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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PublishedMarch 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.
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PublishedMarch 21, 2023
Maine lawmakers want federal waiver allowing asylum seekers to work right away
Current federal law requires that they wait 6 months after applying for asylum.
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PublishedMarch 21, 2023
Gov. Mills huddles with lawmakers as unofficial budget deadline looms
With the state expecting large revenue surpluses, Mills is facing pressure from her own party to invest in state programs, while Republicans are calling for tax cuts.
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PublishedMarch 20, 2023
Lawmakers, administration argue over rescue plan for Maine’s struggling EMS providers
The Mills administration raised concerns and urged changes to the stopgap measure, which is one of several proposals this session to shore up EMS services that are losing money and struggling to attract new workers.
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PublishedMarch 16, 2023
Tribal leaders call for expanded rights in rare appearance before joint session of Maine Legislature
The second formal State of the Tribes Address in the state’s history comes as lawmakers in both parties appear to be working on a tribal sovereignty bill that could survive a potential veto from Gov. Janet Mills.
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PublishedMarch 15, 2023
Lawmakers back tougher penalties for fake threats that trigger lockdowns
The unanimous vote of the Legislature’s Criminal Justice Committee came a week after emotional testimony from people who experienced school lockdowns last fall in response to fake reports of active shooters at 10 high schools.
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PublishedMarch 13, 2023
Lawmakers hear passionate debate over restoring parole in Maine
Advocates said parole is the hope incarcerated people need to better their lives and become productive, but opponents say it will only cause additional trauma to victims and survivors of violent crimes.
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PublishedMarch 10, 2023
Sen. Collins asks Biden administration to slow the flow of asylum seekers to Maine
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.
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PublishedMarch 9, 2023
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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PublishedMarch 7, 2023
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.’
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