The event, to be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Baton Rouge beginning at 10 a.m., will feature a panel discussion titled, "Focus on the Legislative Session, the Challenges Facing Louisiana."  Also scheduled to participate are Sen. Sharon Weston Broome, Rep. Walt Leger III, and journalist John Maginnis.  The panel will be moderated by Shauna Sanford of Louisiana Public Broadcasting.  Following the panel discussion, the keynote speaker at the noon luncheon will be Andrea Seabrook, Congressional Correspondent for National Public Radio.

"The topics we will discuss tomorrow will no doubt center around the state's budget and the anticipated shortfall of more than $200 million," Donahue said.  "As chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, I have been leading discussions on our revenue situation and will be heavily involved in finalizing the state's budget before the close of Session in June.

"There are no easy answers to the fiscal issues we are facing, but we are working very hard to pass meaningful legislation and to take necessary steps to protect essential government services without raising taxes.  In the five weeks that remain in the 2012 Session we have many challenges, and the state has difficult decisions to make in the months and years ahead, as well.  I look forward to discussing these and other matters on the panel tomorrow, to hearing others' ideas and input, and to resolving Louisiana's issues in the Legislature."

For more information about the Public Affairs Research Council or tomorrow's event, visit www.PARLouisiana.com.  For more information about Sen. Donahue and to sign up for his e-newsletter, visit www.SenatorJackDonahue.com.