HOUSE
DONNA MEARS
33rd-34th Legislature (2023 -2026)
Email: [email protected]
District: 21
Party: Democrat
Toll-Free: 888-478-3438
State Capitol Room 102
Juneau AK, 99801
Phone: 907-465-3438
Interim Contact
1500 W Benson Blvd
Anchorage AK, 99503
Phone: 907-269-0100
2023-2024 Representative
2025-2026 Representative
RESIDENCY:
LENGTH OF RESIDENCY IN ALASKA: 27 years
EDUCATION :
American Embassy School - New Delhi, India
Hillsborough High School – New Jersey
Rutgers University - Bioenvironmental Engineering
University of Michigan - Master of Urban Planning
POLITICAL AND GOVERNMENT POSITIONS :
Representative - Alaska State Legislature
Co-chair – Anchorage Delegation
Co-chair – Food & Farm Caucus
Executive Board – Northeast Community Council
Chair – Anchorage Health and Human Services Commission
Chair - On-Site Water and Wastewater Technical Review Board
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS :
Central Environmental, Inc. - A Bering Straits Native Corporation
MOA Solid Waste Services, Garness Engineering Group, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, Anchorage Health Department
SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS MEMBERSHIPS :
Solid Waste Association of North America, Alaska Chapter – Vice President and Instructor
Winterberry Parent Guild
Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School - XC Run & XC Ski Booster Clubs
SPECIAL INTERESTS :
Harvesting local foods from Alaska’s rivers and mountains, as well as my own backyard Cheering my kids at XC races Fiber arts
STATEMENT :
It's been my privilege to serve as your representative these past two years. I'm fighting for a better Alaskan future. One where it's easier to build a family, make a living, and afford to live. That means restoring sufficient public education funding for all our kids, no matter what kind of school they attend—my own kids attended a mix of charter schools, homeschool, and our local high school. That means investing in our state government so it can facilitate economic development instead of standing in the way. In my career as an engineer, I've seen up close how underfunded state agencies hold up permits and licenses with outdated and inefficient processes, and I'm grateful to be in a position to help make things work better. That means keeping costs of living low. From putting my professional background to work in lowering energy costs, to co-chairing the Food Strategy Task Force that makes food more accessible and local foods more available, to working to restore the governor's vetoes that cut revenue sharing with Anchorage. My experience informs my values. An emphasis on health from working for health organizations; a focus on education from being an involved parent; and a dedication to East Anchorage from living, working, and raising my kids in the community. My values are reflected in my work. I am here to make Alaska better for my family and yours.
Legislative Service:
| Bill | Short Title | Prime Sponsor(s) | Current Status | Status Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EXTEND STATE MEDICAL BOARD | REPRESENTATIVE MEARS |
(H) L&C | 04/24/2023 | ||
| ESTABLISHING 4-H DAY | REPRESENTATIVE MEARS |
CHAPTER 35 SLA 24 | 08/24/2024 | ||
| AMEND UNIFORM RULES: ABSTAIN FROM VOTING | REPRESENTATIVE MEARS |
(H) RLS | 05/08/2023 |
Cosponsored Bills
| Bill | Short Title | Prime Sponsor(s) | Current Status | Status Date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CONTRACEPTIVES COVERAGE:INSURE;MED ASSIST | REPRESENTATIVE CARRICK |
VETOED BY GOVERNOR | 09/03/2024 | ||
| FILIPINO AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH | REPRESENTATIVE MINA |
CHAPTER 18 SLA 23 | 07/20/2023 | ||
| OFFICIAL LANG; COUNCIL FOR AK NATIVE LANG | REPRESENTATIVE STORY |
CHAPTER 48 SLA 24 | 08/30/2024 | ||
| ACCESS TO MARIJUANA CONVICTION RECORDS | REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT |
(S) RLS | 05/11/2024 | ||
| CONVERSION THERAPY PROHIBITIONS | REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN |
(H) HSS | 01/23/2023 | ||
| DESIG. REFRIGERANT USE; PFAS USE/DISPOSAL | REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT |
VETOED BY GOVERNOR | 08/26/2023 | ||
| STATE IDENTIFICATION CARD FOR PRISONERS | REPRESENTATIVE GRAY |
(H) STA | 02/01/2023 | ||
| VETERINARIANS; CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE DATA | REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE |
CHAPTER 14 SLA 23 | 07/06/2023 | ||
| RENEWABLE ENERGY GRANT FUND | REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON |
CHAPTER 5 SLA 23 | 05/25/2023 | ||
| AK COMMUNITY HEALTH AIDE APPRECIATION DAY | REPRESENTATIVE MCCORMICK |
CHAPTER 17 SLA 23 | 07/20/2023 | ||
| MUNI PROP TAX EXEMPTION/TAX BLIGHTED PROP | REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER |
(H) CRA | 02/27/2023 | ||
| WAREHOUSE WORK QUOTAS | REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER |
VETOED BY GOVERNOR | 08/29/2024 | ||
| CHILD CARE: TAX CREDITS/ASSISTANCE/GRANTS | REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE |
(S) FIN | 04/12/2024 | ||
| DISCRIMINATION: GENDER ID.;SEXUAL ORIENT. | REPRESENTATIVE ARMSTRONG |
(H) JUD | 04/26/2023 | ||
| PROFESSION OF PHARMACY | REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE |
CHAPTER 15 SLA 23 | 07/06/2023 | ||
| RESTORATIVE JUSTICE ACCT APPROPRIATIONS | REPRESENTATIVE COULOMBE |
(S) FIN | 05/12/2024 | ||
| UTILITIES: RENEWABLE PORTFOLIO STANDARD | REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER |
WITHDRAWN | 05/10/2024 | ||
| REJECT COMPENSATION COMM RECOMMENDATIONS | REPRESENTATIVE RUFFRIDGE |
(H) STA | 03/27/2023 | ||
| LOANS UNDER $25,000; PAYDAY LOANS | REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT |
(S) FIN | 05/09/2024 | ||
| RETIRED TEACHER CERTIFICATE | REPRESENTATIVE DIBERT |
(H) FIN | 03/27/2024 | ||
| PROCLAIM JUNETEENTH DAY A HOLIDAY | REPRESENTATIVE WRIGHT |
(H) L&C | 05/12/2023 | ||
| FAFSA RAFFLE | REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT |
(H) JUD | 04/14/2023 | ||
| PFAS: USE FOR FIREFIGHTING, DISPOSAL | REPRESENTATIVE STAPP |
(H) FIN | 05/08/2023 | ||
| SCHOOLS:OVERDOSE DRUGS, CORRESPOND PRGRMS | REPRESENTATIVE D.JOHNSON |
CHAPTER 47 SLA 24 | 08/30/2024 | ||
| TEACHERS:OUT-OF-STATE EXPERIENCE, RETIRED | REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT |
CHAPTER 36 SLA 24 | 08/26/2024 | ||
| TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR LAPSED NURSE LICENSE | REPRESENTATIVE PRAX |
CHAPTER 19 SLA 24 | 07/29/2024 | ||
| HOMEMADE FOODS; AGRICULTURAL LOANS | REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER |
CHAPTER 34 SLA 24 | 08/24/2024 | ||
| DISASTER RELIEF GRANTS; HARBOR FACILITIES | REPRESENTATIVE STORY |
CHAPTER 50 SLA 24 | 08/30/2024 | ||
| JOINT TASK FORCE: LABOR, RETENTION, TRAIN | REPRESENTATIVE SUMNER |
(S) RLS | 03/20/2023 | ||
| HONORING THE ALASKA-KOREA RELATIONSHIP | REPRESENTATIVE MINA |
LEGIS RESOLVE 4 | 03/31/2023 | ||
| ADDRESS AIR POLLUTION IN FAIRBANKS | REPRESENTATIVE STAPP |
LEGIS RESOLVE 7 | 07/20/2023 | ||
| LIMITING TERMS OF STATE LEGISLATORS | REPRESENTATIVE GRAY |
(H) JUD | 03/22/2023 | ||
| RESTORE EXPANDED CHILD TAX CREDIT | REPRESENTATIVE DIBERT |
(H) HSS | 05/08/2023 | ||
| SUPPORT FED TRUTH AND HEALING COMMISSION | REPRESENTATIVE MCCORMICK |
LEGIS RESOLVE 30 | 09/23/2024 | ||
| SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFIT REDUCTION REPEAL | REPRESENTATIVE GALVIN |
LEGIS RESOLVE 35 | 09/23/2024 | ||
| HUNTING/TRAPPING/FISHING: DISABLED VETS | SENATOR KIEHL |
CHAPTER 4 SLA 23 | 05/24/2023 | ||
| LUMBER GRADING PROGRAM | SENATOR BJORKMAN |
CHAPTER 26 SLA 23 | 08/30/2023 | ||
| RETIREMENT SYSTEMS; DEFINED BENEFIT OPT. | SENATOR GIESSEL |
(H) STA | 02/05/2024 | ||
| MISSING/MURDERED INDIGENOUS PEOPLE;REPORT | SENATOR OLSON |
CHAPTER 53 SLA 24 | 09/03/2024 | ||
| COMMUNITY ENERGY FACILITIES | SENATOR WIELECHOWSKI |
CHAPTER 29 SLA 24 | 08/13/2024 | ||
| ALASKA VETERANS' POPPY DAY | SENATOR DUNBAR |
CHAPTER 59 SLA 24 | 09/11/2024 | ||
| AMEND ALASKA NATIVE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT ACT | SENATOR DUNBAR |
LEGIS RESOLVE 29 | 09/23/2024 |