Malloy left further details on particular projects until he presents lawmakers with his two-year budget proposal on February 18, but hinted that he has a long-term plan to foster transportation and -- in turn -- the state's economy.

Kicking off the 21-week budget session, Malloy -- freshly sworn into his second term -- said that while lawmakers have sharply increased transportation infrastructure money in recent years, more needs to be done.

During morning organizational meetings in the historic Capitol building, lawmakers gathered in the House and Senate to be sworn into office and celebrate new leadership, including House Minority Leader Themis Klarides, R-Derby, Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, R-North Haven, Senate President Pro Tempore Martin M. Looney, D-New Haven and Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff, D-Norwalk.

In a surprise appearance, Sen. Andrew Maynard, D-Stonington, recovering from a fall in his home last summer that left him with a traumatic brain injury, walked slowly into the Senate chamber to a standing ovation.

Malloy, the state's 88th governor, seemed to be focusing on his legacy, calling for lawmakers to exert "courage" and to plan on "our long-term prosperity."

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