Bangor, Maine News Update: December 18, 2017

Republican leaders are confident they will have the votes this week to pass the $1.5 trillion tax overhaul. Sen. Susan Collins says her vote depends on whether Congress passes two bills she favors to stabilize the insurance market. She also wants lawmakers to ensure tax reform doesn't trigger Medicare cuts. The bill slashes the corporate tax rate, drops individual tax rates and expands the child tax credit.

The owner of a popular Sanford restaurant says the city is trying to force her out of business. Rene Bernier owns the Cockpit Café at the Sanford Seacoast Regional Airport. The city council is expected to vote on the restaurant’s lease renewal tomorrow. City officials are asking her to make some changes as the airport is upgraded, including accepting credit cards, serving alcohol and adding outdoor seating. Bernie says she may be able to accept credit cards, but some of the other changes may force her out of business.

A longtime official with the Maine Potato Board will serve as state director for rural development for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Timothy Hobbs says he looks forward to working alongside state partners to help finance homes, invest in facilities and "empower rural business." The agency provides loans and grants to expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural Maine.

A Leeds native has been named the United States Paralympic Coach of the Year by the U.S. Olympic Committee. Eileen Carey coaches the U.S. Nordic skiing and biathlon Paralympic teams. She was a Nordic skier at Leavitt Area High School and won four state championships before graduating in 2000.