A proposal informally endorsed by legislative leaders Monday would require the complete text of a bill to be publicly available online at least two days before a public hearing is held or the bill would die.
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 inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers get 61% pay increase
The raises were approved by the previous Legislature, which also voted to increase the salary of the next governor who will be elected in 2026.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Here’s what to look for as Maine’s 2026 race for governor takes shape
Speculation has already seeped into the public arena, with well-known political figures such as Rep. Jared Golden and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and potential dark horse candidates such as Travis Mills, a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant, all in the mix.
Posted inElection 2024, News, Politics
Maine delays enforcement of campaign donor limits
The voter-approved restrictions on political action committees were to take effect on Dec. 25, but the state agreed to a 5-month delay as a legal challenge works its way through the court system.
Posted inLocal & State
U.S. Senate approves Collins’ bill to fund urban parks, trails
The funding, contained in a bill co-sponsored by the senior senator, will help create and expand outdoor recreational opportunities in underserved urban communities.
Posted inLife & Culture, Local & State, News
Mainers prefer fake Christmas trees? For real
An online poll conducted by the University of New Hampshire’s Survey Center also tested public opinion about Christmas movies, holiday expressions and whether people were expecting snow next week.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Republicans look to defund Maine’s new paid leave program
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.
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.
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.