The Oregon Legislative Veterans Caucus, a bipartisan body dedicated to advancing policies that benefit the state’s veterans, service members, and their families, is undergoing a leadership transition. Representative Paul Evans (D–Monmouth), a U.S. Air Force veteran with decades of military and public service experience, has been appointed as the new Co-Chair.
The caucus, which brings together lawmakers from both chambers and across party lines, focuses on developing and promoting legislation aimed at improving access to health care, housing, employment, education, and other resources for Oregon’s veteran community. Evans succeeds Representative Thuy Tran (D–Portland), who is stepping back from the position to concentrate on her role as Chair of the House Committee on Emergency Management, General Government, and Veterans, as well as her continuing service in the National Guard.
Tran, who has held the co-chair role for several years, has been recognized for her work on veteran-related issues during her tenure. Under her leadership, the caucus advanced measures to improve access to benefits, address mental health needs, and support veterans transitioning to civilian life. She will remain an active member of the caucus, continuing to contribute her expertise to veteran policy discussions.
Evans, known for his long-standing advocacy for veterans’ issues, previously served as an officer in the U.S. Air Force and has been involved in numerous initiatives supporting military families. In the legislature, he has championed policies aimed at strengthening behavioral health services for veterans, improving housing stability, and ensuring equitable access to education and employment opportunities.
The leadership change comes as the caucus prepares for the 2026 legislative session. One of its primary legislative priorities will be the Veterans Supplemental Services Omnibus Bill, a comprehensive package designed to address multiple aspects of veteran well-being. Provisions in the bill include expanded behavioral health services, enhanced transition programs for service members reentering civilian life, housing stability initiatives, and measures to ensure equal access to benefits across Oregon’s diverse veteran population.
Evans has emphasized that the caucus’s mission extends beyond symbolic gestures, stating that the work ahead will be measured in tangible outcomes. His approach focuses on collaborative policymaking that draws input from veterans, service organizations, and community members to ensure proposed solutions reflect real-world needs.
Looking forward, the caucus also plans to strengthen its operational capacity by hiring a dedicated caucus administrator before the 2026 session. This move is intended to streamline communication, coordinate legislative efforts, and ensure that veteran-related bills receive consistent advocacy throughout the legislative process.
The Oregon Legislative Veterans Caucus, composed of members from both political parties, has long served as a platform for developing consensus-based policies that transcend partisan divides. Its work covers a broad range of issues, from mental health and medical care to housing assistance and workforce development, with the overarching goal of helping veterans thrive in civilian life.
Community members, veterans, and their families are encouraged to share ideas and experiences with the caucus in the coming months. According to caucus leaders, these contributions are vital in crafting policies that accurately address the challenges facing Oregon’s veteran population.