Sen. Johnson Begins Chemotherapy Treatment

State Sen. Janet Johnson, who serves a district that includes Kanabec County’s three southernmost townships, plus the city of Grasston, confirmed last Friday that she has been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor.

A news release from Johnson’s Capitol office in St. Paul stated that “following successful surgery in July, the third-term senator from North Branch is under the care of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester on an outpatient basis.”

Johnson, the report continued, has begun chemotherapy treatment.

“The outpouring of concern and support from those who have learned of my condition has meant a great deal to me,” Johnson said.

“These kind thoughts have lifted my spirits and strengthened my determination to overcome this challenge.”

“In the coming weeks,” she added, “I will be focusing on treatment and recovery, so that I will be ready for the 2000 legislative session when we convene in February.”

Johnson, 59, was first elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1990 after serving on the North Branch School Board. She has authored legislation in the areas of environmental protection, renewable energy use, and consumer protection.

Johnson is chairwoman of the Senate Transportation Budget Division, where she has been a strong advocate for an improved multimodal transportation system.