Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been covering Portland City Hall for the Press Herald since 2012. His beat touches on a wide range of topics, including immigration, homelessness, education, tourism, real estate development and the economy in Maine’s largest city. He has been a Portland-based journalist since 2005. A life-long Mainer who loves the outdoors, Randy is also a bassist who brews his own beer at his North Yarmouth home, where he lives with his wife and two children.
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PublishedJune 6, 2023
Highway fund raises new tensions over state budget negotiations
A continuing services budget passed by Democrats in March did not include highway funding, which is used to fund operations for the Maine Department of Transportation, Bureau of Motor Vehicles and part of the Maine State Police.
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PublishedJune 1, 2023
Lawmakers recommend replacing popular senior property tax program
The Taxation Committee votes to expand benefits for low-income seniors under 2 existing programs, a move Democrats say will lead to more assistance to seniors who need help the most.
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PublishedMay 31, 2023
Gov. Mills opposes bill to allow Maine tribes to benefit from most federal laws
A spokesperson said the governor would rather address specific bills and programs that unfairly exclude the Wabanaki Nations.
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PublishedMay 30, 2023
Last-minute bill would allow Maine tribes to benefit from federal laws
Penobscot Nation Chief Kirk Francis said the measure, which would not allow Indigenous tribes to operate a casino without special permission from the state, is a top priority for the legislative session that is nearing an end.
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PublishedMay 26, 2023
Critics say report on child’s death sidestepped state’s failures
A legislative committee heard emotional testimony about the state’s oversight of 3-year-old Maddox Williams, who was killed in 2021.
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PublishedMay 25, 2023
Lawmakers may study hospital ‘facility fees’ before restricting them
Ann Woloson, executive director of Mainers for Affordable Health Care, said she supports creating a task force to study the issue and balance the needs of patients and hospitals.
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PublishedMay 24, 2023
Impacts of federal debt default could spread through Maine’s workforce, economy
The state has a lot of federal workers, and a lot of retirees and veterans who collect benefits. The biggest worry, though, seems to be in the unknown. The U.S. has never defaulted on its debts.
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PublishedMay 22, 2023
Proposals to protect digital privacy draw opposition from tech companies, business groups
Lawmakers are considering bills to prevent the use or sale of a range of personal data. Opponents say Maine’s rules would be too burdensome on businesses.
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PublishedMay 18, 2023
Maine parties spar over spending, tax cuts as budget talks heat up
Republicans say continuing to increase state spending as many families struggle to meet basic needs is ‘not a good sell’ for Democrats.
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PublishedMay 17, 2023
Lawmakers clash over gun bills, but make little progress on legislation
The fate of several gun safety bills remain in limbo after split committee votes, with legislators on both sides of the aisle accusing the opposition of being intransigent.
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