If you've been reading the newspaper, listening to the radio or watching the evening news, you know by now that the Utah State Legislature is getting ready for a busy - and potentially troublesome! - session.

The 2009 Legislative Session starts on Monday, January 26 - and you need to be aware of the pending legislative action that will impact your civil liberties. The ACLU of Utah staff will be joined by State Representative Rebecca Chavez-Houck to guide you through the ins-and-outs of the legislature and will illuminate the government actions that impact YOUR RIGHTS.

If you are at all concerned about:

• IMMIGRATION: The government's response to immigration in general, and SB81 in particular, demands a strong response from the public before SB81 goes into effect THIS JULY.


• REPRODUCTIVE FREEDOM: Perhaps you've heard about the legislative attempt to define certain abortions as "criminal homicide?"


• YOUR RIGHT TO VOTE: There is a chance to make positive changes to our state election laws, reducing the threat that people will be turned away from the voting booth on Election Days!


• LGBT EQUALITY: The Common Ground Initiative needs your support to survive this session!

...then you need to be at the "Lobby for Liberty" Legislative Training at the ACLU of Utah on Thursday, February 5, from 6:00 to 7:30. All materials will be provided - as will refreshing snacks and beverages!

RSVPs are appreciated but not required - you should feel free to bring a friend for company or to educate them about important civil liberties issues in this state!

For more information, contact Public Policy Advocate Barbara Swzeda at bszweda@acluutah.org or (801) 521-9862.