The move delayed debate over an $11.3 billion state budget on Thursday.
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 inNews, Politics
Gov. Mills signs budget bill into law, calls lawmakers back for special session
Gov. Janet Mills on Friday signed into law an $11.3 billion budget that was passed by Democrats early Friday over the objections of Republicans.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers weigh property tax relief, even as Mills signals she won’t support most efforts
Inflation and a runaway hot real estate market have led to a spike in property taxes across Maine — an issue that came into focus last year when lawmakers repealed a new program that froze property taxes for older adults because it was financially unsustainable.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Social Security workers, union say staffing cuts would gut the agency
They warn that it is already understaffed and that further cuts, including the possible closure of the Presque Isle office, could lead to major disruptions for 355,000 older and disabled Mainers.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Senate Republicans’ budget bill rules out federal earmarks for state projects
While Sens. Susan Collins and Angus King voted for the spending measure to avoid a shutdown, it eliminates millions of dollars of so-called earmarks for projects in Maine and nationwide.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Republicans in Maine Senate balk at budget compromise
A compromise proposal for funding a MaineCare shortfall failed to get the two-thirds support needed to pass it as emergency legislation Tuesday night in the Senate, sending lawmakers back to the drawing board.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine’s federal delegation could play role in Republican effort to avoid a shutdown
If Congress doesn’t pass a stopgap spending bill by midnight Friday, the federal government will shut down nonessential services.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, News, Politics
Time is running out for Maine budget compromise to avoid reduced hospital payments
The state will begin reducing MaineCare reimbursements to small rural hospitals and withhold reimbursements for larger claims on Wednesday if lawmakers do not pass an emergency supplemental budget.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Trump administration finds Maine in violation of Title IX over transgender policy
The decision, dated Feb. 25, came just days after the administration announced its investigation and does not appear to be based on conversations with state officials.
Posted inHealth, Local & State, Politics
With time running out, Maine lawmakers play chicken over supplemental budget
The state has notified medical providers that serve low-income patients to expect lower MaineCare reimbursements if lawmakers can’t reach an agreement by March 12.