The emergency measure cleared the House of Representatives and the Senate Thursday morning, and now faces procedural votes before going to the governor for signature.
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
Should paramilitary training camps be banned in Maine? Lawmakers are divided
Republicans and a Democrat worried about how the bill would be used by prosecutors and its potential impact on self-defense courses.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Susan Collins 1 of 4 Republicans to back failed border security bill
Maine’s senior senator voted to advance the legislation, which needed 60 votes but got only 49. The proposal succumbed to opposition from Donald Trump, who said it would be a political gift to President Biden heading into the election.
Posted inNews, Politics
Effort to use national popular vote to decide presidential winner hits snag in Maine
A proposal to have Maine allocate its 4 electoral votes to the popular vote winner was opposed by all Republicans in a legislative committee, while Democrats were divided over whether it should go to a statewide vote.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Lawmakers receive active shooter training after Lewiston shooting, State House threats
The first-of-its kind training will be supplemented by increased security in the Burton Cross Office building next to the State House and a new mobile phone app to send alerts about threats in the Capitol complex.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
U.S. Senate border security bill includes faster work permits for asylum seekers
Maine’s congressional delegation has been pushing to let asylum seekers work sooner, although the prospects appear dim for the bipartisan Senate bill that contains Sen. Susan Collins’ provision on speeding up work permits.
Posted inLocal & State
Brig. Gen. Diane Dunn installed as first woman to lead Maine National Guard
Dunn replaces Maj. Gen. Douglas Farnham, who is retiring after nearly 40 years of military service.
Posted inLocal & State
Feds deny request to accelerate work permits for Maine asylum seekers
The state asked for a waiver of the federal six-month waiting period to let asylum seekers go to work, but no such provision exists in federal law.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Republicans oppose background checks for private gun sales
The governor’s office said Republicans mischaracterized the background check proposal and incorrectly stoked fear that it would lead to a registry of firearm owners.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Mills administration to study how state pay stacks up against private sector wages
The administration says it has increased wages 24% in the past 5 years, but union leaders say the pay gap has continued to grow.