The second formal State of the Tribes Address in the state’s history comes as lawmakers in both parties appear to be working on a tribal sovereignty bill that could survive a potential veto from Gov. Janet Mills.
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 back tougher penalties for fake threats that trigger lockdowns
The unanimous vote of the Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee came a week after emotional testimony from people who experienced school lockdowns last fall in response to fake reports of active shooters at 10 high schools.
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Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Lawmakers hear passionate debate over restoring parole in Maine
Advocates said parole is the hope incarcerated people need to better their lives and become productive, but opponents say it will only cause additional trauma to victims and survivors of violent crimes.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Sen. Collins asks Biden administration to slow the flow of asylum seekers to Maine
Collins is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to stop sending asylum seekers to Maine without first verifying a community’s capacity to help.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine Senate strongly endorses Ukraine resolution that divided House members
The 27-4 vote came two days after the same resolution sparked a testy debate in the House, where 53 of 67 Republicans and one Democrat voted in opposition.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills, lawmakers clash over printing tribal treaty language in Maine Constitution
Supporters of House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross’ bill say it is a powerful truth-seeking measure,’ while the governor’s office dismisses it as ‘a misguided attempt to right a historical wrong that never occurred.’
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Resolution supporting Ukraine sparks angry exchange in Maine House
The nearly hourlong debate highlights growing divisions about how much longer the U.S. should continue funding Ukraine’s efforts to repel Russia’s invasion.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Fake school threats lead to calls for harsher penalties
Ten schools in Maine were swatted on Nov. 15, leading to scores of students barricading themselves in their classrooms, armed police officers roaming school hallways looking for nonexistent shooters, and parents wondering if they would see their children again.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics, Schools and Education
Republicans hope 20-year-old spending cap helps cut Mills’ budget
If left unamended, a safety valve tied to Maine’s commitment to fund 55% of public education could chop almost half of Gov. Janet Mills’ $900 million proposal.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Higher fines for violating hands-free driving law attract fans, key detractors
Though a state police lieutenant says more needs to be known about the existing law’s effectiveness, supporters of increasing the fine to $500 say the current $50 penalty for handling a cellphone while driving fails as a deterrent.