2024 BILLD Agenda
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Friday, August 23
***Please note the homework assignments listed at the end of today’s agenda***
1:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Registration
Check in at the BILLD registration desk in the Lobby of the Fluno Center.
Anyone arriving at the Fluno Center after 4:30 p.m. will receive their name badge at the opening reception.
4:45 p.m. | Gather in the Fluno Center Atrium
All those attending the opening reception will meet in the Atrium of the Fluno Center for transportation to the opening reception.
4:45 - 5:15 p.m. | Transportation to the Opening Reception
Buses will load for the opening dinner at 4:50 pm, and depart at 5:00 pm.
5:15 - 9:00 p.m. | Opening Reception and Welcome
A reception at the University of Wisconsin’s Alumni Lounge in the Pyle Center and welcoming remarks by leaders of the BILLD program and The Council of State Governments will mark the beginning of the 2024 Bowhay Institute. Also during this opening event, the 2024 BILLD Fellows will introduce themselves to their classmates.
Rep. Laura Faver Dias, Illinois; BILLD Class of 2023
Rep. Anna Moeller, Illinois, BILLD Steering Committee Co-Chair; BILLD Class of 2017
Laura A. Tomaka, Director, The Council of State Governments, Midwestern Office
RESOURCES
BILLD Class of 2024 – Photo Roster
BILLD graduates leading the way in their state legislatures in 2023
(Stateline Midwest Jan 2023)
9:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Networking at Smitty's Study Pub (Fluno Center, 8th Floor)
Enjoy this opportunity to relax and socialize with colleagues.
***HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENTS***
(1) Prompts for Fellows’ Introductions during the Opening Reception
Introduce yourself to your fellow classmates using ONE of these prompts:
- Tell us the best piece of advice you ever received that you’ve been able to apply to your legislative work.
- Tell us about something new or surprising that you have learned about yourself since becoming a legislator.
- Tell us your favorite/funniest/most bizarre campaign/door knocking story.
You will have two minutes to introduce yourself to your fellow classmates (and the two-minute time limit will be strictly enforced)!
(2) Reflection Prompt for Saturday’s Keynote Presentation on “The Principled Politician”
Likely at some point in your professional or political career, you’ve had that moment where your principles crashed up against your reality. Please be prepared to share that memory, how you handled it, and whatever lessons you learned from that situation.
(3) Complete your DiSC personal assessment prior to Sunday’s session at 8:00 am.
DiSC Assessment
(4) Read the article on Integrity prior to Saturday’s session at 2:30 p.m.
Saturday, August 24
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Oros Dining Room, 1st Floor
Enjoy a full breakfast in the 1st floor dining room; lighter breakfast fare will be available in the break area on the 2nd Floor.
8:00 - 8:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks and Program Overview
Rep. Jarrod Ousley, Kansas; BILLD Steering Committee Co-Vice Chair; BILLD Class of 2019
Rep. Laura Faver Dias, Illinois; BILLD Class of 2023
8:15 - 9:30 a.m. | Legislatures Under Stress: Promoting and Protecting the Legislative Institution
The legislative process has seldom been pretty, and the public has become increasingly critical of the performance of its legislatures. Yet, for the past several decades, legislatures and their members have effectively represented constituents, made laws, and balanced the power of the executive. Today’s legislatures are under special stress from term limits, a polarized electorate, extreme partisanship, intense competition for control, and the power of the contemporary governor. This session will consider some of the major challenges facing state lawmakers, including maintaining the well-being of the legislature as an institution in our separation-of-powers system.
Dr. Thad Kousser, Professor, Department of Political Science; Co-Director, Yankelovich Center for Social Science Research, University of California San Diego
RESOURCES:
9:30 - 9:45 a.m. Break
Enjoy a short break; the next session will begin at 9:45 a.m.
9:45 - 11:30 a.m. | Getting the Job Done: Process and Politics in the Midwestern Legislatures
This session will explore various aspects of Midwestern legislatures, highlighting some of the unique processes and organizational structures in place in the region’s legislative institutions.
Dr. Thad Kousser, Professor, Department of Political Science; Co-Director, Yankelovich Center for Social Science Research, University of California San Diego
RESOURCES
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Luncheon
Lunch will be served in the Oros Dining Room on the 1st Floor.
12:30 - 2:00 p.m. | Midwestern Economic and Workforce Outlook
This session will explore economic and labor market trends that are impacting the Midwest region, along with an outlook for the future. Fellows will engage in a discussion of the policy implications posed by economic and labor force challenges.
Dr. Michael Horrigan, President, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
RESOURCES
2:00 - 2:15 p.m. | Bronze Sponsors Recognition
BILLD will recognize the generous contributions of:
Altira Client Services
Coalition for Genetic Data Protection
Eli Lilly and Company
GlaxoSmithKline
Missouri River Energy Services
Novartis Pharmaceuticals
2:15 - 2:30 p.m. | Break
Enjoy a short break; the next session will begin at 2:30 p.m.
2:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Building a Culture of Excellence in the Legislative Arena
This interactive presentation will focus on the role legislators play in creating a culture of excellence and ethics. Participants will learn research-based strategies that enhance core leadership competencies and that foster a culture characterized by integrity, respect, clear communication of expectations, purposeful habits, a proactive mindset, and accountability. Scott Raecker draws on 14 years of experience serving in a state legislature, as well as more than 25 years as a professional focused on civility and ethical leadership, to help current legislators navigate the sometimes uncertain terrain of lawmaking and governing.
J. Scott Raecker, Director, The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, Drake University; Former Iowa State Representative, BILLD Class of 1999
Resources:
Identifying and managing legislative stress: Science-based tips from a former lawmaker
(Stateline Midwest article by J. Scott Raecker)
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Break
Enjoy this break before gathering in the Skyview Room on the 8th Floor for the Keynote Dinner and Presentation.
6:00 - 8:30 p.m. | Keynote Dinner and Presentation | The Principled Politician: A Story of Courage
One man’s courage offers timeless lessons for us all. In this presentation, Adam Schrager tells the story of Ralph Carr, who was drafted to run for governor of Colorado in 1938, turned down the chance to run as a vice presidential candidate in 1940, and was being discussed as a future presidential candidate by newspapers in New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. Carr became a national figure when, after Pearl Harbor, he defended the constitutional rights of Japanese-Americans and stood against internment. His outspoken and unpopular stance would cost him greatly, both personally and professionally.
Mr. Adam Schrager, Social Impact Storyteller, American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact
Discussion prompt: Likely at some point in your professional or political career, you’ve had that moment where your principles crashed up against your reality. Please be prepared to share that memory, how you handled it, and whatever lessons you learned from that situation.
8:30 - 10:00 p.m. | Networking at Smitty's Study Pub (Fluno Center, 8th Floor)
Enjoy this opportunity to relax and socialize with colleagues.
Sunday, August 25
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Oros Dining Room, 1st Floor
Enjoy a full breakfast in the 1st floor dining room; lighter breakfast fare will be available in the break area on the 2nd Floor.
8:00 - 10:00 a.m. | Understanding Your Leadership Style: Having a Positive Impact on Others
What is effective leadership? This interactive workshop will provide participants an opportunity to identify their primary communication style using a DiSC assessment. Fellows will gain a better understanding of how their primary communication style impacts relationships, as well as their ability to influence others, interact effectively in tough situations and, most importantly, adapt to the styles of others to be more successful. Fellows will also discuss and create an action plan for ways to adapt their approach to be more effective in challenging situations or with challenging individuals.
Mr. Patrick Hein, Patrick Hein Consulting
RESOURCES
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. | Bronze Sponsors Recognition
BILLD will recognize the generous contributions of:
American Clean Power Association
Bank of America
Genentech
Neurocrine Biosciences
Otsuka Pharmaceuticals
10:15 - 10:30 a.m. | Break
Enjoy a short break; the next session will begin at 10:30 a.m.
10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Leadership: The Journey Inward
The nature of work today pulls us outside of ourselves into the world of goals, strategy, tasks and relationships — leaving little time for introspection. This is especially true in a climate where change is unrelenting, and legislators often find themselves compelled to inspire positive outcomes against tremendous odds. Paradoxically, because leadership is the use of self to influence outcomes, we must continually journey inward to clarify our vision and values, shore up our courage, and integrate the lessons of our life experiences if we want to be truly effective. Through an interactive discussion, BILLD Fellows will examine the positive uses of personal power as the fuel for leadership that gives us the edge in ensuring the outcomes we want and preventing those we don’t want.
Dr. Richard Friend, Founder, Friend & Associates
RESOURCES
12:30 - 1:30 p.m. | Luncheon
Lunch will be served in the Oros Dining Room on the 1st Floor.
1:30 - 2:45 p.m. | Midwestern U.S. - Canadian Relations
Of vital importance to this region, the U.S.–Canada relationship includes complex dynamics around energy, environment, trade, border crossings, and regulatory streamlining. This session will examine the U.S.-Canada relationship, exploring why state and provincial legislators should care about the interrelatedness of our two nations.
Dr. Christopher Sands, Director, Canada Institute at the Wilson Center
RESOURCES
Midwestern Legislative Conference’s Midwest-Canada Relations Committee and Policy Work
2:45 - 3:00 p.m. | Bronze Sponsors Recognition
In recognition of the generous contributions of:
CHS
Johnson & Johnson
PhRMA
Sanofi
Xcel Energy
3:00 - 3:15 p.m. | Break
Enjoy a short break; the next session will begin at 3:15 p.m.
3:15 - 5:00 p.m. | Legislation and the Judiciary: How Courts Interpret the Law
Most lawmakers have, at some time, been puzzled over the role of the judiciary in relation to the legislature and wished for a better understanding of how the bills they craft may be interpreted by the courts. In this session, a former justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, who also is a former state legislator, will discuss what lawmakers should know about the law and the legal system.
Robert R. Cupp, Former Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives; Former Ohio Supreme Court Justice
RESOURCES
5:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Break
Enjoy this break before gathering in the Fluno Center Atrium shortly before 5:30 p.m. for the optional walking tour of the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus. Those not going on the tour can either walk to the Memorial Union for the Sponsor’s Recognition Dinner or take a shuttle.
5:30 - 6:15 p.m. | Walking Tour of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Campus
This optional walking tour will depart from the Fluno Center Atrium at 5:30 p.m. and conclude at the UW Memorial Union at 6:15 p.m.
5:45 - 6:15 p.m. | Transportation to the UW Memorial Union
Those not taking part in the campus tour can either walk to the Memorial Union or take a shuttle. The last shuttle will leave the Fluno Center at 6:15 p.m.
Walking map from Fluno to the Memorial Union.
6:15 - 8:30 p.m. | Sponsors Recognition Dinner
Thank you to all of this year’s BILLD Sponsors
for helping make this year’s program possible!
8:30 - 10:00 p.m. Networking in Smitty's Study Pub (Fluno Center, 8th Floor)
Enjoy this opportunity to relax and socialize with colleagues.
Monday, August 26
6:30 - 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Oros Dining Room, 1st Floor
Enjoy a full breakfast in the 1st floor dining room; lighter breakfast fare will be available in the break area on the 2nd Floor.
8:00 - 10:30 a.m. | Engaging Stakeholders in the Legislative Process
Working in a legislative environment requires lawmakers to engage with a wide variety of audiences to bring effective policy into law. Participants will walk away from this session with a deeper understanding of how to balance the interplay between elected officials, government affairs groups, community leaders, and industry experts. Bringing her decades of experience working in government affairs and executive coaching to the table, this session will be led by award-winning author and speaker, Cicely Simpson.
Cicely Simpson, Founder and CEO, 21st Century Leadership Institute, Cicely Simpson & Co., and Summit Public Affairs
Introducers:
Sen. Elgie Sims, Jr., Majority Caucus Appropriations Leader, Illinois, BILLD Class of 2014
Marcus Smith, Director of State Government Relations, Sanofi
RESOURCES
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. | Bronze Sponsors Recognition
In recognition of the generous contributions of:
American Chemistry Council
American Gas Association
Ford Motor Company
Novo Nordisk
UPS
10:45 - 11:00 a.m. | Break
Enjoy a short break; the next session will begin at 11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. | Beyond the Headlines: Bringing Together Data and People to Improve Public Safety Outcomes
Now more than ever, policymakers need concrete strategies for moving beyond the headlines to understand and address their states’ most pressing public safety challenges. This interactive discussion will focus on tools for identifying critical issues in your state and developing tailored policy approaches grounded in objective state-specific data and real-world context.
Madeleine Dardeau, Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives, CSG Justice Center
Paul Nichols, Deputy Program Director, State Initiatives, CSG Justice Center
RESOURCES
12:15 - 1:15 p.m. | Luncheon
Oros Dining Room, 1st Floor
1:15 - 1:45 p.m. | CSG Overview: Making the Most of Your Membership
BILLD Fellows will learn more about the services and activities available to them through the CSG Midwestern Office, along with the ways in which they can make the most of their membership.
Laura A. Tomaka, Director, The Council of State Governments, Midwestern Office
RESOURCES
CSG Midwest Reference Brochure
1:45 a.m. - 3:15 p.m. | Legislative Strategies Roundtable: Lessons & Insights from Midwestern Leaders
In this session, legislative leaders from across the region will share their experiences with and knowledge of the various challenges to being an effective legislator, such as how to choose battles, when to compromise, and how to build coalitions.
Rep. Lisa Demuth, Minority Leader, Minnesota, BILLD Class of 2021
Rep. Robyn Gabel, Majority Leader, Illinois
Sen. Dinah Sykes, Minority Leader, Kansas, BILLD Class of 2017
Sen. Patrick Testin, President Pro Tempore, Wisconsin, BILLD Class of 2018
Moderator: Adam Schrager, Social Impact Storyteller, American Family Insurance Institute for Corporate and Social Impact
RESOURCES
BILLD graduates leading the way in their state legislatures in 2023
(from January 2023 issue of Stateline Midwest)
Three retiring BILLD graduates reflect on their legislative service
(from December 2022 issue of Stateline Midwest)
Gavel Ready? Ideas from BILLD Faculty, alums on effective leadership of legislative committees
(from May 2022 issue of Stateline Midwest)
Q&A with BILLD Alumni: What is your advice for legislators in their first year of service?
(from Jan 2021 issue of Stateline Midwest)
The wonder of legislative service: Thoughts and advice from a retiring lawmaker
(from Dec 2020 issue of Stateline Midwest)
Q& A with BILLD Alumni: Retiring legislators reflect on their public service
(from Oct 2020 issue of Stateline Midwest)
Q&A with BILLD Alumni: What are the most important characteristics or traits that allow legislators to work effectively across the aisle?
(from Sep 2020 issue of Stateline Midwest)
3:15 - 3:30 p.m. | Bronze Sponsors Recognition
BILLD will recognize the generous contributions of the:
Clean Grid Alliance
International Paper
RELX Group
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives of America
Vertex Pharmaceuticals
3:30 - 3:45 p.m. | Break
Enjoy a short break; the next session will begin at 3:45 p.m.
3:45 - 5:00 p.m. | Choosing Common Ground: A Case Study in Bipartisanship
Disagreements and opposing viewpoints are part of the legislative process, but intensified and reflexive partisanship can undermine good governance and thwart the policymaking process — even on seemingly nonpartisan issues. In today’s political environment, is it still possible to put policy before politics and foster more meaningful policy debates? Is there a contradiction between bipartisan cooperation and adherence to party loyalty? Or can there be comity among policymakers holding differing ideological views? This session will explore these issues through a real-world example of legislators who worked across the aisle to achieve a policy goal.
Rep. Alex R. Joers, Wisconsin
Rep. William Penterman, Wisconsin
Moderator: Sen. Amy Sinclair, Senate President, Iowa, BILLD Steering Committee Co-Chair, BILLD Class of 2016
RESOURCES
2023 Assembly Speaker’s Task Force on Childhood Obesity
Assembly Bill 1013: Relating to healthy food incentive program
Q&A with BILLD Alumni: What are the most important characteristics or traits that allow legislators to work effectively across the aisle?
(from Sep 2020 issue of Stateline Midwest)
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Break
Enjoy a break before catching the bus to this evening’s dinner event.
6:00 - 6:30 p.m. | Transportation to Olbrich Botanical Gardens
The bus will leave promptly at 6:00 p.m. for this evening’s dinner.
6:30 - 8:30 p.m. | BBQ Dinner at Olbrich Botanical Gardens | BILLD Fellows Only
Enjoy dining and socializing in the Atrium and enjoy the 16-acre outdoor botanical gardens at the city of Madison’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
8:30 - 10:00 p.m. | Networking at Smitty's Study Pub (Fluno Center, 8th Floor)
Enjoy this opportunity to relax and socialize with colleagues.
Tuesday, August 27
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Oros Dining Room
Enjoy a full breakfast in the Oros Dining Room; lighter breakfast fare will be available in the break area on the second floor.
8:00 - 11:15 a.m. | Dealing with Difference: Collaboration and Conflict-Resolution Skills for Today's Lawmaker
Through participation in interactive exercises and discussions, this session will explore common assumptions legislators might make when seeking to influence others. Participants will also develop strategies to collaborate with other with whom they disagree.
Naseem Khuri, Facilitator and Consultant; Faculty, The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
RESOURCES
11:15 - 11:45 a.m. | Break
Use this time to work on your evaluations, get ready for this evening, or take some free time.
Business attire is requested for the class photo and closing ceremony.
Any BILLD Fellow leaving Madison today should check out of the hotel by noon.
11:45 am - 12:45 p.m. | Luncheon
Oros Dining Room
12:45- 4:00 p.m. | Communication Skills for Lawmakers: Making the Complicated Simple and Simple Powerful
This session will offer a common-sense approach to better communications. From connecting with an audience to improving likeability skills, Fellows will learn how to craft positive, simple and memorable messages that improve relationships and communicate with impact.
Mr. Bill Graham, Graham Corporate Communications
4:00 - 4:30 p.m. | Program Evaluation
BILLD Fellows will complete and turn in their written evaluations of the 2024 BILLD program.
4:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Transportation to Wisconsin State Capitol
The bus will leave promptly at 4:30 pm from the Fluno Center
5:00 - 5:15 p.m. | Class Photo
The official class photo will be taken on the steps of the Wisconsin State Capitol.
5:15 - 6:15 p.m. | Guided Tour of the Wisconsin State Capitol
Fellows will experience a guided tour and learn about the history, art, and architecture of the Wisconsin State Capitol
6:15 - 6:30 p.m. | Walk to the Madison Club
Fellows will walk the short distance from the Wisconsin State Capitol to the Madison Club for the closing dinner and ceremony.
6:30 - 9:00 p.m. | Closing Dinner & Ceremony at the Madison Club
A dinner and closing ceremony will mark the end of the 2024 Bowhay Institute.
Sen. Amy Sinclair, Senate President, Iowa, BILLD Steering Committee Co-Chair; BILLD Class of 2016
Laura A. Tomaka, Director, The Council of State Governments, Midwestern Office
Sen. Roger Victory, Michigan, Immediate Past Chair, Midwestern Legislative Conference