HARTFORD, Conn. -- Connecticut Sen. Chris Dodd met with small business owners across the state on Monday to talk about job growth.

Dodd only had 10 months to turn around his bad poll numbers.

Businesses across the state are very interested in what is happening in Washington, D.C. Residents want to make sure politicians are listening and, when it comes to funding, they are not abandoned.

It's been a tough year for Colonial Han-Dee Spring in Bristol. The company was forced to cut hours, and lay off workers.

On Monday, Sen. Chris Dodd visited the company that produces metal stamps and springs. His message -- legislators are listening.

Dodd said, "We have been through the worst years in mist people's lives economically."

His plan for job growth included easier access to credit, which has been a problem. More tax credit for companies that retain jobs and additional loans for businesses that provide national security.

William Lathrop, the company's president said, "Our year started out better, in the right direction, but moving slow."

Dodd will be in Ansonia and Norwalk on Tuesday to talk about his plan to create more jobs for the state.