Maybe there might be some rule-stretching involved but these guys seem pretty clear about what they want.

Ag Committee:

When I stayed a little later today at the State House to get some info from... well I forget his name.

But this is what I've got:

The ag committee (Zuckerman, I'm assuming) made arrangements to meet with Jules Junker and Dan Scruton to talk specifically about some aspects of the VSHI proposal.

Jules Junker (LIHEAP guy):

Weatherization Programs Coordinator

Phone: 802-241-2452

Email: julesj@ahs.state.vt.us

Department for children

office of economic opportunity (OEO)

103 South Main street Osgood 2

Waterbury, VT 05671-1801

www.dcf.state.vt.us

The legislator I talked with said they talked to Jules about the reality of switching from current heating systems to pellet stoves and he said (something like) "replacing inefficient heating systems with biomass pellet stoves is very doable"

something like that. he gave me a direct quote but I cant remember.

Dan Scruton

Phone: 802-828-3836

Email: Dan@agr.state.vt.us

Apparently this guy is connected with REEP (its an acronym.. the second e might be an a.. he couldnt tell me which) which is concerned with grant money. He said that grant money is available through the Agency of Agriculture. Dan also said that we needed to first find a farmer to coapply.

In response to the above (from Galen): I have two ideas for farmers. One is Jane Clifford, who was apparently in the room when we presented to the ag. committee. she has a farm in northern Addison County in Starksboro, and I believe she holds positions in state dairy agencies. Dave Sharpe suggested this idea. The second idea is Sam Burr, the guy who showed us to Gaye Symington's office. He and his wife are my former employers. they own a vegetable farm, and they also have a number of acres on which they grow feed hay. Sam works in Montpelier as a lawyer as well, so that would be an ideal situation/connection to have.