Forum for change in down economy on The Murfreesboro Post

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Forum for change in down economy

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Posted: Monday, March 23, 2009 11:02 am

A group of citizens and community activists from Rutherford County and Middle Tennessee are coming together to hold a public forum entitled The Economic Crisis: Options for Change.

The forum will take place from 4-6 p.m. Sunday, March 29 in the Patterson Park Community Center Meeting Hall, 521 Mercury Blvd.

The group was propelled into action by current conditions. The unemployment rate in Tennessee is now 8.6 percent, one point higher than the national average. Foreclosures on homes are increasing. The stock market is volatile. The state of Tennessee is one billion dollars in the hole and the Governor is asking for large cuts in most departments of state government.

MTSU may layoff over 400 employees and cut 48 majors, which would have a ripple effect on the economy of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County.   

Issues that will be discussed at the forum will include the effect of Obama’s stimulus package on the local economy, healthcare, taxation, K-12 education, the impact of proposed cuts to higher education, the Employee Free Choice Act, jobs, and creating a sustainable future. An open discussion will follow a series of presentations on these issues.

Scheduled speakers are: 

- Andy Spears, Stand for Children 

- Bill Howell, Tennesseans for Fair Taxation 

- Siobhan Sargent, Jobs with Justice 

- Rev. Leon Corder, Jobs with Justice 

- Rico X, Health Care for America Now 

- Michael O’Rourke, United Auto Workers Local 1853 

- A representative from Coalition to Save Our Schools (MTSU) 

- Joan Hill, United Steelworkers 

- Margaret Scrivens, Lifelong Activist 

- Nell Levin, Tennessee Alliance for Progress  

The public forum was organized by Murfreesboro Community Organizers, a group of volunteers who worked to get Obama elected to the White House. 

The Forum is free and open to the public and all are encouraged to attend. For more information, go to www.murfreesborocommunityorganizers.com.

Tagged under Event

Member Opinions:

By: barrettbear on 3/23/09
Bottom line of meeting: Economy is in a mess, what you can do, what you can not do, and suggestions on how to get through these tough economic times.

Buy dry beans, potatoes, flour, meal and milk and head home. Oh, do not forget onions to go with that bowl of beans and cornbread.