Advertisement

Tampa protestors take aim at Marco Rubio, GOP tax bill

 
Hillsborough County School Board member  Lynn Gray speaks during Tuesday's protest of the Republican tax plan and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa. [GABRIELLA ANGOTTI-JONES   |   Times]
Hillsborough County School Board member Lynn Gray speaks during Tuesday's protest of the Republican tax plan and U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio at Curtis Hixon Park in Tampa. [GABRIELLA ANGOTTI-JONES | Times]
Published Dec. 19, 2017

TAMPA — As Republicans drew closer to passing a sweeping rewrite of the tax code Tuesday night, about 40 protestors gathered outside Curtis Hixon Park to call out U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio.

"No Trump tax cuts" the group chanted as skaters used the nearby ice rink.

The protest came four days after Rubio said he would support the GOP tax bill. He had threatened not to vote for the bill unless the legislation included a more generous child tax credit.

ANALYSIS: What Marco Rubio got for his tax vote

GOP leaders changed the bill enough to secure Rubio's vote. But for most of Tuesday's demonstrators, his change of heart was seen as kowtowing to the GOP establishment, said Debbie King, a lead regional coordinator for Organize Florida, a liberal group that opposes the bill.

"This bill shifts the tax burden to those who can lease afford it," King said. "We are here to say no to a bill that will harm the economy, woman, families and large groups of people."

The changes Rubio advocated doubled the Child Tax Credit from $1,000 to $2,000. The adjustment will likely give an extra $300 per child to families earning between $25,000 to $40,000. However, those making less will likely get very little.

REVIOUS COVERAGE: Rubio takes victory lap after child tax credit fight

Congressional Democrats have called the tax bill a gift to corporations and the wealthy that will ultimately raise the deficit and middle-class taxes and cut Medicaid.

That's protestor Heather St. Amand's primary concern. She came to the park with her 13-year-old transgender daughter, Isabelle. She said her daughter gets puberty blockers through Medicaid. They would not be able to afford that medication otherwise, the mother said.

"We are able to pay our rent and bills, but I consider ourselves working poor." St. Amand said. "I'm worried that any tax bill they pass could cut into the health car my daughter needs."

Many protestors held signs reading "Don't cut medicaid" and "No Trump tax scam." Rich Cortez, 62, of Tampa, held up a cardboard cutout of Rubio. He said he was the only one willing to hold the life size standee of the senator.

Cortez said Rubio was looking out for the interests of the wealthy instead of the average Florida resident. Standing in front of a nearly 15-foot-tall Christmas tree, Cortez couldn't help but make a holiday analogy.

"He doesn't represent Florida," Rich said. "He represents Ebenezer Scrooge."

Contact Jonathan Capriel at jcapriel@tampabay.com. Follow @jonathancapriel.