This is the richest time of the year when it comes to tradition at the state Capitol in Hartford.
It is the one time every four years when the newly elected governor has three chances to outline a vision, make his or her case, and set the governing agenda.
There is an inaugural address, a State of the State address (sometimes the two have been combined) and in February a budget address. These three opportunities should not be wasted when it comes to setting the policy agenda for the year and sharing a leadership vision for the next four.
It is said that the executive proposes and the legislature disposes, but that simple phrase ignores the power the chief executive has in the opportunity to reach several audiences at once without filter.
When Governor Ned Lamont describes his agenda, through these speeches at the start of his second term, he will target three audiences.
The audience in the room. Members of the state legislature, policy advisors, and his own agency leaders will hear the governor’s words each in their own ways. Understanding his priorities, where the battle lines might be drawn and in the case of his own team, the goals and the messages to achieve those goals.
Thought leaders and the news media. In order to gain support from lawmakers for his policies Lamont must convince the daily press, the opinion press, and through the news media other thought leaders in Connecticut who might be in a position to influence how the legislature disposes of the governor’s proposals.
The general public. Though the governor’s major speeches have historically been carried live by broadcasters and webcasters, the public primarily hears the governor’s leadership messages through the filter of the news media. For this reason the messaging behind the governor’s agenda is extremely important. His speeches must include well-crafted language that boils down complicated ideas into phrases most Connecticut residents would immediately want to get behind.
Bottom Line:
Can a governor succeed with his policy agenda if he doesn’t use the major speeches at the start of each legislative session effectively? Yes, it’s possible. Especially during periods of crisis.
But if any governor wants to use the power of the office to its full advantage the opening speeches of each legislative session should be fully exploited to direct the debate and define victory on the governor’s terms.