(Chicago) … The Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) will highlight key legislative opportunities at a media briefing and public legislative forum on Friday, March 20, 2009, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the office of Mayer Brown LLP, 71 S. Wacker Dr., 32nd Floor, Chicago.
From 11:30 a.m. to noon, members of the media are invited to a private briefing with MPC experts, who will discuss their 2009 policy agenda, Planning for Prosperity (which will be available to reporters on an embargoed basis the week of March 16.) They’ll explain how specific legislative reforms would affect stories currently making headlines, including the housing market and foreclosures, Chicago’s Olympics bid, stimulus funding, and a new state capital investment plan to fund roads, bridges and schools.
From noon to 1:30 p.m., reporters are invited to explore these topics further at MPC’s public legislative forum, Making Sense of Springfield: A Progress Report from the Illinois Senate. The Senate’s newly elected Democratic and Republican leaders, Ill. Senate President John Cullerton (D-Chicago) and Ill. Senate Republican Leader Christine Radogno (R-Lemont) will present their top priorities and discuss the state’s legislative agenda. The topics they will discuss include strengthening regional decision making; funding capital investments in transportation and other infrastructure; addressing growing housing, education, and environmental challenges; and tackling the state’s budget deficit.
A Q & A session with the audience will follow the moderated panel discussion.
MPC is grateful to ComEd, an Exelon Company, generous sponsor of the legislative forum, and to Mayer Brown LLP, site host.
WHAT: MPC 2009 Legislative Media Briefing and Public Legislative Forum
WHEN: Friday, March 20, 2009
11:30 a.m. to noon: Private media briefing
Noon to 1:30 p.m.: Public legislative forum (Lunch will be provided.)
WHERE: Mayer Brown LLP, 71 S. Wacker Dr., Chicago (Enter on Wacker Drive or Franklin Street. Please check in on the 32nd Floor to be directed to both events.)
Both events are free to members of the media. MPC’s 2009 policy agenda, Planning for Prosperity, will be available on an embargoed basis the week of March 16. Reporters who wish to register or to receive a copy of the policy agenda may contact MPC Assistant Communications Director Mandy Burrell Booth, at 312.863.6018 or mburrell@metroplanning.org.