rights, reforming elections, establishing a citizen oversight board for the Department of Natural Resources and simplifying Minnesota's wetland regulatory process. An avid hunter, Stevens also enjoys reading, gardening and taking trips with his wife.