Minnesota's own Sen. Bonnie Westlin is set to join an elite group of lawmakers in a prestigious leadership training program this summer. Westlin, representing Plymouth in the DFL, will be one of the 39 legislators from the Midwest and parts of Canada who will sharpen their policymaking skills at the 29th annual Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD), slated for August 23-27 in Madison, Wisconsin.

The training taking place in Madison is no small affair, it’s hosted by The Council of State Governments, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to fostering the exchange of insights and ideas to help state leaders navigate complex policy environments. According to a statement from Sen. Westlin's office, the senator is keyed up for what lies ahead. “I’m excited for this unique opportunity to learn and grow in leadership,” Westlin remarked. “Our narrowly divided legislature requires policymakers ready to take the reins and reach out to anyone willing to do the work."

Westlin's attendance at BILLD could be a boon for the Minnesota legislature, considering the intense partisan divide that often stalls progress. Her focus on collaboration could infuse some much-needed bipartisan spirit, particularly after spearheading initiatives on "some very tough issues" over the past two years, as Westlin told Senate DFL's news release.

The Council of State Governments has been supporting such development since its inception in 1933, with main offices in Lexington, Kentucky, and additional branches across the United States, including Atlanta, Chicago, New York City, and Sacramento. Their aim is to promote excellence in state governance through research support, professional development, consulting services, and proposals for state legislation. Specifically, BILLD was founded in the year 1995 to address a growing need for legislative training, especially as states grapple with more responsibilities and the challenges of term limits and high legislative turnover.