Forums will cover ballot, economic justice issues

Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church will host five speakers in September and October who will address economic justice and ballot issues. The talks will be held Sundays at 9:30 a.m.

Scott Wasserman, executive director of the Bell Policy Center, addressed “The Middle Class Squeeze” on Sept. 15.

“Surprise Medical Bills and Soaring Health Costs” is the Sept. 22 focus of Stephanie Arenales, who manages the Consumer Assistance Program, and Deb Judy, who is policy director of the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative. They will discuss legislative changes to address the issue of unexpected hospital charges and the help CCHI provides to people struggling with health care costs.

“Issues on the Colorado Ballot” will be explained Sept. 29 by a speaker from the League of Women Voters of Colorado. The speaker will bring the popular Ballot Issues pamphlets that share the pros and cons of the issues on this year’s ballot. Election day is Nov. 5.

“Love Your Neighbor – Equity in Denver Public Schools” will be discussed Oct. 13 by speakers from Park Hill Neighbors for Equity in Education, a group that is working to provide more equity in northeast Denver schools.

On Oct. 20, Paolo Diaz, poverty reduction and outreach manager, will describe “How Adams County is Addressing the Challenge of Poverty.” The county’s five-year plan addresses housing options, including tiny homes and steps to help residents build resiliency.

All programs are free and open to the public. The Contemporary Issues Forum meets in the McCollum Room of Montview Boulevard Presbyterian Church, 1980 Dahlia St. in northeast Denver.