I am deeply disappointed to read of Sen. Susan Collins’ likely support for the proposed income tax bill. Every nonpartisan analysis I have read points to great benefits to corporations and the wealthy; meager and declining benefits for small businesses, middle class and poor families.

The switch in taxing corporations at a territorial rather than international basis will encourage them to move more of their operations overseas, further eroding tax revenues that support programs in the U.S. The cuts in federally-funded programs will follow, further gutting research and development, education, housing, health, food, environment and infrastructure so critical to the collective well-being of this nation.

I beg Sen. Collins to reconsider her vote and insist on taking the time to develop a sound, bipartisan plan that would benefit all, not just the few at the top. Not to mention the increase in the deficit that would be passed on to the next generations to pay for those tax cuts for the wealthy.

Debra Smith, New Gloucester