Municipal clerks who administer elections say they’ve noticed an increase in anger among voters, and state officials cite at least two threats to election workers since the 2020 presidential election.
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 inMaine, News, Politics
Lawmakers hear waves of support for equal rights amendment to Maine Constitution
The amendment would expressly prohibit discrimination based on sex – something that came 2 votes shy of passing in 2019, the sponsor says.
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Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Bill calls for Maine to ban COVID-19 vaccination mandates for 5 years
The bill is unlikely to advance, but it will give Republicans a chance to amplify a chief talking point of former Gov. Paul LePage’s campaign to unseat Gov. Janet Mills.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Resolution honoring police who defended U.S. Capitol sparks partisan divide in Maine House
A total of 49 House members, all Republican, voted against the resolution, some taking issue with describing the Jan. 6 insurrection as domestic terrorism.
Posted inMaine, News
Child welfare ombudsman’s report lays out familiar problems, challenges facing front-line workers
Most of the findings in Christine Alberi’s report, formally submitted this week, have been the subject of debate among policymakers for months.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers kick off 2nd session with debate over COVID precautions
The session will include negotiations about using an $822 million projected budget surplus and debate on over 350 bills, including reforms to the state’s child protection system.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers study direct cash payments as anti-poverty tool
Bipartisan support exists for a 2019 basic income proposal that would supplement the safety net for Mainers in need.
Posted inMaine
Lawmakers signal push for reforms, oversight of Maine’s child protection system
Support for big changes is building after the deaths of four children last summer. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau says Democrats and Republicans are united and a longtime advocate says he’s never been more optimistic.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
State lawmakers schedule two in-person sessions for January
Committees, however, will continue to meet remotely because of the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases that is filling hospitals and expected to get worse.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Gov. Mills nominates attorney as next public advocate
William Harwood is an attorney with broad experience working on utility issues and currently serves as the senior adviser for regulatory affairs in the governor’s energy office.