Collins welcomes LePage back to Maine politics, defends tax breaks for wealthy

In a closed-door speech to Republican Party faithful in Lewiston Saturday night, Sen. Susan Collins griped about criticisms of her record, made false claims about the effects of the 2017 federal tax breaks and publicly welcomed former Governor Paul LePage, who has been mulling another run for the Blaine House, back to Maine politics.

“Gov. LePage is back,” Collins announced to “cheering and applause,” according to Lewiston Sun Journal reporter Steve Collins. The journalist was barred from the event by party leaders but managed to listen to the senator’s speech from a hotel hallway.

Collins endorsed and fundraised for LePage during his successful 2010 and 2014 runs for governor.

During her speech, Collins also claimed that the 2017 tax breaks, for which she cast a decisive vote, spurred economic activity and growth. The non-partisan Congressional Research Service has found exactly the opposite, however, concluding that overall economic growth has remained level with pre-tax cut projections.

While the wealthy and large corporations have unquestionably benefited from the tax cuts, ordinary workers saw little growth in their wages. By 2027, Maine’s poorest residents are projected to see a $340 tax increase due to the law.

During her speech, Collins also complained about accusations that her vote for the tax cut bill could put Medicare in jeopardy. That claim is based on statements from her Republican colleagues suggesting cuts to Medicare, Social Security and other programs will be necessary to fill the deficit hole caused but the tax cuts.

The tax cuts also threaten access to health care in other ways. Even as she cast her vote, Collins warned that the tax package, with it’s repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s individual mandate, would drive up insurance premiums and cause millions to lose access to health coverage. At the time she said she had an “ironclad” guarantee that two other bills to partially address this issue would soon be passed, but they never were.

The changes to the ACA also threatened its constitutional standing and a challenge to the entire health care program may soon be taken up by the Supreme Court. Collins has said she finds the situation “very disappointing.”

Photo: Collins and LePage at a GOP state convention | Maine Republican Party official photo