The days of eye-popping revenue growth are over, and lawmakers face a gap of $450 million in the next budget cycle.
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, Nation / World, Politics
Rep. Golden among Democrats to support immigration crackdown bill
The bill, which was supported by 48 Democrats, would require the detention of immigrants in the country illegally who are charged with shoplifting, theft, burglary and larceny.
advertisement
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine lawmakers return to Augusta as session begins
Lawmakers are expected to meet in their respective chambers only one day a week through February, as work slowly ramps up to review hundreds — if not thousands — of bills submitted by lawmakers.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation / World, News, Politics
Susan Collins officially named chair of powerful Senate committee
Maine’s senior senator now leads the Senate Appropriations Committee, which oversees spending decisions.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Mills administration warns lawmakers about looming budget gap
The governor’s budget office tells lawmakers that spending cuts, program changes and new revenues would likely be needed, but also warned against relying on rainy day funds or income tax increases.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Maine lawmakers move to restrict — but not ban — vague placeholder bills
A proposal informally endorsed by legislative leaders Monday would require the complete text of a bill to be publicly available online at least two days before a public hearing is held or the bill would die.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Maine lawmakers get 61% pay increase
The raises were approved by the previous Legislature, which also voted to increase the salary of the next governor who will be elected in 2026.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Here’s what to look for as Maine’s 2026 race for governor takes shape
Speculation has already seeped into the public arena, with well-known political figures such as Rep. Jared Golden and Secretary of State Shenna Bellows, and potential dark horse candidates such as Travis Mills, a retired U.S. Army staff sergeant, all in the mix.
Posted inElection 2024, News, Politics
Maine delays enforcement of campaign donor limits
The voter-approved restrictions on political action committees were to take effect on Dec. 25, but the state agreed to a 5-month delay as a legal challenge works its way through the court system.
Posted inLocal & State
U.S. Senate approves Collins’ bill to fund urban parks, trails
The funding, contained in a bill co-sponsored by the senior senator, will help create and expand outdoor recreational opportunities in underserved urban communities.