After a 2011 Texas legislative session that saw dramatic cuts in public school funding affecting educators, parents and students, members of the East Texas American Federation of Teachers want to educate the voting public.

The Lufkin-based teacher organization will host a state representative candidate forum from 6-8 p.m. today at the Lufkin Middle School Multipurpose Room, 900 E. Denman Ave. in Lufkin.

According to organizers, forum participants will have the opportunity to meet and ask questions of Republican state representative candidates Trent Ashby of Lufkin and Rep. Marva Beck of Centerville, learn about the candidates’ stands on public school issues, and receive updated information on voting dates, locations and other pertinent topics.

Stephen Wright, Texas American Federation of Teachers field representative for the East Texas Regional Office, said the main purpose of the forum is to let the candidates know the issues that teachers are facing in public education.