“Reality Meets Rhetoric: The Hidden Costs of State Budget Cuts” will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, April 7, at Boutwells Landing Care Center Auditorium in Oak Park Heights. Guests may enter either from the main entrance on the South side at 5600 Norwich Parkway or from the North side at 13575 58th Street. The 58th Street entrance will be closer to the Auditorium, but there will be more parking near the Norwich entrance.

The citizens’ forum is sponsored by the Progressive Action Alliance of Washington County, formerly River Valley Action.

Panelists will include:

• P. Jay Kiedrowski, former Minnesota Commissioner of Finance and current Senior Fellow at the Humphrey School of Public Affairs, providing a budget overview;
• Dan Papin, director of Washington County Community Services, speaking on human services;
• Mary Cecconi, executive director, Parents United for Public Schools, speaking on education; and
• Dr. Jim Hart, catalyst for health system change, speaking on health care.

The presentation will be interactive with ample time for questions. Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet fellow participants from their own Senate district to discuss the three issues and effective action steps.

All Washington County residents are invited and encouraged to attend this FREE event. Light refreshments will be provided.

Questions? E-mail the Progressive Action Alliance.