Lawmakers heard hours of testimony, with supporters saying the bills would help reduce gun violence, while opponents said the bills would infringe on law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights.
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
Maine Legislature passes budget over Republicans’ objections
Democrats used their majorities in both chambers to pass a continuing services budget in hopes of avoiding a potential government shutdown in July.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
State budget rancor grows ahead of Thursday vote
Democrats are expected to pass a current services budget this week and postpone any discussion about Republican demands for income tax breaks until later in the session.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers urged to provide MaineCare coverage to noncitizens
The bill sponsored by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, would extend health coverage to newly arrived asylum seekers and other noncitizens. Republicans oppose the proposal, citing what they say is its $7 million price tag.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Democrats advance majority budget after talks with Republicans break down
Republicans had sought $200 million in income tax cuts for low- and middle-income Mainers, a goal one lawmaker said Democrats ‘flatly rejected.’
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Democrats move to pass baseline budget to prevent chance of state shutdown
The move would allow continued debate about whether to increase spending or cut taxes, or both.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers reject higher fines for using a cellphone while driving
Instead of increasing punishment, lawmakers directed several state agencies to launch an educational campaign to remind drivers that it is illegal to handle a cellphone while driving in Maine.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers want federal waiver allowing asylum seekers to work right away
Current federal law requires that they wait 6 months after applying for asylum.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills huddles with lawmakers as unofficial budget deadline looms
With the state expecting large revenue surpluses, Mills is facing pressure from her own party to invest in state programs, while Republicans are calling for tax cuts.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers, administration argue over rescue plan for Maine’s struggling EMS providers
The Mills administration raised concerns and urged changes to the stopgap measure, which is one of several proposals this session to shore up EMS services that are losing money and struggling to attract new workers.