Service providers argue that having a cabinet official advocating for child welfare could lead to more resources for mental health, substance use and behavioral health.
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
Tribal leaders urge passage of gambling bills, new state office
They say that a slate of bills that include proposals to allow them to expand their operations to include casinos and create an office of tribal relations in state government will help foster economic development in rural areas.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine Democrats will seek constitutional protection for abortion rights
Abortion advocates are going to push for the constitutional amendment months after narrowly winning a bruising legislative battle to expand access to the procedure later in pregnancy.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine House rejects lawmaker’s call to impeach secretary of state
House members voted 80-60 against a resolution calling for an impeachment investigation of Shenna Bellows for her decision to bar former President Trump from Maine’s presidential primary ballot.
Posted inLocal & State
Maine lawmakers consider joining effort to work around Electoral College system
The bill would have Maine join a multistate compact pledging electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the nationwide popular vote.
Posted inLocal & State
Committee backs nominee to lead Maine Army National Guard
The Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee voted 8-3 in favor of recommending the confirmation of retired U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Diane L. Dunn, who would be the first woman to hold the post.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Expenses on meals, travel and more add up for Maine’s part-time Legislature
Maine’s 186 lawmakers received about $1.7 million in reimbursements during the last legislative session, including $155,000 for the 10 legislative leaders.
Posted inLocal & State
Child protection office criticized again in new report as lawmakers take up reforms
Members of the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee will continue their review of the office and begin discussing possible reforms on Friday.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Republican lawmaker files resolution to impeach Bellows for disqualifying Trump
While impeachment of the secretary of state is highly unlikely, some Republican lawmakers said her decision to keep former president Donald Trump off Maine’s primary ballot has energized Republican voters.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Hundreds rally at Maine State House for stricter gun laws
Some also called for protecting Second Amendment rights as Maine lawmakers returned for a new session that is expected to focus on gun safety in the wake of the mass shooting in Lewiston in October.