The Indiana University East Alumni Association and the Whitewater Valley Chapter of the IU Alumni Association will co-host a Friday legislative forum once a month now through April, allowing the community an in-person discussion with state legislators who represent Wayne County.

The first legislative forum will be held from 8-9 a.m. on Friday, January 21, in the Springwood Hall Graf Center and will include Senator Allen Paul, Representative Tom Knollman, and Representative Tom Saunders.

The forums are free and open to the public. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided.

“I think it’s great to have these forums at Indiana University East for our local legislators to share the goings-on at the Statehouse and how it will affect communities like ours,” said Matt Grafflin, Whitewater Valley Chapter of the IU Alumni Association board president.  “As an active community member, I hope IU alumni and other citizens take advantage of these forums as a means of being more engaged in the future of Wayne County.”

Each elected official will have an opportunity to give opening remarks on the 2011 session of the Indiana General Assembly and any legislation of interest.  The forum will then be opened for a question-and-answer period with the audience, moderated by Dale McConnaughay, Viewpoints/Community Conversation Editor at the Palladium-Item.

Upcoming legislative forums will be held as followed at IU East.

•    Friday, January 21, 8-9 a.m, Graf Center, Springwood Hall
•    Friday, February 18, 8-9 a.m., Graf Center, Springwood Hall
•    Friday, March 18, 8-9 a.m., Vivian Auditorium, Whitewater Hall
•    Friday, April 8, 8-9 a.m., Graf Center, Springwood Hall

For more information, contact Terry Wiesehan, IU East director of Alumni Relations and Campus Events, at (765) 973-8221 or twieseha@iue.edu.