© 2024
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

VT Senate Approves Campaign Finance Bill

WAMC/Pat Bradley

A new campaign finance bill is on the way to Governor Peter Shumlin’s desk.

The Senate on Thursday approved a conference committee version of the bill that critics say is weaker than the versions originally passed by the House and Senate.

It sets new limits on campaign contributions to candidates, political committees and parties. But in the case of contributions to parties, it sets the contribution limit at $10,000 — more than twice what either the House or Senate had approved.

Senator Jeanette White, who explained the conference committee version to her colleagues, says the higher limit was to strengthen parties in relation to super-PACS.

Critics say the limits are too high, and that it's too easy to hide who is behind corporate contributions to parties and candidates.

Copyright 2014 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Related Content