The Vermont Tobacco Evaluation & Review Board was established by the legislature effective July 2000 as an independent board, housed in the Office of the Secretary of AHS. The Board works in partnership with the Agency and the Departments of Health and Education in establishing the annual budget, program criteria, and policy development, review and evaluation of the entire tobacco control program. The Board is required to submit each October an independent budget recommendation to the Governor and the Legislature for program funding for the next fiscal year; to select the media contractor for tobacco prevention and cessation campaigns and approve each campaign; to submit an annual report to the legislature on progress toward the statewide goal of a 50% reduction in smoking by 2010 and testify as needed to legislative committees; to review community grant applications and make funding recommendations to the Commissioner of Health; to conduct at least two public meetings each September to solicit input on program performance and budget; and to collaborate with the three departments on a bi-annual Work Plan with measurable objectives for each component of the comprehensive program. If you would like more information about the board please contact the Administrator, Darrilyn Peters by telephone at (802) 241-2555 or by email at <a href="mailto:Darrilyn.Peters@state.vt.us">Darrilyn.Peters@state.vt.us</a>.