The new revenue forecast brings the projected surplus to nearly $373 million over the next 2 years and is likely to increase pressure on lawmakers to make more investments to help struggling Mainers.
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, Politics
Physicians, gun owners, activists pack Maine State House for hearing on gun reform
Dozens of people testified for and against a pair of bills that include expanding background check requirements to advertised private firearms sales and a 72-hour waiting period on purchases.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
House backs bill to pledge Maine’s electoral votes to national popular winner
The bill would have Maine join a compact with other states to allocate Electoral College votes to the winner of the national popular vote for president, even if its contrary to the wishes of local voters.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Democrats launch push to pass gun safety bills in response to Lewiston shooting
Public hearings begin on gun safety bills that would ban bump stocks, institute a 72-hour waiting period for firearm purchases and expand background checks to advertised private sales.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Mental health funding bill draws broad support at Maine State House
Nobody testified against House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross’ proposal to invest at least $17.5 million in mental health crisis services.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gun safety debates expected to draw crowds to Maine State House this week
Two legislative committees are scheduled to hear public testimony on a slate of bills proposed in the wake of the mass shooting in Lewiston.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Nikki Haley urges Maine voters to choose ‘a new-generation leader’ over ‘two 80-year-old candidates’
The former South Carolina governor and United Nations ambassador made a campaign stop in Portland on Sunday night ahead of the Super Tuesday primaries.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Support builds for $50 million fund to aid small businesses hurt by winter storms
A bill sponsored by Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, received unanimous, bipartisan endorsement in committee on Friday.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Peace activists urge protest votes in Maine’s Democratic primary
The Maine Coalition for Palestine is urging people to write-in ‘ceasefire’ on presidential primary ballots Tuesday to protest President Biden’s support for Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Ban on paramilitary training camps falters in Maine House
The sponsor, Rep. Laurie Osher, D-Orono, said a vote on the bill was delayed at the last minute over concerns it didn’t have enough votes to pass with 7 members absent.