MaineCare has covered gender-affirming care such as mental health counseling, surgery and hormone treatments since 2019, but guaranteeing coverage in state law would prevent a future governor from easily eliminating that coverage.
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
Lawmakers urged to open a safe consumption site to prevent fatal drug overdoses
While not allowed under federal law, safe consumption sites are opening in at least 2 states and being considered in others as a way to prevent overdose deaths and connect people to medical care and treatment services.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
State Republicans want work requirements for those receiving public assistance
As the legislative minority, Republicans lack the numbers to enact any welfare reforms like those passed during former Gov. Paul LePage’s 2 terms.
Posted inLocal & State
Legislative Democrats plan review of AG’s relationship with staffer
A spokesperson for Senate President Troy Jackson said he wants to be sure a clear policy is put in place to protect the integrity of the office.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Legislature takes on gun control, including background checks, waiting period
Lawmakers heard hours of testimony, with supporters saying the bills would help reduce gun violence, while opponents said the bills would infringe on law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.’
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.