The LePage administration wants to stop providing General Assistance to some immigrants awaiting work permits. Opponents call the change illegal and racist.
Randy Billings
Staff Writer
Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been the State House bureau chief since 2021. He was named the Maine Press Association’s Journalist of the Year in 2020. He joined the Press Herald in 2012 as the Portland City Hall reporter, where his beat touched on a wide range of topics, including municipal government, immigration, homelessness, housing and social services. Prior to that, he worked at various weeklies as well as business and arts publications. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine, Orono. He lives in North Yarmouth with his wife and two children and enjoys the outdoors and playing his upright bass.
Posted inPolitics
Immigrant backers join forces to oppose LePage rule change
The governor wants to keep asylum seekers from receiving state-funded General Assistance money.
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Posted inPolitics
LePage proposal would end assistance to asylum seekers
Portland officials say a General Assistance rule change could leave many immigrants without shelter or food.
Posted inNews
Warnings issued regarding Portland marijuana ordinance
A panel will discuss the interface of the ordinance with state and federal laws on Thursday night at City Hall.
Posted inNews, Politics
Portland pot vote seen as a precursor for the state
Meanwhile, a national group that opposes the trend is stepping into the debate to ‘get the facts out about this drug.’
Posted inNews
Portland voters legalize marijuana
The ‘Yes’ vote wins in a landslide, claiming 67 percent of the tally with many of the precincts reporting.
Posted inNews
Anti-marijuana activist wins Portland sign battle
City officials agree to return signs that were removed in response to complaints about a lack of disclosure.
Posted inNews
Several lawmakers to endorse legalizing pot in Portland
The local referendum would allow possession of up to 2.5 ounces.
Posted inNews, Politics
Opposition to Portland marijuana initiative is emerging
Signs opposing the removal of criminal and civil penalties are beginning to pop up in the city, but the group behind the effort is a mystery.
Posted inNews
Homelessness hits record high in Portland
Maine’s largest city struggles to accommodate displaced families.