Qualifications
What training, experience, and characteristics qualify you for this position?
During my time in the legislature, I have successfully cut through the gridlock to pass legislation to provide life-saving abortion protections, address public safety, reform our criminal justice system, and increase access to mental health resources for our most vulnerable. Texas Monthly said “Democrat Ann Johnson, of Houston, offered thoughtful legislation and proved remarkably effective at working with Republican lawmakers.” I am a former chief human trafficking prosecutor, and I’ve stood up to the worst human traffickers and won, protecting child victims of exploitation. I am also a current teacher and small business owner who works in our criminal justice system as an attorney.
Healthcare
Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation. What steps would you take as a state representative to ensure access to affordable healthcare, including mental health services, for residents who are currently uninsured or underserved in your district?
I continue to fight for Medicaid expansion and access to affordable, quality health care, including mental health services and women’s health and reproductive rights. I continue to fight to stop government interference in healthcare decisions which should be made by patients and doctors, not politicians. While those fights continue, I will continue to improve access to care given the substantial challenges we face. I was proud to have helped lead the passage of the Life of the Mother Act, which now allows doctors to responsibly treat patients with certain problem pregnancies without fear of prosecution under Texas’ abortion ban. I was also a strong supporter of a very limited expansion of Medicaid to help decrease maternal mortality.
Education
What measures would you support to ensure adequate state funding for public schools and accountability for taxpayer funds used in voucher or education savings account programs?
Article 7 of the Texas Constitution requires the State of Texas to provide a free, quality public education for every child. That is my bottom line and what I fight for. Yet, Gov. Abbott and Republicans are shifting funding for public schools to corporate-run, for-profit private schools through private school vouchers. I strongly opposed these actions and continue to fight for more resources for teachers and classrooms. Any voucher or education savings account program using taxpayer dollars should be subject to rigorous financial audits, transparent reporting, fraud-prevention safeguards, conflict-of-interest rules, and clear academic and civil-rights standards.
Issues
What are the two most pressing issues unique to your district, and what specific, measurable actions would you take to address them during your term?
There are many pressing issues: access to affordable, quality health care, including mental health care; free and fair elections; gun safety; climate change; and the rising cost of living. One overriding concern is the erosion of local control. I will continue fighting to unwind the TEA takeover of HISD schools, and to repeal laws that remove cities’ ability to regulate working conditions, keep the public safe, and pass local ordinances to meet local needs. I will continue to propose responsible legislation to address these issues, work to kill bad legislation, and find enough common ground with my colleagues to get the job done.
