Representative Jennifer Johnston
District 28
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Anchorage Hillside, Indian, Bird, Girdwood, and Portage
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The 30th Alaska State Legislature is now in session! I will be using this e-newsletter to distribute information to you on a regular basis as the 30th Alaska Legislature works through issues. Please feel free to forward it to your friends and neighbors. My office can be reached at our toll free number, 800-478-4950 and if you find yourself in Juneau come and visit us in room 430 in the State Capitol. My staff and I are here to help and answer questions and look forward to serving HD28 in this legislative session.
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Fiscal sustainability has been a constant challenge through Alaska’s many booms and busts
. I don’t want to waste this opportunity to find innovative solutions that guide us to do better with less. Our district is unique, with diverse ideas and a broad depth of knowledge so please don’t hesitate reach out with any thoughts or suggestions. I truly believe we can overcome these obstacles to create a brighter future for the next generations of Alaskans.
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During the 30th Legislature, I will be serving on the Education Committee, Health and Social Services (HSS) Committee, Special Committee on Energy and Legislative Budget and Audit Committee.
The Education Committee and HSS Committee are critical parts of our legislative process based on their oversight of the state’s two largest cost drivers: education formula funding and Medicaid. Together these two department’s budgets account for about 2.4 billion dollars in state spending and over half of the state’s overall agency expenditures. In both budgets, there are opportunities for reforms that can lead to crucial budget savings which will be necessary if the legislature is going to create a sustainable budget.
Over the last week, these two committees, along with others in the Capitol, have been hearing overviews of agency budgets. Over the next 5 weeks we will be diving deeper into the departments’ budgets, where my focus will be ensuring that Alaskans are getting the desired returns for dollars spent.
If you are looking for information about the legislative schedule or bills, please check out the legislature's website here. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Enjoy your weekend!
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I first joined my husband Allan in Fairbanks in 1975, and moved to Anchorage in 1988. Since moving to Alaska, I’ve worked as an outdoor educator, owned small businesses and most recently served 3 terms on the Anchorage Assembly representing South Anchorage, Turnagain Arm and Girdwood. When I’m not busy serving South Anchorage, like many of you I call the great Chugach my other home. Additionally, I’m proud to say that we raised 3 kids in South Anchorage and now have 5 energetic and wonderful grand kids.
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Robert Ervine was born in Juneau but his parents quickly realized the error of their ways and relocated to South Anchorage. He is a graduate of both Robert Service High School and the University of Alaska Anchorage. During his career in the Legislature, he has previously worked for members of House Leadership and the House Finance Committee. Before his work in the legislature, Rob spent 7 years running an outdoor adventure program on Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson. He enjoys just about all outdoors activity and loves to travel far and wide.
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Terranova Tasker is a life-long Alaskan originally from Anchorage. A few weeks after graduating from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, she joined the Dan Sullivan for U.S. Senate campaign as Coalition Director. After the conclusion of the successful campaign, she continued to work for Senator Sullivan as a Special Projects Assistant in his Anchorage office. Her break from campaign life was brief. Terranova joined the Lisa Murkowski for U.S. Senate campaign in March 2016, making this her fourth U.S. Senate race in Alaska, including Senator Ted Stevens' 2008 campaign and Senator Lisa Murkowski's 2010 campaign. When she’s not working in the legislature, you’ll find her on our outdoors trails hiking in the Chugach or skiing in Girdwood.
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State Capitol, Room 430 Junueau AK 99801 | 907.465.4949
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