On Friday, Nov. 1, KO’s We the People IMPACT class traveled to the state Capitol to learn about democracy in our state and the daily workings from Connecticut State Speaker, Matt Ritter ’00.
Last spring, when students were selecting their courses for this school year, many were met with a new category of electives: IMPACT courses, which are designed to ensure that students leave a tangible mark on their peers and teachers.
We the People aims to teach students the inner workings of our government, as well as the political influence that Washington, D.C. has on the rest of the world. Along with that, it also teaches the everyday importance of our Constitution and how it is applied in our courtrooms every day.
As the class boarded the bus for the Capitol, optimism, wonder, and excitement filled the air. “As we rode down into Hartford, I didn’t really know what to expect,” senior Harry Engle said, “especially because, having never visited the Capitol, I was really interested in where the members interact with one another.”
The class saw their way around the Capitol, including the offices of Governor Ned Lamont and many other major players in Connecticut legislation. When the class returned to the lobby they were met by none other than Mr. Ritter.
Mr. Ritter has been involved in state politics since the early 2010’s, having been elected to the Connecticut House of Representatives in 2010, and becoming Speaker in 2021.
As they made their way into the State Senate Chamber, Mr. Ritter explained how often the House and Senate meet, and in today’s polarization of our political parties, the level of vigilance he must use when navigating the highly potent air inside the full chambers on decision days.
“It was an eye-opening experience that gave me a solid understanding of what goes on in our state’s capital,” junior Adam Gold said. “Speaker Matt Ritter was an awesome resource to have shown us around, and I am glad to have been a part of the trip.”
