Republicans say continuing to increase state spending as many families struggle to meet basic needs is ‘not a good sell’ for Democrats.
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
Lawmakers clash over gun bills, but make little progress on legislation
The fate of several gun safety bills remain in limbo after split committee votes, with legislators on both sides of the aisle accusing the opposition of being intransigent.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Effort to restore parole in Maine appears unlikely after committee vote
The bill was rejected 6-5 by the Legislature’s Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee and faces ongoing opposition from Gov. Janet Mills, a former prosecutor.
Posted inLocal & State
Efforts to protect gender-affirming care draw impassioned testimony at State House
Two bills elicited more than 4 hours of remarks from members of the public, including one that would allow 16- and 17-year-olds to begin taking puberty blockers and hormone therapy without their parents’ consent.
Posted inLocal & State
Explosion, fire in truck parked outside Blaine House in Augusta not considered suspicious
A loud explosion was reported before flames engulfed the bed of a pickup parked alongside the governor’s mansion.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills unveils new spending plan to address housing shortage, homelessness and other needs
The governor said her nearly $900 million change package, which does not propose any tax relief or reform, addresses ‘pressing needs,’ such as homelessness, food insecurity and the lack of affordable housing.
Posted inLocal & State
State unveils plan to protect kids by strengthening families
The Maine Child Safety and Family Wellbeing report establishes a framework for future policy decisions and proposes $1 million in seed funding to launch a public education campaign and provide technical assistance to help community providers close service gaps.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gun debate returns to Augusta amid rise in mass shootings nationwide
Lawmakers will continue to hear more gun rights and gun control bills in the coming days, and behind-the-scenes discussions are just beginning on a proposal aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of people who are prohibited from having them.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine lawmaker calls for sweeping review of state constitution
Democratic Sen. Craig Hickman wants to create a 13-member, bipartisan commission to study and recommend changes to state government.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
House majority leader proposes expanding state child tax credit
Rep. Maureen Terry’s proposal would eliminate minimum income requirements for people to receive tax credits for dependents and increase that credit from $300 to $350 per dependent.