Maine has enough funding to keep aid flowing for most of October, but a DHHS spokesperson says the state would likely halt new enrollments in the federally funded WIC program.
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.
Shutdown would be disastrous for Maine, top lawmakers warn
The federal government will run out of operating funds this weekend if Congress doesn’t agree to a deal.
Nearly 800 Maine voters left No Labels party after signature-drive confusion
The group, which drew criticism from some voters who said they were misled into changing party affiliations, still has well over the 5,000 signatures needed to qualify for the 2024 ballot.
Federal audit finds widespread deficiencies in Maine’s postal operations
The U.S. Postal Service’s Office of Inspector General found more than 150,000 pieces of mail that were delayed for delivery at five postal stations in the Southern Maine on March 14.
Top state Senate Republican to lead DeSantis campaign in Maine
Senate Minority Leader Trey Stewart, R-Presque Isle, will help lead Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis’s presidential campaign in Maine, along with former House Republican leader Josh Tardy and state Rep. Reagan Paul, R-Winterport.
Mills administration seeks mediator to resolve contract dispute with state workers
The Mills administration says the executive branch of state government and its larger labor union remain ‘hundreds of millions of dollars apart’ after months of negotiations.
Ethics panel reviewing formal complaint against state Senate president
Sen. Troy Jackson, D-Allagash, declared a second home in Augusta as his principal residence on his mortgage, and Republican critics say he should be investigated for potential violations.
Months after disclosing intraoffice affair, still no policy changes in attorney general’s office
Unlike state agencies, which require supervisor-subordinate relationship be disclosed immediately, the AG’s office policy contains no such requirement – a loophole that allowed Aaron Frey to conceal his relationship for 8 months.
Some Maine lawmakers missed 1 in 5 votes; others had perfect attendance
State legislators’ voting records varied widely last session.
Maine officials evaluating whether Trump can appear on ballot
Like officials in other states, Maine’s secretary of state and attorney general are considering whether the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits former President Donald Trump from holding office because of his role in the Jan. 6 riots.