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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PublishedMarch 28, 2023
State budget rancor grows ahead of Thursday vote
Democrats are expected to pass a current services budget this week and postpone any discussion about Republican demands for income tax breaks until later in the session.
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PublishedMarch 28, 2023
Lawmakers urged to provide MaineCare coverage to noncitizens
The bill sponsored by House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, would extend health coverage to newly arrived asylum seekers and other noncitizens. Republicans oppose the proposal, citing what they say is its $7 million price tag.
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PublishedMarch 25, 2023
Democrats advance majority budget after talks with Republicans break down
Republicans had sought $200 million in income tax cuts for low- and middle-income Mainers, a goal one lawmaker said Democrats ‘flatly rejected.’
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PublishedMarch 23, 2023
Democrats move to pass baseline budget to prevent chance of state shutdown
The move would allow continued debate about whether to increase spending or cut taxes, or both.
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PublishedMarch 22, 2023
Lawmakers reject higher fines for using a cellphone while driving
Instead of increasing punishment, lawmakers directed several state agencies to launch an educational campaign to remind drivers that it is illegal to handle a cellphone while driving in Maine.
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PublishedMarch 21, 2023
Maine lawmakers want federal waiver allowing asylum seekers to work right away
Current federal law requires that they wait 6 months after applying for asylum.
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PublishedMarch 21, 2023
Gov. Mills huddles with lawmakers as unofficial budget deadline looms
With the state expecting large revenue surpluses, Mills is facing pressure from her own party to invest in state programs, while Republicans are calling for tax cuts.
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PublishedMarch 20, 2023
Lawmakers, administration argue over rescue plan for Maine’s struggling EMS providers
The Mills administration raised concerns and urged changes to the stopgap measure, which is one of several proposals this session to shore up EMS services that are losing money and struggling to attract new workers.
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PublishedMarch 16, 2023
Tribal leaders call for expanded rights in rare appearance before joint session of Maine Legislature
The second formal State of the Tribes Address in the state’s history comes as lawmakers in both parties appear to be working on a tribal sovereignty bill that could survive a potential veto from Gov. Janet Mills.
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PublishedMarch 13, 2023
Lawmakers hear passionate debate over restoring parole in Maine
Advocates said parole is the hope incarcerated people need to better their lives and become productive, but opponents say it will only cause additional trauma to victims and survivors of violent crimes.
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