Leaders of the Legislature’s budget-writing committee are negotiating the scope of inflation relief checks and other pricey budget proposals, but have just days to cut a deal.
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
Bill to limit reasons police can pull over motorists hits roadblock in Maine House
Eighteen Democrats joined Republicans to vote against a bill that would end traffic stops for minor infractions that proponents say affect people of color at higher rates than white motorists.
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Posted inMaine, Politics
Maine lawmakers approve resolution expressing support for Ukraine
All but 3 lawmakers signed onto the resolution expressing support for the Ukrainian people and condemning the Russian invasion.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Bill to give Mainers right to healthy environment fails in House
The House voted 77-59 in support of the Pine Tree Amendment – well short of the two-thirds vote needed to send it to voters this fall. The proposal faces a vote in the Senate.
Posted inMaine, Politics
A right to clean air and water? In broad initiatives, critics predict a sea of litigation
A move to enshrine in Maine’s Constitution a right to healthy environment is part of a trend of broadly worded amendments that includes the right to food.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Legislature unanimously approves $12 million boost for child care workforce
House Speaker Ryan Fecteau’s bill is supported by Gov. Janet Mills, but still needs to be funded by the Legislature’s budget-writing committee.
Posted inMaine, Uncategorized
Maine Rep. Theodore Kryzak of Acton dies at 66
Kryzak, a Republican, also was a teacher and a farmer and is being remembered for his sense of community service.
Posted inMaine, Politics, Uncategorized
State watchdog: Poor training, high workloads hampering child abuse investigations
A new OPEGA report did not directly say that the deficiencies contributed to the four child deaths that occurred within a month of each other last summer, sparking its investigation.
Posted inMaine, Politics
$30 million fund to help lobstermen meet new rules gets strong support in Maine House
An initial 116-18 vote shows bipartisan support for aid to the industry in complying with new federal requirements meant to protect right whales.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Maine House advances bill to allow ranked-choice voting in communities statewide
The bill would allow all of Maine’s communities, whether they have official charters or not, to establish ranked-choice voting.