Conn. lawmakers return to Capitol for new session

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers are returning to Hartford to open the new legislative session.

The General Assembly is scheduled to convene on Wednesday morning when members of the House of Representatives and Senate will take the oath of office.

Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy is expected to address a joint session of the legislature around noontime when he delivers his State of the State address. Malloy has said part of the speech will touch on the Dec. 14 school shooting in Newtown, which left 20 first graders and six staff members dead.

Gun control, mental health care and school safety are expected to be major topics in the new session. Legislators also must grapple with a projected deficit of about $1.2 billion in next fiscal year's $20 billion budget.

WTNH.com and News 8 will carry the governor's address live beginning at noon.