Josh Jensen

Josh Jensen is an American politician currently serving as a member of the New York State Assembly, representing the 134th district. He is affiliated with the Republican, Conservative, and Independence parties. Jensen was elected to the Assembly in November 2020 and took office on January 6, 2021. His legislative work focuses on various issues, including health care, education, and community development.

Early life and career

Josh Jensen was born on November 3, 1988, in Rochester, New York. He completed his secondary education at Hilton High School, located in the suburb of Hilton. Following high school, Jensen pursued higher education and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and history from Niagara University. His academic background laid a foundation for his future career in public service and politics.

Jensen's professional journey began in 2008 when he interned at the White House Office of Strategic Initiatives. This experience provided him with insights into the workings of government at the federal level. After his internship, he transitioned to state-level politics, serving as a special assistant in the New York State Senate. His role in the Senate allowed him to gain further experience in legislative processes and public policy.

In 2010, Jensen joined the staff of State Senator Joseph Robach, where he held multiple positions, including public policy advisor, director of community affairs, director of public affairs, and director of communications. This extensive experience in the Senate equipped him with the skills necessary for effective communication and community engagement.

In addition to his legislative work, Jensen was the director of communications for Monroe Community Hospital from 2019 to 2020. This role involved managing communication strategies for the hospital, further enhancing his understanding of health care issues. Jensen also served on the Greece Town Board, representing the town's third ward, where he was involved in local governance and community matters.

Legislative service

Jensen's legislative career began when he was elected to the New York State Assembly in November 2020. He represents the 134th Assembly district, which encompasses the towns of Greece, Ogden, and Parma, as well as the villages of Spencerport and Hilton, all located in Monroe County. Since taking office on January 6, 2021, Jensen has been active in various legislative initiatives and has taken on leadership roles within the Assembly.

In 2023, Jensen was appointed as the Ranking Member of the New York State Assembly Committee on Health. This position is significant as it represents the highest role a minority party member can hold within a committee. In this capacity, Jensen has been involved in shaping health policy and advocating for initiatives that address health care challenges in New York.

Throughout his time in the Assembly, Jensen has sponsored and introduced several pieces of legislation. Notably, on May 9, 2022, he sponsored the "Everyone Can Play" bill, aimed at creating a state grant program to assist local municipalities in making playgrounds more accessible for individuals with disabilities. This initiative reflects his commitment to enhancing community resources and ensuring inclusivity.

In February 2023, Jensen introduced legislation focused on financial literacy education for students in public and private schools across New York. The proposed bill aimed to educate students on essential financial topics such as credit, debt, loans, and savings. Although the bill did not advance in the Assembly Education Committee, Jensen expressed disappointment over its procedural setback and has reintroduced it for the 2025-2026 legislative session.

Jensen's contributions to health policy have garnered recognition. In 2024, he was included in City & State Magazine's Health Care Power 100 list, acknowledging his role as the top-ranking Republican on the New York State Assembly Health Committee. His efforts to establish interstate licensing agreements for nurses and support early intervention services for children were highlighted as significant achievements.

Policy focus and district

Jensen's policy focus encompasses a range of issues, with particular emphasis on health care, education, and community development. His position as Ranking Member of the Health Committee allows him to influence health policy discussions and advocate for initiatives that benefit his constituents and the broader New York community.

In addition to his legislative work, Jensen has been actively involved in local initiatives. His background in community affairs and communications has informed his approach to addressing the needs of the residents in his district. The 134th Assembly district, which includes diverse communities, presents unique challenges and opportunities that Jensen seeks to address through his legislative efforts.

Jensen's commitment to bipartisanship is evident in his collaborative approach to policymaking. He has been recognized for his ability to work effectively with colleagues across party lines, particularly in health care discussions. His relationship with Democratic Health Committee Chair Amy Paulin has been noted as an example of constructive cooperation in the Assembly.

As a member of the New York State Assembly, Jensen serves on several committees, including Health, Corporations, Authorities & Commissions, Children & Families, Insurance, and Rules. These committee assignments enable him to engage with a variety of issues and contribute to the legislative process in multiple areas.

Overall, Josh Jensen's career reflects a dedication to public service and a focus on addressing the needs of his constituents in the 134th Assembly district. Through his legislative initiatives and community involvement, he continues to work toward improving the quality of life for residents in his district and the state of New York.