Rep. Joseph Galletta hasn’t explained his absences – all of which were excused by his fellow lawmakers – but wants to be reelected.
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
Absent Maine Democrats ceded majority to Republicans on Legislature’s final day
Roughly a quarter of the caucus didn’t cast veto override votes to save key bills on May 10. A handful of that group said they were at the State House but knew the votes would fall short.
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Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Gov. Mills won’t sign 35 last-minute spending bills
Mills says she will let the bills die because she believes lawmakers lacked the legal authority to enact them on Friday and is concerned that signing them will lead to litigation and uncertainty.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Inside the chaotic conclusion of the 131st Legislature
After a long day of voting and negotiating, Democrats in the Maine House didn’t have enough members present Friday to pass the remaining bills.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Dozens of departing Maine lawmakers could alter balance of power
Most of the open legislative seats heading into the fall – 22 of 39 – are currently held by Democrats, giving Republicans a mathematical advantage. But other factors also play a role.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
After uncertainty and a bit of Democratic infighting, the 131st Maine Legislature adjourns
Senate Democrats passed 80 additional spending bills, despite protests by Gov. Janet Mills. The House, however, voted to adjourn without taking the bills up.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Latest spending bills left hanging as Maine Legislature ends 2024 session
Maine Senate advances spending bills opposed by Gov. Mills, but the House chose not to vote on them.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers fail to override vetoes of bump stocks ban, farmworker minimum wage
All override efforts failed Friday and the Legislature has yet to override a veto by Gov. Janet Mills, who has rejected 49 bills since taking office.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills slams lawmakers for advancing more spending bills
A legislative committee advanced at least $10 million in additional spending this week after repeated warnings from the administration about pushing the state budget past the ‘breaking point.’
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Topsham representative resigns from House seat
Rebecca Jauch resigned from her seat on Monday to take a federal job, making her the second Democrat to resign in the closing days of the session.