Lawmakers from both parties say there is widespread support for a citizen initiative to ban foreign governments from spending money on state referendum campaigns.
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
Some House Republicans join lawsuit over Democrats’ budget maneuver
The plaintiffs, including Republican Reps. Shelley Rudnicki and Randall Greenwood, claim that Gov. Janet Mills and Democratic leaders in the Legislature violated the state constitution by passing a party-line budget in March and then calling a special session to finish other work.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Committee advances bill to address Maine’s chronic homelessness
The bill would devote millions in revenue the state receives from real estate sales into a statewide program to support permanent housing and services for people who are chronically homeless.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
State expects another budget surplus and parties again clash over what to do with it
Higher prices and higher wages have led to more sales and income taxes being collected by the state, reigniting the debate over whether to cut taxes or invest in state programs.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation & World, Politics
Sen. King proposes ethics rules for U.S. Supreme Court justices
Maine’s independent senator teams up with an Alaska Republican on a bill to require the U.S. Supreme Court to adopt a code of conduct and investigate complaints, while Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree has co-sponsored similar bills in the U.S. House.
Posted inLocal & State
Report cites missed opportunities in Maddox Williams case
But the review of the state’s handling of the 3-year-old’s death in 2021 found that caseworkers didn’t make any “unsound” decisions. It also illustrates the complexities Child Protective Services faces in cases involving substance use, mental health and numerous parents.
Posted inLocal & State
State leaders denounce white supremacist letters sent to lawmakers
At least 8 Democratic legislators received the letters Wednesday, leaders said. A former Portland City Council candidate read the same letter aloud at Monday’s council meeting.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Bill would protect access to gender-affirming care that’s being restricted by other states
MaineCare has covered gender-affirming care such as mental health counseling, surgery and hormone treatments since 2019, but guaranteeing coverage in state law would prevent a future governor from easily eliminating that coverage.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Lawmakers urged to open a safe consumption site to prevent fatal drug overdoses
While not allowed under federal law, safe consumption sites are opening in at least 2 states and being considered in others as a way to prevent overdose deaths and connect people to medical care and treatment services.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
State Republicans want work requirements for those receiving public assistance
As the legislative minority, Republicans lack the numbers to enact any welfare reforms like those passed during former Gov. Paul LePage’s 2 terms.