A special guest came to teach the fifth grade students at CMS on Thursday. U.S. history teacher Kevin Baumgarn invited Rep. Kathy Frelich, R-ND, who oversees the 15th District which includes Ramsey County to teach about the legislative process in his class. Frelich gave students background on the process of bills and what is required by law if someone wants to run for legislative office.
“I’ve known Kathy for many years. It’s an opportunity for kids to hear a different perspective and someone who is involved with the legislative process,” said Baumgarn.
Frelich spoke to students in the class for most of the day, answering questions and using a projector screen to show the North Dakota Legislative Branch website. “I loved having the opportunity to speak to the fifth grade students and I really appreciate Mr. Baumgarn asking me to visit his classroom,” she said. “The students had great questions, ones I hadn’t even thought of before…. ‘do legislators get sad/mad when their bill doesn’t pass? What happens if you lose the tablet they give you? Do you have to live in Bismarck?’”
Frelich hoped to get students more engaged in the legislative process of their home state. “Our form of government only works when we are all engaged, but I realize people get disheartened and bored with the process,” she said. “I wanted to show the students how to get involved through emails and the bill hearing process. I might be ‘nerdy’ this way, but I just think the whole process is incredible, and I believe we are blessed to live in a state and country where the government is designed to work for the people. We only have to get involved.”
