SACRAMENTO, CA — A bipartisan group of California legislators and veteran leaders today announced the formation of the California Legislative Veterans Caucus, an initiative dedicated to honoring, supporting, and promoting the wellbeing of veterans and military families across California.

The caucus will serve as a collaborative forum focused on recognizing the service and sacrifice of veterans while advancing awareness and engagement on issues affecting the military community throughout the state.

The caucus members include: 

• Senator Caroline Menjivar, Co-Chair (USMC)

• Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, Co-Chair (USMC)

• Senator Shannon Grove (Air Force)

• Senator Bob Archuleta (Army)

• Senator Tom Umberg (Army)

In creation of the Caucus, a foundation was formed as the Legislative Veterans Caucus, a 501(c)(3), and the board members include:

• Senator Caroline Menjivar, Co-Chair (USMC)

• Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, Co-Chair (USMC)

• Tom D'Agostino, Secretary

The following statements were shared by members of the California Legislative Veterans Caucus:

Senator Tom Umberg (D-Orange County):

 “I applaud the “can do” attitude of Sen. Caroline Menjivar and Assemblyman Gonzalez taking the point on this mission. As a veteran, husband of a veteran, father of a veteran and son-in-law of a veteran, I am acutely aware of our continuing responsibility on behalf of the people of California to honor and support those who made sacrifices for our nation and their families. I am honored to join my brothers and sisters-in-arms to pledge our continuing commitment to those who served us all.”

Senator Caroline Menjivar (D–San Fernando Valley), USMC, Co-Chair:

“For the first time in California’s history, we are establishing the Legislative Veterans Caucus. Even as the state with the largest veteran population, our veterans and service members in California are leaving at alarming rates due to an affordability crisis at every level - especially in housing and childcare. Your California veteran legislators are working as a united bipartisan body, committed to examining every avenue possible to champion issues that will uplift our veterans out of homelessness and advocate for long-term policy change for those who served.”

Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez (R-Indio), Co-Chair:

“As a veteran, it is an honor to help lead the formation of the California Legislative Veterans Caucus,” said Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez. “Those who served our nation deserve recognition and support not just in words, but through continued engagement and community partnership. This caucus will help bring people together to celebrate service and ensure veterans and military families remain a valued part of California’s communities.”

Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield):

 “As the first female veteran elected to the California State Legislature, I have had the incredible honor of representing and advocating for the needs of our veterans and service members,” said Senator Shannon Grove. “I look forward to carrying these priorities forward as I serve on the California Legislative Veterans Caucus, advancing policies that honor their service, improving services for those who have worn the uniform, and strengthening the relationship between our state legislature and the veteran community.”

Senator Bob Archuleta (D-Pico Rivera):

“The formation of the California Legislative Veterans Caucus represents a meaningful step forward in our ongoing commitment to those who have served our nation. As Chair of the Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, I am proud to support this bipartisan effort to elevate the voices of our veterans and military families. This caucus will strengthen collaboration, raise awareness, and help ensure that California continues to lead in honoring the service and sacrifice of our military community.” 

###