Alliance prepares for Legislative session

The Religious Alliance in Nevada will conduct a forum Feb. 6-7 to hear from legislators and others in state government about issues facing lawmakers.

The forum begins at 2 p.m. Feb. 6 at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Carson City. It continues Feb. 7 at First United Methodist Church, with breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a presentation on advocacy and lobbying by RAIN lobbyist Larry Struve at 8:45 a.m.

RAIN has represented five Christian bodies before the Legislature for more than eight years. It is strictly nonpartisan and does not endorse candidates, but studies issues on dealing with justice, corrections, poverty, child welfare and families and health care and testifies on them before legislative committees.

"Legislators want to hear what people's views are," said Robert Payant, president of the RAIN board. "I think the public's attendance makes a difference in (legislators') thinking."

The five faiths that have taken position on issues with unanimous views are the Episcopal Diocese of Nevada, Lutheran Advocacy Ministry in Nevada, Nevada Catholic Conference and the Presbyterian Church (USA) Nevada Presbytery.

RAIN is interested in dozens of bills active for the session. Parishioners of all faiths and non-Christians are encouraged to attend the forum as well as the legislative session.

Payant said he was encouraged to hear Gov. Guinn's State of the State address with plans to increase funding for mental health care.

"I'm very supportive of that," he said. "We (RAIN) are interested in the area of health care. Our keynote speaker Feb. 6 is Dr. Joseph Jarvis. He will speak on health-care issues.

"Anyone is welcome to attend the forum. They don't have to be a Christian. We're interested in social justice kind of issues."

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.

IF YOU GO

What: Religious Alliance in Nevada 2005 Legislative Forum

When: Feb. 6: 2-6:30 p.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1201 N. Saliman Road; a worship service and devotional is at 7 p.m.

Feb. 7: 8 a.m. to noon at First United Methodist Church, 204 N. Minnesota St.

Cost: $25 (includes meals)

Call: 747-3446