Randy Billings

Portland Press Herald

Randy Billings is a government watchdog and political reporter who has been covering Portland City Hall for the Press Herald since 2012. His beat touches on a wide range of topics, including immigration, homelessness, education, tourism, real estate development and the economy in Maine’s largest city. He has been a Portland-based journalist since 2005. A life-long Mainer who loves the outdoors, Randy is also a bassist who brews his own beer at his North Yarmouth home, where he lives with his wife and two children.

Latest

Published
April 10, 2023

Lawmakers urged to open a safe consumption site to prevent fatal drug overdoses

While not allowed under federal law, safe consumption sites are opening in at least 2 states and being considered in others as a way to prevent overdose deaths and connect people to medical care and treatment services.
Published
April 7, 2023

State Republicans want work requirements for those receiving public assistance

As the legislative minority, Republicans lack the numbers to enact any welfare reforms like those passed during former Gov. Paul LePage’s 2 terms.
Published
April 6, 2023

Legislative Democrats plan review of AG’s relationship with staffer

A spokesperson for Senate President Troy Jackson said he wants to be sure a clear policy is put in place to protect the integrity of the office.
Published
April 3, 2023

Legislature takes on gun control, including background checks, waiting period

Lawmakers heard hours of testimony, with supporters saying the bills would help reduce gun violence, while opponents said the bills would infringe on law-abiding citizens’ Second Amendment rights.
Published
March 30, 2023

Maine Legislature passes budget over Republicans’ objections

Democrats used their majorities in both chambers to pass a continuing services budget in hopes of avoiding a potential government shutdown in July.
Published
March 28, 2023

State budget rancor grows ahead of Thursday vote

Democrats are expected to pass a current services budget this week and postpone any discussion about Republican demands for income tax breaks until later in the session.
Published
March 28, 2023

Lawmakers urged to provide MaineCare coverage to noncitizens

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.
Published
March 25, 2023

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.’
Published
March 23, 2023

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.
Published
March 22, 2023

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.