All three lawmakers from the 34th District will host a town hall meeting to talk about the 2009 session and what future steps our state should take.

"This wasn't an easy session," said Sen. Joe McDermott, D-West Seattle. "The budget cuts will be hard on everyone, and I know people were already worried about losing their job or their home. But this won't last forever. It will take all of us, working together, to bring our state back to prosperity."

The meeting is set for 10 a.m. May 16 at the Jim Wiley Community Center, 9800 Eighth Ave. S.W.

"There's nothing more important than hearing from the citizens we represent," said Rep. Eileen Cody, D-West Seattle. "It's nice to be back home and talking to real people at the grocery store or the coffee shop."

The lawmakers returned home after the end of the legislature's 105-day session. The legislature passed a balanced budget, but left a handful of bills uncompleted that might require a short special session.

"While the budget got all the attention, we did pass some tough reforms," said Rep. Sharon Nelson, D-Vashon Island. "I am happy to report that the payday lending law that I sponsored passed and is heading to the governor's desk. As a former banker, I cared about this issue because far too many young people and working families fall into an endless trap of debt when they start taking out payday loans. This law will help."

Sen. Joe McDermott - 360-786-7667 - mcdermott.joe@leg.wa.gov

Rep. Eileen Cody - 360-786-7978 - cody.eileen@leg.wa.gov

Rep. Sharon Nelson - 360-786-7952 - nelson.sharon@leg.wa.gov