Maine Legislature passes budget over Republicans’ objections

Randy Billings Press Herald

Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been covering Portland City Hall for the Press Herald since 2012. His beat touches on a wide range of topics, including immigration, homelessness, education, tourism, real estate development and the economy in Maine’s largest city. He has been a Portland-based journalist since 2005. A life-long Mainer who loves the outdoors, Randy is also a bassist who brews his own beer at his North Yarmouth home, where he lives with his wife and two children.

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Published
March 30, 2023

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.
Published
March 28, 2023

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.
Published
March 28, 2023

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.
Published
March 25, 2023

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.’
Published
March 23, 2023

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.
Published
March 22, 2023

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.
Published
March 21, 2023

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.
Published
March 21, 2023

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.
Published
March 20, 2023

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.
Published
March 16, 2023

Tribal leaders call for expanded rights in rare appearance before joint session of Maine Legislature

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.