MOBILE, Ala. — Alabama State Sen. Vivian Davis Figures will host a Citizens Empowerment Meeting on Tuesday (Dec. 8), starting at 6:30 p.m., in the auditorium at Government Plaza in downtown Mobile. Concerned citizens are invited to attend to hear from Sen. Figures and other invited local elected officials, community leaders, state officials and representatives of community organizations on a number of issues facing the area.

Figures said that she would be addressing the stateʼs budget process and revenue projections that the legislature will have to work with in the coming year.

Senate Fiscal Officer Norris Green from the Alabama Fiscal Legislative Office will be on hand to discuss budget and revenue issues as well as the Alabama Prepaid Affordable College Tuition (PACT) program.

Among other topics to be addressed are the stateʼs education system, community gardens and more.

"My hope is that we can have some conversations about the issues that concern our citizens the most," Figures said, "including education, the economy, youth violence and health-related issues. But I want us to do more than just talk; Iʼm hoping to make this an opportunity for people to take an active stance and to be empowered to address these issues."

Citizens are urged to e-mail their concerns or questions ahead of time to Sen. Figures at vivian.figures@al-legislature.gov.

Figures has served in the Alabama State Senate since 1997 and currently serves as chair of both the Senate Education Committee and the Mobile Senate Local Delegation. She is a member of the Finance and Taxation Education Trust Fund Committee.