State agencies said portals for housing assistance and Medicaid reimbursements were back online Wednesday after access was cut off Tuesday.
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 inNation & World, News, Politics
Susan Collins in spotlight for Tulsi Gabbard, RFK Jr. confirmation hearings
Maine’s Republican senator plans to question both during separate hearings scheduled for Thursday morning, and she is seen as a possible swing vote.
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Posted inNews, Politics
Gov. Mills uses budget address to call for compromise by lawmakers in both parties
The governor also came out against a citizen referendum for a red flag law and challenged a commission that oversees legal representation to indigent clients to change its practices rather than request more money.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills set to deliver annual address to Legislature. Here’s what to look for.
Mills’ 2-year budget proposal includes service cuts and tax increases to meet the state’s constitutional mandate to submit a balanced budget.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Democrats choose new party leaders
Democrats look to the more rural, conservative 2nd Congressional District for party leaders ahead of the 2026 election cycle, which includes statewide races for governor and the U.S. Senate.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Which taxes would increase under Gov. Mills’ budget proposal?
Some of the proposals would increase taxes on individuals. Others would be used to leverage federal Medicaid funds and would not be felt by Maine taxpayers, according to state officials.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Bipartisan tax break for retirees on the chopping block
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.
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.
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.