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.
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, Politics
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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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
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.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Lawmakers back tougher penalties for fake threats that trigger lockdowns
The unanimous vote of the Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee came a week after emotional testimony from people who experienced school lockdowns last fall in response to fake reports of active shooters at 10 high schools.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
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.