One hundred and eighty-seven lawmakers were sworn in outside the state capital chambers in Hartford in the cold Wednesday to signal the start of the 2021 legislative session in Connecticut.

The ceremony was nearly drowned out by hundreds of people protesting everything from the COVID-19 vaccines to COVID restrictions.

Despite the protests, every member of the Connecticut state House and Senate were sworn in around 11 a.m. — outside with masks and social distancing.

The new House speaker, Matt Ritter, was sworn in by his father, former speaker Tom Ritter.

Public hearings in 2021 will be held virtually.

But Ritter assured the public, their voices will be heard.

"Right now to participate in a public hearing you got to take a day off of work or drive up here for nine hours, is that really the best way that we can provide access to the people of the state of CT? Of course not," Ritter says.  

For lawmakers, the pandemic is priority number one.

They have one month to decide which of Gov. Ned Lamont's emergency orders to put into law, and whether to extend his other powers.

They'll also be taking up thorny issues like pot legalization and sports wagering.