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The state's 89th governor delivered his "State of the State" on Wednesday afternoon after taking his Oath of Office, which was filled with optimism as he promised to “reinvent Connecticut" with job opportunities, improved technology, livelier cities and improved transit into Manhattan.
"Connecticut, it’s time to return to our inventive and entrepreneurial roots,'' Lamont said. "Our future lies in doubling down on what makes us great and re-imagining our unique potential. And it starts with the best-educated workforce in the world. Companies roam the globe looking for talent. Look no further, you can stop right here.”
“I want to be clear – no more funny math or budgetary gamesmanship,'' Lamont said. "I come from the world of small business, where the numbers have to add up at the end of the month or the lights can go out.”
According to reports, the governor's first speech went over well, as he has heard widespread support for his proposed plans, including a "30/30/30" transit plan that would speed up travel in the state and toward major hubs in New York.
Earlier this year in a press statement, Lamont said, “we have been focused every day on job creation and fixing the budget. This team will help us convene the talent that we need to attract more companies to the state, build vibrant cities, and retain the next generation workforce.
“There will be policy committees on a range of areas, from education and health care to government data. The steering committee members will stand up each of those committees and review their policy recommendations. They are diverse, talented and each possesses different expertise," Lamont added. "We will continue to look at reorganizing government, ensuring greater efficiency and bringing new ideas to make our state stronger. I am incredibly grateful to these individuals for volunteering their time to help us hit the ground running.”
The state’s constitutional officers were also be sworn into office during the ceremony. Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz took the oath of office at a separate ceremony earlier in the morning in the Senate chamber.
Directly following the inauguration ceremony, the inauguration parade took off at the Armory, taking a turn east on Capitol Avenue, passing the historic State Capitol. The parade then turned north on Trinity Street and came to a close at the intersection of Trinity Street and Elm Street. The event led to road closures in the areas surrounding the State Capitol and the State Armory.
The 2019 inaugural ball, "A Taste of Connecticut," was scheduled to be held at 7 p.m. at the Connecticut Convention Center.
"On Election Day, thousands of voters waited for hours in the pouring rain," Lamont's office posted on Facebook. "They believed that their vote would make a difference, and they were not going to throw away their shot – and neither are we."
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