[12/11/2001] Mississippi’s Legislative Black Caucus will have a presession forum, open to the public, Saturday at the Warren County Courthouse.

“We like to have these around the state on an annual basis and this year we thought Vicksburg would be a good location,” said Sen. Willie Simmons, forum co-chairman, who represents Bolivar and Sunflower counties.

Lawmakers gather in Jackson during the first week in January for a 90-day session, and Simmons said people are welcome to talk to caucus members about any issue from education to redistricting to the state budget. The forum will be from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

“It’s preparation for the 2002 session,” Simmons said.

In addition to delegates to the Legislature, the caucus will have representatives of several executive branch agencies present to answer questions and provide information.

Those present will be from the Department of Human Services, the Mississippi Development Authority, the state Health Department and Division of Medicaid.

Simmons said the three-hour event will provide caucus members a chance to know what is on voters’ minds and provide constituents a chance to get answers to specific questions related to state government.

State Rep. George Flaggs, D-Vicksburg, a member of the caucus, said a similar session was held in Tupelo last Sunday, with about 1,000 people participating.