In January Senator Robert S. Erbele attended an invitation-only meeting of more than 135 state
agriculture legislators at the 8th Annual Legislative Agriculture Chairs Meeting in San Diego,
California. Rural legislators came from the United States, Canada, and Mexico to discuss
contemporary issues facing farmers, ranchers, and legislators in the field. Sponsored by State
Agriculture and Rural Leaders, the conference offered a review of the provisions in the 2008
federal farm bill; an examination of organic farming, genetics, and the future of food; a look at
family farm viability; consideration of innovative rural health care options; the connection between
immigration and agriculture labor; the trends toward sustainable biofuels; and the need for
educating consumers.
KEEP ON
BILLDing
Applications for the 2009 Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development (BILLD) are
due March 30 to the Midwestern Council of State Governments office. For application forms
contact Laura A. Tomaka at 630-925-1922 or go online at www.csgmidwest.org. As the only
program specifically designed for the newer Midwestern state legislator, BILLD awards fellowships
to 36 legislators for an intensive five-day training session at the Robert M. La Follete School of
Public Affairs at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Costs for tuition, lodging, and meals are
covered while a nominal travel stipend is also provided. Legislators selected for the program are
chosen by a bipartisan body of legislators representing each state and Canadian province in the
Midwest region. Applicants are evaluated on their leadership potential, including problem-solving
skills, dedication to public service, and commitment to improving the legislative process.
The following are BILLD alumni from North Dakota:
Representatives Senators
Kari L. Conrad, 2006 Kenton Onstad, 2002 Dick Dever, 2001
Stacey Dahl, 2006 Chet Pollert, 2001 Tom Fiebiger, 2008
Mark A. Dosch, 2002 Louise Potter, 2003 Nicholas P. Hacker, 2005
Mary Ekstrom, 2001 Dan Ruby, 2003 Gary A. Lee, 2003
Patrick R. Hatlestad, 2007 Jasper J. Schneider, 2007 Dave Oehlke, 2007
Scot Kelsh, 1997 Benjamin A. Vig, 2008 Ryan M. Taylor, 2004
Kim Koppelman, 1997 Don Vigesaa, 2005 John Warner, 1998
Shirley Meyer, 2000 Robin Weisz, 1999
Jon Nelson, 1999 Dwight Wrangham, 2004
IN MEMORY AND
IN HONOR
Representative Jon Nelson received the first ever North Dakota “Moving the Marble Award” from
the American Cancer Society in recognition of his support for programs and legislation related to
cancer. Representative Nelson served on the North Dakota Cancer Coalition, various American
Cancer Society committees, and worked with local Relay for Life activities.
CHANGE IS
COMING
The March 2009 issue of State Legislatures discusses the new federal economic recovery plan.
Senator Judy Lee comments “The big issue for us will, of course, be the (Medicaid) changes. We
have a strong economy in North Dakota, but it is important that any enhancements be equitable,
because our needs are increasing, too.”