Rep. Garland E. Pierce and Sen. Edward Jones will host a Joint Legislative Study Commission on Poverty Reduction and Economic Recovery hearing at Robeson Community College next week.

The hearing is scheduled for Thursday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

It is intended to allow citizens from the region and across the state to share information with legislators and other commission members about how to reduce poverty and promote economic recovery in the areas of the state with the most need, said Pierce, a Wagram Democrat.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their comments in writing to the hearing for the public record. However, written comments are not required.

"The public hearing will give our constituents the opportunity to give us their recommendations for what they want done at the state level to eliminate poverty and create economic recovery," Pierce said. "I hope that people will feel encouraged to bring their neighbors and friends, so that we can hear what's working well for poverty reduction and what changes and improvements we need to make."

The public hearing is being organized by the co-chairs of the Commission Representative Garland E. Pierce and Senator Edward Jones, along with the assistance of other commission members.

For information or questions contact Mildred Alston at 919-733-5803 or via email at piercela@ncleg.net. Also contact Irma Avent-Hurst at 919-715-3032 or via email at jonesla@ncleg.net.