Collins Will Vote for Tax Bill, Local Protests Continue

Senator Susan Collins says she will vote for her party's tax bill.

With her support, it's expected the GOP will have enough votes to pass the $1.5 trillion dollar package.

Protesters gathered at the Federal Building in Bangor Monday afternoon, the site of Collins' local office, criticizing Collins' decision to support the bill.

Collins addressed the Senate Monday afternoon saying she's able to vote for the bill with provisions included that she helped win, including letting people deduct state and local income, sales and property taxes up to $10,000.

"I will cast my vote in support of the conference agreement on the tax cuts and jobs act," she said. "While it is by no means perfect on balance this reform bill will provide much-needed tax relief. It will benefit lower middle income families while spurring the creation of good jobs and greater economic growth."

"Amendments that she's pushing for that, first of all she's had Senate leadership come out and saying that it's not entirely certain that it'll make it into the bill at the end of the day," said protester Nathalie Arruda. "We think that she's being played like a violin and that she's being manipulated by wealthy donors and corporate lobbyists and neglecting to pay attention to her constituents in the state of Maine who are not wealthy people."

The bill also includes provisions backed by Collins regarding retirement savings and medical expenses.

The vote is scheduled Tuesday.

Protesters say they will continue to have people outside the federal building up to and through the vote.