Gov. Ned Lamont addresses legislators at the State Capitol during his annual budget address on Feb. 9, 2022. Photo courtesy of the office of the governor.

As Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont embarks on a second term in office Wednesday, he faces a larger majority of fellow Democrats in the General Assembly and a rosier state budget picture compared to when he first took office in 2019, given the state’s record cash reserves and a projected $1 billion operating surplus.

But the Democrat, who easily won reelection in November after guiding Connecticut through the COVID-19 pandemic, also faces pressure from both Democrats and Republicans to address the state’s continuing affordability issues, including high housing costs, taxes and the continuing impacts of inflation.

Lamont, who turned 69 on Tuesday, has said he wants to consider ways to build upon past efforts to make the state more affordable, pledging in November “to make more policy changes like these” after signing legislation to extend the state’s 25-cent-per-gallon gas tax holiday and other provisions.

The wealthy former cable TV executive took the oath of office at the Gov. William A. O’Neill State Armory at around 12:30 p.m. before holding his State of the State Address before a joint session of the newly minted General Assembly on Wednesday afternoon. His running mate, Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, who presides over the state Senate, took the oath earlier in the day.

While the state Capitol building was fully open for the first time since the pandemic, with lawmakers’ family members filling the House and Senate chambers, Lamont’s inaugural celebrations were more muted. Space in the armory was limited and attendees were greeted by a large sign urging them to stop the spread of COVID-19. Lamont’s office has urged people who have any symptoms to avoid attending the day’s events.

Lamont will not be feted with a parade, as in previous inaugurations, but will be the star at the planned inaugural ball, to be held across the street from the state Capitol at the Bushnell Performing Arts Center.

Besides Lamont, the state’s all-Democratic contingent of constitutional officers were scheduled to be sworn into office. Former Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy was among the dignitaries at Lamont’s inauguration, which also marked the opening day of the new legislative session.