5th Grade Students from Connecticut’s Kid Governor® Cabinet Meet with Legislators to Discuss Current Affairs

Makhi Ettienne-Modeste, Connecticut’s Kid Governor, along with five members of his cabinet, met with Governor Ned Lamont and an array of high-ranking legislators last month to discuss their platforms, ranging from climate change to anxiety in children.

The 5th grade students, who hail from towns all across Connecticut, visited the Capitol and met individually with Governor Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Speaker Matt Ritter, and seven other local legislators.  The group was also recognized on the floor of the House for their commitment to participation in civic life in their communities.

The Kid Governor and his cabinet won their posts in a statewide election last November, and ran on platforms designed to bring awareness to such issues as physical activity in schools, childhood food insecurity, anxiety in children and climate change. 

“The reason I chose food insecurity as my platform,” said Olivia, “is that no one should go to school hungry. If you are worried about your next meal, then you are not focused on your schoolwork. Food insecurity is a big issue, especially in our state. Someone you know is probably food insecure. I eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner at home, and some people do not even get that.”

“The reason I chose climate change for my platform,” said Satvik, “is because it’s occurring everywhere, mainly because of human activities. Our planet is getting hotter each day at a rapid rate due to the high emissions of greenhouse gasses which cause climate change. Climate change is also causing raging forest fires, drought, and severe weather like hurricanes and tornadoes. If the earth keeps getting hotter, we might not be able to live on it anymore.”

CTKG is a national award-winning civics program created by The Connecticut Democracy Center at Connecticut’s Old State House. The free program teaches fifth-grade students about state government, voting, and the importance of civic engagement through an authentic statewide election.  Kid Governor® is a growing movement in civics education with affiliate programs in Oregon and New Hampshire where students elect their own state’s Kid Governor each fall. Learn more about the program at kidgovernor.org. 

The Connecticut Democracy Center (CTDC) at Connecticut’s Old State House provides people with a lifetime pathway to active citizenship and the tools to take civic action in their own communities.  The CTDC seeks to inspire people of all ages to engage in civic life and strengthen their communities.