Bobbi Johnson, who took over the beleaguered system this month, answered questions from lawmakers on the Government Oversight Committee on Friday.
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
Gov. Mills set to deliver ‘novel’ State of the State address next week
She plans to submit her budget and policy priorities to lawmakers in writing and use her televised address Tuesday night to talk about ‘a period of extraordinary challenge for our state,’ including the Lewiston shooting and a series of devastating storms.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
National gun safety group focuses on reforms in Maine
Everytown for Gun Safety is joining with Moms Demand Action and a Maine state senator to push for significant reforms in Maine to prevent more violence like the mass shooting in Lewiston.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Maine agency cancels assault rifle class after complaints
A spokesman for the Maine Department of Fisheries and Wildlife said a class about cleaning and maintaining an AR firearm was abruptly canceled after complaints that it was inappropriate in the wake of the mass shooting in Lewiston.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, Politics
Struggling emergency medical responders still awaiting $31 million in funds approved last year
Bureaucratic hurdles have delayed urgently needed funding for Maine’s struggling ambulance services.
Posted inLocal & State
Department veteran chosen to lead reforms of Maine’s child protection agency
Bobbi Johnson, a 30-year veteran in the state’s child welfare office, will take over leadership of the agency after the former director resigned amid a legislative review of child deaths.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers split on party lines over bill to allow lawsuits against gunmakers, sellers
The bill is the first piece of gun safety legislation to receive a committee vote since the Oct. 25 shootings in Lewiston that killed 18 people and wounded 13.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Gov. Mills asks Legislature to create new state office for immigrants
The Office of New Americans would help asylum seekers and other immigrants integrate into the workforce and community.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Rep. Jared Golden’s office vandalized with message urging cease-fire in Gaza
In a statement, the Democratic congressman reaffirmed his support for Israel. The incident was reported to Bangor police.
Posted inLocal & State
3 to 6 inches of snow expected across Maine on Tuesday
The National Weather Service says snow will begin around sunrise and continue all day.