Rep. Rogers Awarded Fellowship to Attend Acclaimed Midwestern Leadership Institute

(COLUMBUS) — State Rep. Elgin Rogers, Jr. (D-Toledo) today announced that he was among thirty-eight select lawmakers chosen to participate in The Council of State Governments’ 30th annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD), a training program that annually identifies and assists promising state leaders in the Midwest.

"I am both honored and excited to accept this prestigious opportunity. Having the ability to forge stronger relationships with other legislative leaders, and industry experts helps my district. Being able to sharpen my skills increases opportunities to more effectively advocate for, and obtain resources, and information to benefit Northwestern Ohio and Ohioans," said Rep. Rogers.

Rep. Rogers will meet with fellow lawmakers from Ohio and ten other Midwestern states and three Canadian provinces on August 22-26 in Madison, Wisconsin.

“The Bowhay Institute is one of the premier leadership training programs in the nation,” says Iowa Sen. Amy Sinclair, who serves as co-chair of the institute’s steering committee. “The legislatures in the region have benefited greatly from the skills their members have gained through this unique educational experience. Many of the graduates now hold key leadership positions in their state.”

BILLD was founded in 1995 to help new legislators meet the demands of increased policy responsibility being shifted to the states and, in many states, term limits and high legislative turnover.  These two emerging forces highlight the shortage of training available for legislators — a void that BILLD aims to fill.

A program of The Council of State Governments’ Midwestern Office, the 2025 BILLD program will include courses and seminars conducted by policy experts, Midwestern legislative leaders, and professional development trainers. In addition to curriculum designed to develop leadership skills, the program analyzes a variety of public policy issues.

For more information on the BILLD program, please visit here.