Jean Cowan

Jean Cowan served in the Oregon House of Representatives from 2006 through 2012.

During her first term, Jean brought her experience as a Lincoln County Commissioner for 12 years and as Elgin Mayor and City Councilor to the state legislative process. She authored legislation to protect Oregon’s innovative long-term care system for seniors and people with disabilities and was appointed to chair the House Human Services & Women's Wellness Subcommittee on Seniors & People with Disabilities in 2008.

During the 2009 Legislative Session, Jean served as chair of the House Committee on Veterans & Emergency Services. She also served on three other House committees – Land Use, Consumer Protection, and Human Services, and continued her work with senior issues, as well.

During the 2009-2010 interim between legislative sessions, Jean continues to chair the House Committee on Veterans & Emergency Services. She also serves on both the Human Services and Consumer Protection & Government Accountability interim committees, as well as the Governor's Council on Alcohol & Drug Abuse Programs, Governor's Commission on Senior Services, Governor's Homeland Security Council, and the Women Veterans Task Force.

While serving as Lincoln County Commissioner, Jean was appointed by two Governors to the Oregon Seismic Safety Policy Advisory Council, the Oregon Health Council, the Oregon Public Health Advisory Board, and other advisory bodies.  Jean also worked extensively with the nonpartisan League of Women Voters to produce in-depth studies on education policy, and she served on the bipartisan Board of Directors for both the League of Oregon Cities and the Association of Oregon Counties.