Gov. Janet Mills’ proposal to require background checks for some private firearm sales gives new momentum to an idea that has been defeated multiple times. But political analysts say proponents still will have to overcome Maine’s tradition of hunting and gun ownership.
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
8 takeaways from Gov. Mills’ State of State address
The governor is proposing major gun legislation and the establishment of mental health crisis centers in response to the Lewiston mass shootings, as well as investments to increase the resiliency of coastal infrastructure in the wake of recent destructive storms.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills urges ‘fiscal restraint’ in upcoming budget
She plans to ‘set aside’ $100 million for current spending obligations, while increasing investments to address homelessness, the opioid epidemic and public education.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Opponents criticize bill to ban paramilitary training in Maine as hate groups rise
If the legislation is approved, Maine would join 26 other states that have responded to an increase in organized domestic extremism with laws banning unauthorized paramilitary training.
Posted inLocal & State, News
New child welfare chief aims to prioritize input from caseworkers, front-line workers
Bobbi Johnson, who took over the beleaguered system this month, answered questions from lawmakers on the Government Oversight Committee on Friday.
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.
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.