JLC ???AUGUST 1992 New York: The head of the state's consumer protection division, citing complaints about unscrupulous contractors, is calling for the state to require contractor registration and to set up a guaranty fund to compensate swindled consumers. The guaranty fund would be funded through registration fees. Similar laws were recently passed in Massachusetts (see story, this page) and Illinois. Connecticut: House Bill 5643, if passed, would allow self-employed contractors who have been out of work for four consecutive weeks to collect unemployment benefits. Vermont: Green Mountain Power and Central Vermont Public Service are offering cash rebates of $30 to $50 to builders and owners of new and rehabilitated residential buildings for the installation of energyefficient lighting, refrigerators, and electric water heaters. For information, call Green Mountain Power at 800/499-5731. New Hampshire: In the Granite State, this spring's legislative session brought builders little