ROYAL OAK – On Friday, March 18, State Representative Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak) will host a roundtable discussion with local school and municipal leaders and residents to discuss the impact of the Governor’s proposed budget on our community. The event will focus on the importance of schools and cities in Michigan’s economic rebirth as the state works to become more competitive in the 21st century economy and attract good-paying jobs to our state. Invited panel members will discuss topics including the impact of the proposed cuts on graduation rates, cities’ attempt to re-invent themselves and Michigan’s brain drain problem.

WHO: State Representative Jim Townsend (D-Royal Oak); Michigan State Board of Education President John Austin; and local mayors, city managers, school superintendents, teachers, parents and lawmakers.

WHERE: Royal Oak Administration/Board of Education Office, Board Room, 1123 Lexington Blvd., Royal Oak

WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon, Friday, March 18