The economic slowdown and its effects on local citizens is the topic of a town hall meeting to be hosted by state Rep. Al Williams Thursday.
The session — 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the county annex building — will, “send a message to everyone in the state about how important this is. And we know there are alternatives, and the alternatives should be examined.”
The general economic downturn cut sharply into state revenues and brought furlough days for teachers and state employees and cutbacks in projects and services as officials tried to cut spending.
Williams said he had invited representatives of various state departments to be present, provide information and answer questions, but he was not sure who would attend.
“I can understand that employees’ travel is one of the things they would look at when forced to cut budgets,” the Midway Democrat said. “On the other hand, officials need to be able to come and talk with citizens in times like these.”
Williams said he does expect Rep. Ron Stephens, a Republican who represents part of Liberty County, to attend Thursday. As a member of the majority party, Stephens sits on the powerful Appropriations, Rules and Ways and Means committees. Stephens chairs the economic development and tourism committee upon which Williams serves.
Stephens said he had a very heavy schedule Thursday, but hoped to attend, even if a little late.
The session — 6:30 p.m. in the upstairs meeting room at the county annex building — will, “send a message to everyone in the state about how important this is. And we know there are alternatives, and the alternatives should be examined.”
The general economic downturn cut sharply into state revenues and brought furlough days for teachers and state employees and cutbacks in projects and services as officials tried to cut spending.
Williams said he had invited representatives of various state departments to be present, provide information and answer questions, but he was not sure who would attend.
“I can understand that employees’ travel is one of the things they would look at when forced to cut budgets,” the Midway Democrat said. “On the other hand, officials need to be able to come and talk with citizens in times like these.”
Williams said he does expect Rep. Ron Stephens, a Republican who represents part of Liberty County, to attend Thursday. As a member of the majority party, Stephens sits on the powerful Appropriations, Rules and Ways and Means committees. Stephens chairs the economic development and tourism committee upon which Williams serves.
Stephens said he had a very heavy schedule Thursday, but hoped to attend, even if a little late.