Laura Johnson

Laura Johnson

Senior Policy Advisor

Background

Democratic advocate at the intersection of health care and education issues. Speaks the wonky policy language of committee staff in Congress and health officials in the administration. Extensive federal campaign experience.

Laura Johnson mobilizes advocacy strategies in real-time to ensure her clients’ interests are represented, traversing an increasingly dynamic health care and education landscape to build consensus around good public policy. Laura holds a Master’s Degree in Public Policy, and utilizes her deep understanding of the nuances of public policy to advance her clients’ interests. She prioritizes understanding her clients' businesses from top to bottom to better identify opportunities and threats.

Laura works closely with Democratic members and staff on the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, having started her career on the HELP Committee under then-Chair Ted Kennedy (D-MA). She is acutely aware of the interplay between Congress and the administration on health care policy, and her understanding of the agency process and relationships at HHS and CMS help solve multijurisdictional issues.

In addition to her health care engagement, Laura is a lead advocate for early learning and higher education organizations. As Congress, the administration and state and local governments consider new ways to boost and regulate education in the United States, Laura positions her clients as resources to key policymakers.  

Over her career, Laura has worked for several Democratic campaigns. The experience she gained from her time on the campaign trail informs her holistic to approach to advocacy; she analyzes the universe of stakeholder groups that could help or hurt her clients’ priorities and designs strategies that leverage the influence of activist groups, strategic media opportunities, trade associations and think tanks. 

Representative Matters

Recent Experience

  • Serves as boots on the ground in Washington, D.C. for pro bono client Hunger Free Colorado, the state’s leading anti-hunger organization. Tracks legislative and regulatory developments; drafts letters to Congress; and ensures their perspective is accounted for during key congressional hearings.

  • Secured favorable amendments to terms and conditions for health care providers participating in the Medicare Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program.

  • Advocated on behalf of an education coalition to secure $2.75 billion in funding for non-public schools during the American Rescue Plan, meeting with Democratic offices in the House and Senate to convey the importance of funding to their local communities and constituencies.

  • Represented the interests of hospitals and providers during the COVID-19 pandemic, most recently helping to secure $8.5 billion in relief funding in the American Rescue Plan.

Insights & Publications

Credentials

Education

  • M.P.P., 2014, George Mason University
  • B.A., 2009, Kenyon College

Memberships

Member, Kenyon College Alumni Association – Washington, DC

Community Involvement

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT:

Member, A Wider Circle, Young Professionals Committee, 2018