An emergency bill from Rep. Joshua Morris, R-Turner, to eliminate a new payroll tax faces an uphill battle in the Legislature, where Democrats hold majorities in both chambers.
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 inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
Maine sued over new voter-approved campaign finance limits
Supporters of the new law expected the challenge and hope to set a new Supreme Court precedent supporting the limits.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
CEO killing renews call to ban ghost guns in Maine
Similar bills restricting untraceable firearms have failed in the Democratic-controlled Legislature, but the political ground has shifted since last year’s mass shooting in Lewiston.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Sen. Collins undecided after meeting with Trump defense nominee Hegseth
Collins said she pressed Hegseth on allegations of heavy drinking and mistreatment of women, including a rape allegation made in 2017.
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, Politics
Collins, Golden could give Maine delegation outsized influence during Trump administration
Neither Susan Collins nor Jared Golden are seen as predictable votes for their parties, and narrow margins in Congress mean it’s more likely they will be looked to as key votes.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Newly elected Maine Legislature takes oath, elects officers
Attorney General Aaron Frey and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows won reelection to their posts Wednesday after Democrats, who have majorities in both the House and Senate, met Tuesday to cast a preliminary vote on nominations.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
New Legislature to consider limits on vague placeholder bills
The increased use of so-called concept drafts that allow lawmakers to withhold details about pending legislation has generated criticism from the public, advocates and lawmakers alike.
Posted inElection 2024, News, Politics
Hand recount underway in Maine’s 2nd Congressional District
Austin Theriault requested the recount after losing the race to Rep. Jared Golden by 2,706 votes, or less than 1% of votes cast.
Posted inElection 2024, Local & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills not ready to join Trump resistance movement, yet
Gov. Janet Mills is taking more of a wait-and-see approach than some Democratic governors, who have formed a resistance network even before Donald Trump takes office.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, News, Politics
Gov. Mills doesn’t rule out challenging Susan Collins for U.S. Senate in 2026
But Maine’s Democratic governor said she is focusing on her final two years as governor, while applauding U.S. Sen. Susan Collins’ ascent as chair of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, where she can direct more federal spending to Maine.