Local legislators and lobbyists will address concerns about the status of women in Iowa and state budget deficits tonight in the Sun Room of the Memorial Union.

Charlotte Nelson, executive director of the Commission on the Status of Women; Sen. Johnie Hammond, D-Ames; and professional lobbyist Judie Hoffman will speak and answer questions about “Surviving the Legislative Session” beginning at 8 p.m.

“Anyone who has concerns about the budget may ask questions of Sen. Hammond,” said Pat Miller, lectures program coordinator.

The forum will also be of particular interest to women, she said, speakers will address issues pertaining to women and their status in society.

Hammond will speak about women’s issues and budget problems and answer questions from the audience.

“I’ll be focusing on the present state of the state with an emphasis on women’s issues,” she said. “I plan to give a historical sketch of the deficit, since I’ve been here through it all.”

Hammond said the way the deficit is impacting women and children in Iowa also will be discussed.

“Charlotte Nelson will be talking about how the legislative session will be dealing with women’s issues,” she said.