ST. LOUIS - What are the key issues impacting education and jobs in the St. Louis area? How are state funding and current legislation related to workforce development and education affecting our local community?

These questions and more will be among topics discussed at the St. Louis Area Critical Issues Forum: Focus on Education and Jobs, to be held from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, July 30 at THE HEIGHTS: Richmond Heights Community Center & Memorial Library, 8001 Dale Ave., Richmond Heights. Registration begins at 8:15 a.m.

The public is invited to attend this free event, sponsored by University of Missouri Extension and funded by the St. Louis Heritage Foundation.

Participating on the Jobs and Workforce Development Panel from 9 to 10:25 a.m. are Sen. John Loudon (R), District 7; Rep. Clint Zweifel (D), District 78; Rick Beasley, director, Missouri Division of Workforce Development; and Prof. Judith Stallmann, University of Missouri Extension.

Education Panel members presenting from 10:40 a.m. to noon are Sen. Rita Days (D), District 14; Rep. Kathlyn Fares (R), District 91; Dr. Bert Schulte, Deputy Commissioner of Education, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE); and Dr. Linda Henke, Superintendent, Maplewood Richmond Heights School District.

"The forum is an excellent way to let policymakers know what the public is thinking, and for the public to know what policymakers are thinking about these two important issues," said Rosilee Trotta, extension urban youth and family specialist headquartered in St. Louis County and one of the event coordinators. "What a great opportunity to connect powerful and productive forces."

The audience will have an opportunity to ask questions of both panels. Refreshments will be served.
The registration deadline is Monday, July 26. To register or for information, call the St. Louis County Extension Center, 314-615-2911, or visit <http://extension.missouri.edu/stlouis>.

University of Missouri Extension helps improve people's lives with educational programs and research information from the four University of Missouri campuses and Lincoln University.