Massachusetts, like virtually every other state, has faced severe revenue shortfalls for the last couple of years, and faces more of the same for the next few.

What has been the impact of this fiscal crisis on vital programs and services that the state provides or funds?  What are the prospects for the next few years?  And what can we, as concerned citizens, do to ensure that needed services are preserved and restored?

On Jan 24th, PDM will have a briefing on the challenges facing the Commonwealth and activist citizens in a time of declining revenues.

Where:    Cary Memorial Library, 1874 Massachusetts Avenue, Lexington in the downstairs large meeting room.

When:    Sunday, January 24, 2010

Time:    1:30 pm to 4:30 pm  (Library doors open at 1 PM.  Program will begin promptly at 1:30.)

The program will be in two parts.  The first will be informational:  We will have a speaker from the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center, who will discuss the state's fiscal situation, its causes, and its prospects.  And a second speaker, from Community Teamwork, a Lowell-based provider of services for low-income families, will describe some of the direct impacts of state budget cuts.

The second part of the meeting will be focused on action:  How can concerned citizens become effective grassroots activists and advance solutions to the state's fiscal crisis that further progressive values?  How can PDM play a constructive role in supporting and coordinating citizen activism.  We will discuss effective organizing strategies, and plan a specific action agenda.