Post-session legislative forum slated for May 21

Now that the 2013 Legislature has wrapped up, two groups that helped people connect with lawmakers during the session are holding an after-session forum to hear a recap of the work in Helena.

The Havre Area Chamber of Commerce and Bear Paw Development Corp., who sponsored a mid-session forum in Havre Feb. 28, are sponsoring the post-session forum, set for Tuesday, May 21.

"We already have commitments from most of our area's legislative delegation to attend this post-session event, so I think this will be very helpful in determining what the 2013 Montana Legislature meant for the residents and communities of northern Montana," Paul Tuss, executive director of Bear Paw Development, said in a press release announcing the forum. "It will also be a great opportunity to hear first-hand from our elected officials about their priorities and accomplishments during the legislative session."

Debbie Vandeberg, executive director of the Havre Chamber, said next week's forum is designed as a follow-up to the forum held during the Legislature's mid-session transmittal break.

"The outpouring of community interest in the forum during the Legislature's transmittal break was outstanding," Vandeberg said in the release. "In February, we had standing-room only and there was great interest in what was happening in Helena. Now that the session is adjourned, our area legislators will be able to report on their work and the impact of that work on the people, businesses and communities of the Hi-Line."

The forum, scheduled to start at 6 p.m. May 21 in the Hill County Electric Hospitality Room at 2121 U.S. Highway 2 NW just past the Holiday Village Mall, will include presentations by the participating legislators and a time for questions from audience members.

"This will also be an opportunity to thank these hard-working public servants for their time and dedication to making sure that the interests of our region are properly represented in Helena during the Legislature and for fighting for the ongoing vitality of rural Montana," Tuss said.

For more information about the legislative forum, people can contact the Havre Chamber at 265-4383 or Bear Paw Development at 265-9226.