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.
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PublishedJanuary 5, 2022
Maine lawmakers kick off 2nd session with debate over COVID precautions
The session will include negotiations about using an $822 million projected budget surplus and debate on over 350 bills, including reforms to the state’s child protection system.
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PublishedJanuary 2, 2022
Maine lawmakers study direct cash payments as anti-poverty tool
Bipartisan support exists for a 2019 basic income proposal that would supplement the safety net for Mainers in need.
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PublishedDecember 27, 2021
Lawmakers signal push for reforms, oversight of Maine’s child protection system
Support for big changes is building after the deaths of four children last summer. House Speaker Ryan Fecteau says Democrats and Republicans are united and a longtime advocate says he’s never been more optimistic.
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PublishedDecember 15, 2021
Gov. Mills nominates attorney from Yarmouth as next public advocate
William Harwood is an attorney with broad experience working on utility issues and currently serves as the senior adviser for regulatory affairs in the governor’s energy office.
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PublishedDecember 14, 2021
Forever chemicals found in chicken eggs as Maine expands testing to 34 communities
Backyard hens kept by a Fairfield family with contaminated water had high levels of PFAS in their eggs, fueling concerns in a region already dealing with contaminated cow milk and venison.
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PublishedDecember 13, 2021
Pilot launched to assess racial impact of state legislative bills
The purpose of the statements is to address what many see as systemic racism in state government by considering whether a proposed new law would help, hurt or have no impact on historically disadvantaged racial populations.
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PublishedDecember 9, 2021
Critical investigative report reignites calls to close Long Creek youth prison
Advocates came closer than ever to closing the state’s only youth prison during the last legislative session, winning support in the House and Senate, only to face a veto from Gov. Mills.
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PublishedDecember 7, 2021
Long-term state revenue projections ‘volatile,’ Maine lawmakers told
The words of caution come as the Legislature prepares to debate what it should do with $822 million in additional revenue being projected for the current two-year budget.
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PublishedDecember 4, 2021
Big hats, high spirits: Christmas Prelude returns for 40th year
Throngs of people – both masked and unmasked – crowd sidewalks, Kennebunkport’s village square and local businesses Saturday. The event is marked by s’mores, campfires, live music in bars and may other festivities.
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PublishedDecember 2, 2021
Eliminating single-family zoning among ways to increase housing opportunity, state commission says
Recommendations from the Commission to Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Zoning and Land Use Restrictions include allowing in-law apartments as a matter of right and removing municipal growth caps.
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