Brian Rusche, executive director of the Joint Religious Legislative Coalition, will speak about the state budget at an interfaith legislative advocacy event at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 at St. Olaf Lutheran Church in Austin.

He will outline problems facing Minnesota’s budget landscape and key points of Gov. Mark Dayton’s proposed budget, which includes plans for new revenue.

Rusche will present JRLC’s legislative priorities for the 2013 session, which include the Family Economic Security Act, affordable housing and services for victims of human trafficking.

Attendees will be able to ask questions and participate in small group discussions with fellow faith-based advocates. Part of the evening will include practicing legislative advocacy skills such as writing letters to the editor and contacting legislators.

A light supper will be provided. This event is sponsored by JRLC and Invest in Minnesota. The largest and most inclusive interfaith public interest group in Minnesota, JRLC works to shape state policy. Invest in Minnesota is a coalition of faith communities and labor and nonprofit organizations committed to raising revenue.