HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) Gov. Dannel P. Malloy says he's thankful Connecticut is creating a ``second chance society,'' where nonviolent criminals are given more opportunities to get drug treatment and successfully reintegrate into society.

The Democrat credited the state with implementing ``sweeping reforms'' and enacting ``smart criminal justice policies'' in the annual Thanksgiving message, released Wednesday. The legislation has been a key focus of his administration.

Malloy acknowledged there are challenges at home, without elaborating, but said those ``should not prevent us from being thankful of the progress we have made together.''

Malloy cited efforts to tackle chronic homelessness among veterans, reduce the number of uninsured and improve graduation rates as some other points of pride.

Malloy also said he's thankful for the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that made same-sex marriage a right.