Issues in the 2010 Kentucky General Assembly will be among subjects discussed at the Catholics @ The Capitol conference Feb. 22 and 23 in Frankfort, Ky.

The event, sponsored by the Catholic Conference of Kentucky, will be held at Good Shepherd Church, 1050 Leestown Road, in Frankfort.

The program begins at 1 p.m. Feb. 22 with a discussion of basic lobbying techniques. Following an opening prayer, there will be a briefing on legislative issues.

Mass will be held at 6 p.m., followed by a dinner and a panel presentation on “The Poor People of Kentucky and the State Budget.”

On Feb. 23 participants will have the opportunity to meet with legislators at the Capitol on the issues.

Bob Castagna, Catholic conference executive director, said in a letter that issues “to be advocated” include the state budget, ultrasound informed consent before an abortion, a payday loan interest cap, exempting those with severe mental illness from the death penalty, and tax reform.

Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz of Louisville and Bishop Ronald W. Gainer of Lexington will attend the gathering and will concelebrate the liturgy on Feb. 22.

The registration fee for the conference is $40 per person. For information and registration, contact the Catholic Conference of Kentucky at 502-875-4345.