An Update from Representative Paul Evans

By Paul Evans, For the West Side Newspaper

It is nearly July. Soon our attention will turn to fireworks, parades, and reflections on our shared heritage. This year marks the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Our revolutionary spirit may be a little worn around the edges, but it endures. Few nations have attempted so much good in such a short period of time.

Perhaps this Independence Day offers an opportunity to catch our collective breath and recommit ourselves to our aspirational values. Perhaps it is a chance to renew our commitment to respectful civic engagement, strong communities, and the ongoing work of building a more perfect union.

In the meantime, here is a brief update on what is happening in state government and around our communities.

Legislative Update

The past several weeks have been busy and productive. I recently attended conferences focused on regenerative agriculture, aerospace industrial development, and infrastructure investment. While I was uncertain whether these opportunities would yield tangible benefits for our region, I came away encouraged by several promising partnerships that could benefit both the Mid-Willamette Valley and Oregon as a whole.

The emerging technologies supporting agriculture and the rapidly expanding aerospace sector are particularly impressive. Oregon is well positioned to participate in both if we choose to do so thoughtfully and strategically. I look forward to sharing more details in the months ahead.

Closer to home, legislative work continues on wildfire preparedness, a comprehensive review of Oregon’s public higher education system, and implementation of the Oregon Department of Transportation budget following recent election results.

On transportation, I continue to believe voters have been clear regarding proposals for new fuel-related taxes and fees. Oregon certainly faces transportation funding challenges, but meaningful progress will require a fundamental reset of priorities and expectations. Until that conversation occurs, I remain reluctant to support additional transportation revenue proposals.

Looking Ahead

This week legislators will gather for our regular Legislative Days meetings. These sessions provide updates on recently enacted laws, oversight hearings, and discussions with agency leadership.

We will also celebrate the passage of House Bill 4132, the 2026 Veterans’ Services Supplemental Investments Initiative. This legislation makes several long-term improvements within the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs, including the creation of a new suicide prevention program and grant opportunity.

Nationally, approximately twenty veterans die by suicide each day. In Oregon, we lose a veteran approximately every seven to eight days. Those numbers are unacceptable. This new program is not the final answer, but it is an important first step toward meeting one of the most serious challenges facing the veteran community.

Local Issues

Across our region, communities continue to grapple with growth, housing, and development. We all understand the need for affordable, accessible, and stable housing. At the same time, we value the sense of community that makes our towns special. Finding the right balance will require honest dialogue, transparency, flexibility, and patience.

While growth management is primarily a local responsibility, state policies influence many of the tools available to local governments. To better understand your perspectives, I plan to host several town halls later this summer. I hope you will join the conversation.

Thank you for everything you and your family do to make our community a better place to live. The extra time you devote to your neighbors, schools, service organizations, and local causes matters more than you may realize.

Together we can rekindle the civic spirit that has long defined our community. Together we can build neighborhoods that are safer, stronger, and more livable. But only together.

Respectfully,

Rep. Paul L. Evans