PRESS RELEASE, NOVEMBER, 2002:
LEGISLATIVE FORUM ON CHILDREN & FAMILIES

CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA -- With potentially significant cuts in funding for education and children’s services looming for the 2003 General Assembly, a coalition of local civic and children’s groups have invited local Virginia State Senators and Delegates to participate in a legislative forum on children and families. The forum will be held Tuesday, December 10, 2002 from 3:00 – 5:30 p.m. in the Caplin Pavilion at the UVA School of Law in Charlottesville.

Virginia State Senator Hanger, Jr., and Delegates Bell, Landes, and Van Yahres will participate in a panel discussion on upcoming legislative issues related to children and their families. Panelists will be asked questions about funding priorities and potential new revenue sources as well as efforts to keep juveniles out of the court system. An open forum will follow and citizens are expected to raise issues concerning remedial education and SOL tests, early childhood development, access to dental care for the poor, the juvenile death penalty, and Medicaid and health care services.

Sponsored by Piedmont CASA, the Charlottesville/ Albemarle Commission on Children and Families and the UVA School of Law Public Service Center, the forum will elicit the views of area citizens and sponsor open dialogue between citizens and their elected representatives. A reception will follow, during which community members can meet informally with legislators to discuss specific concerns.

Parking is available at University Hall (shuttle provided). Participants should arrive early for optimum seating and to allow for parking. In the case of inclement weather, the forum will follow the school-closing schedule of the Charlottesville Public Schools.

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