She was part of the "Gang of Seven" (with Linda Berglin, Paul Ogren, Duane Benson, Dave Gruenes, Brad Stanius, and Lee Greenfield) that worked to pass bipartisan Minnesota Care.
[11] Piper convinced a Senate committee to join her in singing the "Itsy Bitsy Spider" song when children visited the state Capitol to testify about welfare issues.
[2] She authored legislation that would require insurance companies to pay for bone marrow transplants as an experimental procedure for women with breast cancer.
[12] Piper suggested that she'd apply for the position of chaplain of the Senate, where she could give her numerous original prayers an appropriate audience.
[2] Piper stayed involved in the Austin Community, running the Senate Campaign for KAAL TV 6 Anchor Terry Kelley and attending public events.