Econintersect: One of the most vigorous debates about public banking in the U.S. is being held in Vermont. On 16 April a panel discussion was held in Montpelier, moderated by Claudette Sortino of the League of Women Voters, with four participants: State Treasurer Beth Pearce, State Senator Anthony Pollina, Vermont Bankers' Association President Christopher D'Elia and Vermont public banking advocate Gwendolyn Hallsmith. Pollina and Hallsmith supported the public banking proposition and Pearce and D'Elia opposed.

Video of panel discussion follows the Read more >> jump.

Each of the participants spoke for 7-9 minutes (+/-) followed by a question and answer session between the panelists and then involving the audience.

In the discussion is mentioned a study report on Vermont Public Banking, linked under Sources below.

At annual town meetings in March, 15 of 19 towns that voted were in the affirmative calling on the state legislature to establish a Vermont Public Bank.