Virginia State Senator Hanger, Jr., Delegates Bell, Landes, and Van Yahres, and 25th District senatorial candidate Deeds will participate in a panel discussion on upcoming legislative issues related to children and their families. An open forum will follow during which citizens will be encouraged to express their opinions and concerns. Areas of discussion will include top funding priorities for this year, as well as issues such as affordable child-care, high needs children in our community, mental health, and early childhood development.

Sponsored by Piedmont CASA, the Charlottesville/ Albemarle Commission on Children and Families, the League of Women Voters, and the UVA School of Law Public Service Center, the forum hopes to elicit the views of area citizens and sponsor open dialogue between citizens and their elected representatives. A reception including refreshments will follow, during which citizens can meet informally with panel participants and discuss specific concerns. Limited parking is available at Millmont School on Arlington Boulevard with overflow parking at University Hall (shuttle provided). In the case of inclement weather, the forum will follow the school-closing schedule of the Charlottesville Public Schools. Participants should arrive early for optimum seating and to allow for parking.