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Local Legislators Gather for Family Forum

Local legislators from both sides of the river are coming together to share ideas on helping families in the Quad City community.

The 19th annual Child Abuse Council Legislative Breakfast and Forum took place Friday, January 13, 2012 at Stoney Creek Inn in Moline, Illinois.

More than 150 people came to the event from organizations like the Child Abuse Council, Family Resources, Inc., and Transitions Mental Health.

Sue Swisher, Executive Director with the Child Abuse Council, says she's focusing this year's message on poverty. According to 2010 U.S. Census data, 18% of U.S. families with children live in poverty. 14% are Iowans and 16% are in Illinois.

Legislative leaders, including State Rep. Pat Verschoore and U.S. Rep. Bobby Schilling, say today's bi-state, bi-partisan conversation is the best way to take some solutions to Springfield and Des Moines.

With state funding sparse, supporters hope they can come up with ideas on how to do more with less.

"I think in this country and in our local communities we're seeing the important of advocacy more and more because tough decisions and tough challenges lie ahead and the public need to make their wishes known," said Swisher.

News 8's Angie Mitchum will have much more on today's legislative forum tonight on News 8 at 5 p.m.

For more information on the organizer of today's event, the Child Abuse Council, go back to WQAD.com and click on the Big Red Box.

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