Gov. Janet Mills and legislative leaders have been trying to find agreement on a relief package that can get bipartisan approval on Wednesday, allowing the aid to be sent to struggling Mainers this winter.
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 inBusiness, Local & State, Politics
Negotiations continue over heating and energy aid for Mainers
While details were not released, another round of relief checks and additional rental assistance are being contemplated, along with direct heating and energy assistance.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Big issues await legislators in new session, starting with heating Mainers’ homes
When it begins work this week, the 131st Legislature will dig into its first big test: a bipartisan deal on energy relief.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Politics
Legislative leaders vow to tackle housing crisis
Democratic leaders in the House of Representatives and Senate say the state’s housing crisis, coupled with the loss of federal funding for rental assistance, must be a priority for the incoming Legislature.
Posted inElection 2022, Local & State, Politics
State panel levies $10,680 in fines against group that backed Democratic candidates
The Maine Ethics Commission voted to fine the political action committee after determining it failed to disclose top funders.
Posted inLocal & State, News
State expects another budget surplus despite economic uncertainty
Gov. Janet Mills said in a statement that an additional $283 million in projected revenue this year would help create an ’emergency winter energy relief program’ to help struggling Mainers.
Posted inLocal & State
State agency, legislative committee clash in court over child protection records
As plaintiff, the Legislature’s Government Oversight Committee says the outcome will have ‘profound implications for vindicating and upholding the Separation of Powers central to our Maine Constitution.’
Posted inElection 2022, Local & State, Politics
Recounts confirm Election Day winners in 3 state races
Recounts were requested in one Senate and two House races.
Posted inLocal & State, News, Uncategorized
New blood in minority leadership realigns Maine Republicans’ priorities
Both Senate leader Harold ‘Trey’ Stewart III and House leader William ‘Billy Bob’ Faulkingham said the party needs to make inroads with parents and blue-collar workers.
Posted inBusiness, Local & State, News
Lobster fishing rules to protect right whales will be delayed 2 years, judge says
Lobstermen are relieved that new, stricter rules to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales will be delayed until 2024, giving regulators more time to address the concerns of fishermen and environmentalists.