As the state enjoys a record surplus, lawmakers from both parties have submitted proposals that would reduce taxes for lower-income Mainers.
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, News
State lawmaker calls for $200 million investment in affordable housing
Rep. Rebecca Millett’s bill is one of many that will be considered by a new Joint Select Committee on Housing, created by the Legislature this session.
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Posted inHealth, Local & State, News
Bill would extend MaineCare health coverage to all low-income noncitizens
House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross submitted a similar bill last session, but it did not advance out of committee after Gov. Janet Mills funded a smaller expansion, limited to noncitizens who are pregnant or under the age of 21.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
State lawmakers prepare to weigh more than 2,000 bills, $10.3 billion budget proposal
With control of both the House and Senate, Democrats will set the agenda, but Republicans still hope to leave their mark.
Posted inLocal & State
Republicans prioritize child welfare, propose to separate office from DHHS
The bill, among several outlined by GOP lawmakers Tuesday, is the same as one proposed last year by former Democratic Sen. Bill Diamond.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers will appeal court ruling denying access to child protection records
The Government Oversight Committee voted to appeal a court ruling that lawmakers are prohibited from viewing confidential child protection records.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills’ budget calls for massive investment in roads, bridges
The $400 million allocated for transportation projects would help unlock an estimated $1 billion in federal infrastructure spending, state officials say.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills proposes nearly 10% increase in 2-year budget
The spending proposal does not call for raising taxes and would use projected revenue surpluses to expand programs such as free community college tuition and public school investments.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills prepares to unveil 2-year budget, predicts little controversy
Mills said in a radio interview that she’s looking to continue investments in public education, housing and child care, though she offered few details ahead of the official unveiling planned for Wednesday.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Former House Speaker Fecteau to advise Gov. Mills on housing, workforce initiatives
As a senior adviser, Fecteau will help develop policy solutions for housing development and land use, as well as workforce, innovation and economic opportunities.