Sen. Rachel Talbot Ross, D-Portland, said the bill is a ‘long overdue step towards justice’ for workers who are primarily Black, Brown, Latino, and Indigenous laborers who have historically been excluded from labor protections.
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 inMaine, News, Politics
Maine Democrats drop opposition to ‘red flag’ hearing
A public hearing is scheduled for 3 p.m. Wednesday on a citizen initiative that would make it easier to temporarily remove access to firearms from people who are in a crisis.
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Posted inElections, Maine, News, Politics
Hannah Pingree announces run for Maine governor
Pingree, a former speaker of the Maine House, joins a slate of well-known Democrats looking to replace Gov. Janet Mills.
Posted inElections, Maine, Politics
Group hoping to ‘veto’ Maine budget intends to collect signatures at polling places Tuesday
It’s unclear whether a group of Republicans can gather enough signatures to force a people’s veto referendum, which Democrats warn would cause a months-long government shutdown even if it fails.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Proposed tax increases spark clash in Maine Legislature
Advocates urged lawmakers to increase taxes on the wealthy and corporations, but Republicans vowed to oppose any new taxes.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Maine Republicans, gun rights groups try to force hearing on ‘red flag’ proposal
Republicans say Democrats, who control both chambers and legislative committees, are violating state law by not allowing a public hearing on a red flag referendum that is opposed by Gov. Janet Mills and some Democrats.
Posted inBusiness, Maine, News
Maine may legalize more forms of online gambling
A bill pending in the Legislature would expand the rights of tribes to offer non-sports betting options online, such as roulette and blackjack.
Posted inMaine, Politics
Farmworker minimum wage on track to become Maine law
A bill to extend the state minimum wage to agricultural employees has now been approved by the Senate and House of Representatives.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Maine Republicans say Democrats broke law by denying hearing on ‘red flag’ gun initiative
The proposal, which is headed toward a statewide referendum this fall, would make it easier to take guns from people believed to pose a danger to themselves or others.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Poll finds Trump and Musk are unpopular in Maine, but opinions are mixed about federal actions
The Pan Atlantic Omnibus Poll also tested voter intentions for some rumored and declared candidates for governor.