Wednesday marked the opening day of the 2015 General Assembly session. The State Senate began its legislative session with State Sen. Andrew Maynard in attendance.
Maynard received a standing ovation and lengthy round of applause after his months-long ordeal following an injury. As he entered, the Democrat from Stonington waved, blew kisses, and pointed to familiar faces. It was his first public appearance since the injury.
Sen. Martin Looney, President Pro Tempore, gave a warm welcome to Maynard. "To our new colleagues," he said, "I say welcome to this historic chamber. To my returning colleagues, and especially to our dear friend Andy Maynard, who it is such a blessing to have again with us today, I say being with you all here today is a superb blessing for which we all must be grateful."
Andrew Maynard enters chamber to sustained applause. pic.twitter.com/oILBjCfLVl
— Mark Pazniokas (@CTMirrorPaz) January 7, 2015
Tears and a standing O for #ct senator Andrew Maynard. He looks like one happy guy! #malloyinauguration pic.twitter.com/adLVRIZEqK
— maryellen fillo (@maryellenfillo) January 7, 2015
RT @LGWyman: sustained round of applause when Senator Maynard joins the circle. (Apologies 4 bad pic!) pic.twitter.com/FhWRG4xXMB #SessionStrong
— Tim Appleton (@appletim1) January 7, 2015
Senate Dems press release: "recovery process has taken time, but sen. Maynard has made great strides."
— Connecticut Mirror (@CTMirror) January 7, 2015
Maynard still has limited speech abilities. Will recover further rehab from brain injury in July.
— Mark Pazniokas (@CTMirrorPaz) January 7, 2015
In July, Maynard fell from a staircase outside his home and received a head injury that kept him hospitalized for some time, and prevented his ability to campaign before the November election.
Maynard easily won, though many lawmakers were unsure if he would attend the General Assembly's opening day. His office said he is working to regain his balance, to strengthen his right arm, and to refine the use of his right hand. The incident has impaired his ability to speak.
Looney was sworn in as Senate President, and thanked his predecessor, Don Williams. He called for a commitment to early education, investment in a 21st century transportation system, and more regional cooperation, among other agenda items. Looney had served as Majority Leader in the State Senate since 2003.
Looney mentions his priorities, incl college affordability, transparency in health care, early ed, tax fairness
— Arielle Levin Becker (@ariellelb) January 7, 2015
Looney introduced both Democratic State Sen. Bob Duff as Majority Leader, and Republican State Sen. Len Fasano as Minority Leader.
Congratulations to the newly sworn in 2015-2016 Senate! #Session2015 pic.twitter.com/tuinM9FFBW
— Rome Smith Lutz (@RomeSmithLutz) January 7, 2015
Jeff Cohen contributed to this report.