A tax deduction on pension income won bipartisan support three years ago, but is now at the center of a partisan battle over tax increases in the proposed two year-budget.
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 inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Lawmakers criticize state official for withholding annual cannabis report
The annual report was due a year ago and never submitted to lawmakers, one of whom has asked for an investigation.
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Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Why Susan Collins said ‘no’ to Pete Hegseth as defense secretary
She was 1 of 2 Republican senators to break ranks and oppose Trump’s nominee Thursday, but it didn’t stop Hegseth’s nomination or eventual confirmation.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills proposes 3-month limit on emergency housing assistance
The proposal in the governor’s update to the current budget is intended to rein in ballooning costs in the state’s General Assistance program.
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine’s 2nd District was a rare exception in polarized November election
Only 16 of 435 congressional districts nationwide supported a House candidate and a presidential candidate from different parties, and one of those districts is in Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Republicans vow to oppose any budget with tax increases
Gov. Janet Mills’ 2-year budget proposal, which she unveiled last week, will be reviewed and refined by lawmakers in the coming months.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine lawmakers set limits on vague placeholder bills
The new rules would require bill details to be posted online at least 2 days before a public hearing.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine lawmakers want state to stop issuing Real ID cards
Rep. Laurel Libby said her bill to end the Real ID program in Maine is one of several being submitted nationwide in hopes of convincing President-elect Donald Trump and Congress to end the controversial requirement.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
How the pandemic ‘sugar high’ led to Maine’s budget crunch
The days of eye-popping revenue growth are over, and lawmakers face a gap of $450 million in the next budget cycle.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Rep. Golden among Democrats to support immigration crackdown bill
The bill, which was supported by 48 Democrats, would require the detention of immigrants in the country illegally who are charged with shoplifting, theft, burglary and larceny.