The session will include negotiations about using an $822 million projected budget surplus and debate on over 350 bills, including reforms to the state’s child protection system.
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, Politics
Maine lawmakers study direct cash payments as anti-poverty tool
Bipartisan support exists for a 2019 basic income proposal that would supplement the safety net for Mainers in need.
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Posted inLocal & State
Lawmakers signal push for reforms, oversight of Maine’s child protection system
Support for big changes is building after the deaths of four children last summer. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau says Democrats and Republicans are united and a longtime advocate says he’s never been more optimistic.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills nominates attorney from Yarmouth as next public advocate
William Harwood is an attorney with broad experience working on utility issues and currently serves as the senior adviser for regulatory affairs in the governor’s energy office.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Forever chemicals found in chicken eggs as Maine expands testing to 34 communities
Backyard hens kept by a Fairfield family with contaminated water had high levels of PFAS in their eggs, fueling concerns in a region already dealing with contaminated cow milk and venison.
Posted inLocal & State, Nation / World, New England, News, Politics
Pilot launched to assess racial impact of state legislative bills
The purpose of the statements is to address what many see as systemic racism in state government by considering whether a proposed new law would help, hurt or have no impact on historically disadvantaged racial populations.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Critical investigative report reignites calls to close Long Creek youth prison
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.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, 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.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, 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 inLocal & State
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.