Collins is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to stop sending asylum seekers to Maine without first verifying a community’s capacity to help.
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
Maine Senate strongly endorses Ukraine resolution that divided House members
The 27-4 vote came two days after the same resolution sparked a testy debate in the House, where 53 of 67 Republicans and one Democrat voted in opposition.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Gov. Mills, lawmakers clash over printing tribal treaty language in Maine Constitution
Supporters of House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross’ bill say it is a powerful truth-seeking measure,’ while the governor’s office dismisses it as ‘a misguided attempt to right a historical wrong that never occurred.’
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Resolution supporting Ukraine sparks angry exchange in Maine House
The nearly hourlong debate highlights growing divisions about how much longer the U.S. should continue funding Ukraine’s efforts to repel Russia’s invasion.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Schools and Education
Fake school threats lead to calls for harsher penalties
Ten schools in Maine were swatted on Nov. 15, leading to scores of students barricading themselves in their classrooms, armed police officers roaming school hallways looking for nonexistent shooters, and parents wondering if they would see their children again.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics, Schools and Education
Republicans hope 20-year-old spending cap helps cut Mills’ budget
If left unamended, a safety valve tied to Maine’s commitment to fund 55% of public education could chop almost half of Gov. Janet Mills’ $900 million proposal.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Higher fines for violating hands-free driving law attract fans, key detractors
Though a state police lieutenant says more needs to be known about the existing law’s effectiveness, supporters of increasing the fine to $500 say the current $50 penalty for handling a cellphone while driving fails as a deterrent.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Talbot Ross among Black leaders honored at White House ceremony
Maine House Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, was one of five Black house speakers honored at the event.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Increased pay has bolstered ranks of attorneys representing indigent clients
But the Maine Commission on Indigent Legal Services says that the pay increase needs to be extended beyond this summer and that more needs to be done to stabilize the program and meet the state’s constitutional obligations.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Right to housing among a flood of proposed state constitutional amendments
Rep. Benjamin Collings, D-Portland, hopes it would lead to new policies requiring more housing assistance and resources.