Amid the usual partisan divide over initiatives proposed by any Governor, Greater Danbury area lawmakers have come together on some ideas unveiled during Governor Malloy's State of the State Address yesterday. 

Danbury Democratic State Representative Bob Godfrey says is pleased the sales tax exemption for clothing under $50 will be back.  He and former Republican State Senator David Capiello and he proposed the original exemption.

Godfrey says unlike former Governor John Rowland's income tax refund which then becomes taxable, Malloy is proposing rebates.  He says sticking with the Earned Income Tax Credit increase will help some 600 residents in his district.  Godfrey added that heard a lot of attention payed to working class families.

New Fairfield Republican Representative Richard Smith says Connecticut still has a long economic recovery road ahead.  He says the idea of reducing taxes, eliminating regulations and helping veterans are great concepts.  But saying Connecticut is back on its feet, Smith says is somewhat misleading.  Smith says the unemployment figure quoted is misleading, because it's more like 10-percent.  He says Connecticut has a long way to go and hopes lawmakers can come together to help residents.

Smith wants to continue to improve the business climate by attracting businesses not through corporate welfare, but by making the state more affordable.

Malloy addressed a joint session of the General Assembly to start the short session.