Advocates came closer than ever to closing the state’s only youth prison during the last legislative session, winning support in the House and Senate, only to face a veto from Gov. Mills.
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 inBusiness, Maine, News, Politics
Long-term state revenue projections ‘volatile,’ Maine lawmakers told
The words of caution come as the Legislature prepares to debate what it should do with $822 million in additional revenue being projected for the current two-year budget.
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Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Big hats, high spirits: Christmas Prelude returns for 40th year
Throngs of people – both masked and unmasked – crowd sidewalks, Kennebunkport’s village square and local businesses Saturday. The event is marked by s’mores, campfires, live music in bars and may other festivities.
Posted inMaine
Eliminating single-family zoning among ways to increase housing opportunity, state commission says
Recommendations from the Commission to Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions include allowing in-law apartments as a matter of right and removing municipal growth caps.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Sara Gideon donates $3.5 million in leftover campaign cash to help low-income families
The money, from her unsuccessful bid for U.S. Senate, will go to the nonprofit Maine Equal Justice, which provides financial assistance to low-income parents earning degrees and professional certifications.
Posted inMaine
State will use federal funds to give bonuses to direct care workers
The federal government has approved Maine’s request to use $126 million in American Recovery Act funding to give bonuses to new and existing workers providing home- and community-based health services.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Economic growth, federal funds drive increase in state revenues
Gov. Mills says she will propose using some of the added revenue to help Mainers struggling with increased costs of electricity, home heating fuels, gas at the pump, and other necessities.
Posted inMaine
Maine reports 799 new COVID-19 cases, 10 more deaths
Since the pandemic began, there have been 111,145 confirmed or probable cases of COVID-19 in Maine and 1,230 people have died with the virus.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Portland soon could join move to ban flavored tobacco products
Portland would follow Bangor, which last month became the first Maine community to enact such a ban.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Brandon Mazer wins Portland at-large council seat in drawing of lots
Roberto Rodriguez, the losing candidate, immediately said he would ask for a vote recount.