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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PublishedMay 2, 2023
Committee advances bill to address Maine’s chronic homelessness
The bill would devote millions in revenue the state receives from real estate sales into a statewide program to support permanent housing and services for people who are chronically homeless.
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PublishedApril 28, 2023
State expects another budget surplus and parties again clash over what to do with it
Higher prices and higher wages have led to more sales and income taxes being collected by the state, reigniting the debate over whether to cut taxes or invest in state programs.
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PublishedApril 26, 2023
Sen. King proposes ethics rules for U.S. Supreme Court justices
Maine’s independent senator teams up with an Alaska Republican on a bill to require the U.S. Supreme Court to adopt a code of conduct and investigate complaints, while Democratic Rep. Chellie Pingree has co-sponsored similar bills in the U.S. House.
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PublishedApril 14, 2023
State leaders denounce white supremacist letters sent to lawmakers
At least 8 Democratic legislators received the letters Wednesday, leaders said. A former Portland City Council candidate read the same letter aloud at Monday’s council meeting.
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PublishedApril 12, 2023
Bill would protect access to gender-affirming care that’s being restricted by other states
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.
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PublishedApril 10, 2023
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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PublishedApril 7, 2023
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.
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PublishedApril 6, 2023
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.
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PublishedApril 3, 2023
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.
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PublishedMarch 30, 2023
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.
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