HARTFORD, Conn. _ Ned Lamont was sworn in as the state's 89th governor Wednesday afternoon promising to "reinvent Connecticut" into a fiscally responsible state with more opportunity, more technology, livelier cities and faster trains to New York City.
Appearing relaxed and in a good humor, Lamont delivered his state of the state address to the General Assembly Wednesday afternoon, reaching out to teachers, Republicans, union leaders, business leaders and his supporters in the chamber of the state House of Representatives. He made a point of thanking numerous groups, including state employees.
"Connecticut, it's time to return to our inventive and entrepreneurial roots. Our future lies in doubling down on what makes us great and reimagining our unique potential. And it starts with the best educated workforce in the world," Lamont said. "Companies roam the globe looking for talent. Look no further, you can stop right here."
He promised "a budget on time, honestly balanced" and a government that "doesn't shut down."
"I want to be clear _ no more funny math or budgetary gamesmanship. I come from the world of small business where the numbers have to add up at the end of the month or the lights go out."
He said he would not waste time blaming people for problems Connecticut is experiencing. He called for more regional cooperation to deliver services in municipalities across Connecticut. "The taxpayers of our state can no longer afford to subsidize inefficiency."
Lamont arrives riding a wave of optimism that masks deep financial problems, most notably a projected deficit of $1.7 billion for next year that grows even larger the following years. Epic political battles over highway tolls, legalizing marijuana and sports gambling, to name just a few issues, also await the Greenwich businessman-turned-politician.
Lamont promised to focus on four areas as governor: an "all-digital" government, investing in cities, a "21st-century transportation system" and an economy "that works for everyone."
This will include a "30/30/30" commuter rail system that allows for a 30 minute ride from Hartford to New Haven, New Haven to Stamford and Stamford to Manhattan. "This isn't a pipe dream, this is a necessity: a modern infrastructure by rail, road, air and water _ to unlock the full economic potential of our beautiful state," Lamont said.
He also called for paid family leave, a $15 minimum wage, more job training and Wi-Fi access in "every rural town."
"Fixing the budget requires a bigger table and an open door. I am ready to listen to any good idea, and I will take the heat and share the credit. The budget vote will be a tough one, no doubt. It will be easy to vote no, but I have a responsibility to get us to yes _ and we only get there by working together," Lamont said.
Three former governors were in attendance to see Lamont sworn in: outgoing Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, Republican Gov. M. Jodi Rell and Gov. Lowell P. Weicker Jr., an independent.
"I think he'll be a great governor _ not a good one, a great one _ even better than Lowell Weicker," Weicker said.
Earlier Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz took the oath of office as sunlight streamed through the large windows of the elegant state Senate chamber.
"I promise that we will get up everyday and work hard to move our beautiful state forward," Bysiewicz said, moments after she was sworn in by her husband, David Donaldson.
Bysiewicz, a Democrat, struck a tone of bipartisanship, pledging to work with the Republican minority in the legislature. "We are committed to reaching across the aisle, to bringing everyone together and treating every single person with fairness, decency and the respect that they deserve."
A tenacious campaigner who previously served as Connecticut's Secretary of the State, Bysiewicz said she got her determination to fight for causes she believes in from her parents. Her father was a potato farmer and World War II veteran and her mother, the daughter of immigrants, who was an attorney.
"I have taken that fighting spirit to everything that I have done," she said. "The road ahead might be tough, but we can and we will confront the important issues and challenges facing our state."
Bysiewicz outlined the new administration's priorities: "We will help small businesses grow, thrive and create good paying jobs. We will ensure equal pay for equal work and fight for paid family and medical leave. We will make a balanced state budget that's fair to everyone and we will safeguard access to affordable healthcare. We will fight for equality and we will stand up to attacks on our rights and our freedoms."
Since his victory over Republican Bob Stefanowski, Lamont has been building an administration made up of a handful of outsiders and a larger group of seasoned veterans. He has named a hedge fund executive to be his chief of staff, but retained numerous commissioners from the administration of Dannel P. Malloy.
"Governor is the most impactful job in government. You make a difference in people's lives," Lamont said recently. "And a good governor can make a difference for 30 years. And lousy governance can make a difference for 30 years. Ask Connecticut. So I am energized by the opportunity to serve. As they say in (the Broadway play) Hamilton, I'm not going to waste my shot."
Senate President Martin Looney, in opening remarks to the state Senate, said the new session and arrival of Lamont is "a new opportunity." He said regional government should be a top priority to save money and create more regional school districts and "shared services" districts.
In an email to supporters Wednesday, Stefanowski pledged to stay involved.
"While I do believe that Governor-elect Lamont wants to stick to his promises, my concern is that the extreme liberal side of the Democratic Party will push towards the same tax and spend agenda we have seen for the last eight years," Stefanowski wrote. "The rhetoric since the election has already been concerning."
Stefanowski cited proposals to raise the minimum wage, establish a system of paid family and medical leave and tuition-free community college as initiatives the state cannot afford.
"It will be incumbent on all of us to watch closely and speak up," he wrote. "Fixing Connecticut will require strong leadership from both sides of the aisle."
