Voters in Vermont will vote in November on what would be the first such constitutional amendment in the country and a similar proposal is being discussed in California.
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, Nation & World, Politics
Gov. Mills pledges to protect abortion access; LePage emphasizes his support of restrictions
After a report suggests the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade, Gov. Janet Mills says she will fight to protect reproductive rights while former Gov. Paul LePage emphasizes his support of abortion restrictions.
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Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Taxpayer relief, tribal relations, child protection and free tuition: What mattered in the 2022 session
Lawmakers found themselves in an unusual position this year – having to decide what to do with a projected surplus of $1.2 billion.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Gov. Mills issues first two vetoes from 2022 legislative session
One bill would have changed the governance structure of the University of Maine system, and the other dealt with transmission lines that didn’t directly benefit state residents.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Tribes won’t keep pushing sovereignty bill this session
Realizing L.D. 1626 would not become law, tribal leaders focused on Gov. Mills’ stated interest in trying to reach targeted, negotiated agreements, saying ‘time is on our side.’
Posted inLocal & State, News
Legislators approve compromise bill for Good Samaritan expansion
Gov. Janet Mills is expected to sign the bill, which would extend protections to anyone ‘rendering aid’ to an overdose victim.
Posted inLocal & State, News
Gov. Mills’ opposition halts tribal sovereignty bill
The Legislature adjourns without funding the legislation, though it’s possible leadership could call another session before lawmakers reconvene May 9 to take up vetoes.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
Historic tribal sovereignty bill falters, while sports betting advances
The Legislature’s budget committee failed to allocate $44,650 in funding needed to send the sovereignty bill to Gov. Janet Mills, who was expected to veto it, but officials say negotiations are ongoing.
Posted inLocal & State, Uncategorized
Maine lawmakers to vote on bills awaiting funding
The more than 200 bills that were approved by the Legislature would cost more than $1.6 billion to implement.
Posted inLocal & State, Politics
State lawmakers recall approved Good Samaritan bill after governor threatens veto
But bill proponents said late Wednesday that they had agreed with Gov. Mills’ office on a new version of the measure, which would have to be approved by the state House and Senate.