State Rep. Jay Rodne, a North Bend Republican who represents the Fifth District, is among 40 people from across the country selected for the Henry Toll Fellowship Program. The fellowship is an annual, week-long program is sponsored by the Council of State Governments (CSG) and will run from Sept. 27 to Oct. 2 in Lexington, Ky.

Rodne called the recognition an honor.

“It’s important lawmakers continue to educate themselves and apply their knowledge to improving the lives of their constituents through public policy,” he said. “The Toll Fellowship Program offers me this opportunity and I look forward to the experience.”

The program is named in honor of Henry Toll, a Colorado senator who founded the Council of State Governments in 1933, and develops leaders from state government. This year’s program focuses on trend analysis, policy development, media and constituent relations, and leadership and institutional changes.

Rodne was nominated by state Attorney General Rob McKenna, with letters of support from House Republican Leader Richard DeBolt and his 5th District seatmate, State Rep. Glenn Anderson of Fall City. He was selected by a committee of state officials.

Rodne, an attorney, has served as a state representative for the 5th District since 2004.