State Rep. Norma Smith, R-Clinton, will host a telephone town hall for the 10th Legislative District this week.

Residents around the district are invited to call in, ask questions and learn more about the 2010 legislative agenda.

The telephone town hall is from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 7; people call in toll-free at 1-877-229-8493, then enter PIN 14881.

Organizers said the program works much like a call-in radio show, where participants ask questions of Smith during the hour.

“After months of meeting with residents throughout the district and hearing about the many challenges families and employers face, I decided to organize another community call to get the latest thoughts from constituents on taxes, the budget and anything else that is on their minds prior to the start of the legislative session,” Smith said.

Callers’ questions will provide the topics for the call, Smith said. The lawmaker also said she will give a brief update on the state budget and the issues she will be working on during the legislative session, including her pro-jobs agenda.

“I welcome any and all legislative questions,” Smith said. “If I don’t have the answer, I will find the information and follow up with constituents. Since I am not sending out a printed pre-session newsletter due to budget concerns, I want to make sure everyone knows I am accessible.”

Constituents who cannot participate on the call, but have questions or ideas, can contact Smith directly at 360-786-7884, toll-free at 1-800-562-6000 or via e-mail at Smith.Norma@leg.wa.gov.