Vermont To Publicly Finance Campaigns

The Vermont Legislature became the first in the nation Thursday to pass a campaign finance package that would publicly fund state election campaigns and set mandatory spending limits on all state races.

The Senate approved the measure by a vote of 19-6.

Governor Howard Dean, a Democrat, is expected to sign the bill after the House and Senate reconcile minor differences in their versions.

“It is our hope that the bill will keep the Vermont Legislature responsive to every Vermonter, not just the large contributor,” said state Senator Jean Ankeney.