2026 BILLD Agenda
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Friday, July 17
***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 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.
5:00 p.m. | Gather in the Lobby of the Park Premier
Gather in the lobby at 5:00 p.m.; the bus will leave promptly at 5:10 p.m.
5:00 - 5:15 p.m. | Transportation to the Opening Reception
The bus will leave promptly at 5:10 p.m.
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 2026 Bowhay Institute. Also during this opening event, the 2026 BILLD Fellows will introduce themselves to their classmates.
Rep. Jarrod Ousley, Kansas, BILLD Steering Committee Co-Chair; BILLD Class of 2018
Laura A. Tomaka, Director, The Council of State Governments, Midwestern Office
RESOURCES
9:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Networking at Smitty's 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, July 18
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Oros Dining Room, First Floor
Enjoy a full breakfast in the Oros Dining Room; lighter breakfast fare will be available in the meeting room in the classroom.
8:00 - 8:15 a.m. | Opening Remarks and Program Overview
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. | State Fiscal Futures: Navigating Budget Pressures and Revenue Trends
This sesssion will provide an expert analysis of the recent developments and future challenges shaping state budgets.
Shelby Kerns, Executive Director, National Association of State Budget Officers (NASBO)
RESOURCES
2:00 - 2:15 p.m. | Bronze Sponsors Recognition
BILLD will recognize the generous contributions of Bank of America, Genentech, Missouri River Energy Services, RELX Group, and Vertex 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:
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. | Break
Enjoy this break before gathering in the Skyview Room on 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, Teaching Faculty, UW-Madison School of Journalism and Mass Communication
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.
9:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Networking at Smitty's Pub (Fluno Center, 8th Floor)
Enjoy this opportunity to relax and socialize with colleagues.
Sunday, July 19
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Oros Dining Room, 1st Floor
Enjoy a full breakfast in the Capitol Room; lighter breakfast fare will be available in the meeting room.
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.
Lori Gibson, LK Gibson Consulting
RESOURCES
10:00 - 10:15 a.m. | Bronze Sponsors Recognition
BILLD will recognize the generous contributions of Altria Client Services, Bristol Meyers Squibb, Neurocrine, and Zoetis.
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. | Silver Sponsor Luncheon
Lunch will be served in the Oros Dining Room, 1st Floor. BILLD will recognize the generous contribution of Cenovus Energy.
1:30 - 2:45 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, Program Director of State Initiatives, CSG Justice Center
RESOURCES
2:45 - 3:00 p.m. | Bronze Sponsors Recognition
BILLD will recognize the generous contributions of the American Chemistry Council, American Clean Power, Faeger Drinker, and Novartis.
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
PowerPoint Presentation: “Legislation and the Judiciary”
5:00 - 5:30 p.m. | Break
5:45 - 6:15 p.m. | Transportation to the East Side Club
Gather in the lobby at 5:30; the bus to East Side Club will depart at 5:45.
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!
9:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Networking at Smitty's Pub (Fluno Center, 8th Floor)
Enjoy this opportunity to relax and socialize with colleagues.
Monday, July 20
6:30 - 7:30 a.m. | Breakfast
Oros Dining Room, 1st Floor
Enjoy a full breakfast in the Dining Room; lighter breakfast fare will be available in the
meeting room.
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
RESOURCES
10:30 - 10:45 a.m. | Bronze Sponsors Recognition
BILLD will recognize the generous contributions of GSK, Novo Nordisk, PhRMA, Sanofi, and Spectrum.
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. | Midwestern U.S. - Canada 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, and why state and provincial legislators should care about the interrelatedness of our two nations.
Dr. Christopher Sands, Director, Hopkins Center for Canadian Studies, Johns Hopkins
RESOURCES
12:15 - 1:15 p.m. | Silver Sponsor Luncheon
Oros Dining Room, 1st Floor
BILLD will recognize the generous contribution of the Clean Grid Association.
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
PowerPoint Presentation
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.
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 American Gas Association, Taipei Economic and Cultural Office, Touchstone Energies Cooperative of America, and UPS.
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. | Oversight in Action: Tools and Trends in Legislative Accountability
Bipartisan fact-finding and oversight by state legislatures is essential to good governance and democracy. This session defines state legislative oversight, provides examples and recommendations, and then invites legislators to work together in an interactive exercise on how state legislators can take oversight action in their own state.
Ben Eikey, Manager, State Training and Development, Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy, Wayne State Law School
James Townsend, Director, Levin Center of Oversight and Democracy, Wayne State Law School
RESOURCES
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
Dine and socialize in the Atrium and enjoy the city of Madison’s 16-acre Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
9:00 - 10:00 p.m. | Networking at Smitty's Pub (Fluno Center, 8th Floor)
Enjoy this opportunity to relax and socialize with colleagues.
Tuesday, July 21
7:00 - 8:00 a.m. | Breakfast
Oros Dining Room, 1st Floor
Enjoy a full breakfast in the Capitol Room; lighter breakfast fare will be available in the meeting room.
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, 1st Floor
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.
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 2026 BILLD program.
4:30 - 5:00 p.m. | Bus to the Wisconsin State Capitol
Fellows will walk to the State Capitol to take their class photo and enjoy a guided tour of the Capitol.
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 2026 Bowhay Institute.