SIMI VALLEY : National Forums Focus on Health, Economic Issues

The local National Issues Forum will offer Ventura County residents a chance to discuss three of the nation’s most critical issues: health care, the economy and the state of democracy.

The annual three-night series will begin Tuesday with a forum entitled “The Health Care Crisis: Containing Costs, Expanding Coverage.” That forum, along with two others slated for Wednesday and Thursday nights, will be held between 7 and 9:30 p.m. in the auditorium of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, 40 Presidential Drive in Simi Valley.

The National Issues Forums is a national nonpartisan association of universities, continuing education programs, community colleges, libraries, senior citizen centers and other groups striving to educate the public on domestic policy issues.

Participants are asked to fill out anonymous ballots at the end of the sessions. The ballots express opinions that are later summarized and given to the committees in Congress that deal with the matter. They also permit average citizens to have a direct channel to policy-makers in Washington, D. C.

On Tuesday, Robert H. Finch, who served as U. S. Secretary of Health Education and Welfare under former President Richard M. Nixon, will present his views on the state of U. S. health care. Attendees will get study books that offer four major solutions to health-care problems and will watch a video.

Wednesday’s forum is entitled “Prescription for Prosperity: Four Paths to Economic Renewal.” Groups of participants will explore the question of which long-term measures would encourage long-term economic prosperity.

Thursday’s forum, “People and Politics: Who Should Govern?” will feature speaker Caren Daniels-Meade, California’s assistant secretary of state. Participants will discuss how to reconnect citizens with politics.

There is no admission charge. Reservations can be made by calling 523-7602.