Gov. Janet Mills was invited to the state dinner in honor of the president of Kenya.
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 inElections, Local & State, Politics
Third candidate challenges Angus King for U.S. Senate seat
King, an independent, is now being challenged by a Democrat, a Republican and an independent.
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Posted inLocal & State
$19 million in Maine pandemic relief checks never got cashed
The Mills administration said Monday that 40,000, or 2%, of the 2.3 million checks issued by the state over a 3-year period have not been cashed and are now being treated as unclaimed property.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
First-term Durham Republican representative missed 67% of Legislature’s session days this year
Rep. Joseph Galletta hasn’t explained his absences – all of which were excused by his fellow lawmakers – but wants to be reelected.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Absent Maine Democrats ceded majority to Republicans on Legislature’s final day
Roughly a quarter of the caucus didn’t cast veto override votes to save key bills on May 10. A handful of that group said they were at the State House but knew the votes would fall short.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills won’t sign 35 last-minute spending bills
Mills says she will let the bills die because she believes lawmakers lacked the legal authority to enact them on Friday and is concerned that signing them will lead to litigation and uncertainty.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Inside the chaotic conclusion of the 131st Legislature
After a long day of voting and negotiating, Democrats in the Maine House didn’t have enough members present Friday to pass the remaining bills.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Dozens of departing Maine lawmakers could alter balance of power
Most of the open legislative seats heading into the fall – 22 of 39 – are currently held by Democrats, giving Republicans a mathematical advantage. But other factors also play a role.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
After uncertainty and a bit of Democratic infighting, the 131st Maine Legislature adjourns
Senate Democrats passed 80 additional spending bills, despite protests by Gov. Janet Mills. The House, however, voted to adjourn without taking the bills up.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Latest spending bills left hanging as Maine Legislature ends 2024 session
Maine Senate advances spending bills opposed by Gov. Mills, but the House chose not to vote on them.