Meeting Lt. Governor Nancy Wyman

I know most of my friends had a snow day on February 7th but not me! I had a meeting with Nancy Wyman, the Lieutenant Governor of Connecticut! In my last blog I told you about the fun I had at the State Capitol for the start of the new session. A little while after the State of the State address, Mr. Cofrancesco (who runs the Connecticut's Kid Governor Program), my grandmother, my mom, and I had a meeting with the Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Wyman.

Me with Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Wyman, my mom, and my grandmother.

I don't know why but I wasn't expecting the Lieutenant Governor to be so friendly and funny. For example, when I asked her how she got into politics she said, "I didn't." Then she went on to explain how she was very involved in her children's PTO's (Parent-Teacher Organizations) when they were in school. She told me that one day she was at a meeting and the Mayor's wife was sitting next to her. She was shocked when she realized she had been nominated for a place on the ballot. She had no idea! Then the mayor told her that she would be able to be taken off the ballot, but it turns out he was wrong! This had us all laughing!

Another thing she shared was that the biggest reason she is retiring this year is because someone in her family is graduating. She wants to be able to enjoy it but her job as Lieutenant Governor is very busy and keeps her from spending time with family and friends. She's looking forward to being able to spend more time with her family and enjoy special moments together with them in her retirement.

What questions would you ask the Lieutenant Governor, Nancy Wyman if you had the chance to sit down with her? Feel free to email me with any questions or comments at: CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org.

And remember: together we are stronger than cancer!

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...

Want to know more about the role of the Lieutenant Governor? Make sure to go to the Teacher and Class Resource page and check out Lesson 1 in the tool kit!

Opening Day the the State Capitol

On February 7, 2018, my mom, grandmother, Mr. Cofrancesco (who runs the Connecticut Kid Governor Program) and I went to Opening Day for the state legislature (known as the General Assembly) at the Capitol! I was very excited to be a part of this special day in Connecticut's Government! Once we got there we went to the Republican Breakfast. I met Art Linares (my state senator), Debra Adams (Art Linares' aide), and many other Connecticut Republicans. After that, Art Linares took us on a tour around the Capitol. We saw the senate chamber, where Governor Malloy gives the State of the State address, a few offices, and many other beautiful rooms.

Me with the Genius of Connecticut!

A little while later, we went back to the senate chamber where all of the senators sit at desks in a circle. This makes talking easier for them. There, they adopted resolutions and all the senators each had a chance to thank Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman, who oversees the Senate, because this is her last year. The senators also have a chance to introduce guests they brought with them. I was Art Linares' guest. When he introduced me, he told them who I was and they all gave me a standing ovation! This was amazing! 

I got the chance to sit in the "Wishing Chair" where the Lieutenant Governor sits in the Senate with Senator Linares.

After that, we all went to the State of the State address where Governor Malloy gave his final speech on what the state government will be doing this year. This day was very special and I will never forget it! You can watch the Opening Session below and skip to 34:00 to see Senator Linares introduce me!

After the State of the State address, I got to meet Governor Malloy! It was a surprise and very nice to get to talk with the Governor of Connecticut. I hope I get to speak with him again soon!

Me meeting with Governor Dannel Malloy

Do you know who your state senator is? You can find out here! Make sure to check back in on CT.KidGovernor.org for more blog posts and other information! Feel free to email me with any questions or comments at: CTKGMegan@kidgovernor.org.

I got the chance to speak with my state representative, Christie Carpino, and my state senator, Art Linares. They presented me with a special citation from the General Assembly! 

And remember: Together we are stronger than cancer!

A message from your friends at the Connecticut Public Affairs Network...

Teachers and students can visit the Teacher and Class Resource Page for more on how to find out who your legislators are. Make sure to check out Lesson 1 in the Toolkit for Classes for materials on the three branches of state government!