The administration announced last week that it was releasing a portion of the education funding. Sen. Susan Collins, who pushed for their release, is also calling for the release of medical research grants.
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 inNews, Politics
Angus King voted to confirm an anti-abortion judge. Now, he regrets it.
Maine’s junior senator told the Huffington Post that his vote was ‘a mistake.’ His office said King was not available for an interview Friday.
advertisement
Posted inElections, Maine, News, Politics
Gov. Mills to skip first national governors meeting since Trump confrontation
The governor’s decision also comes as she faces pressure to challenge Republican Susan Collins for her U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
Posted inElections, News, Politics
Who’s funding Maine’s red flag and voter ID referendum campaigns?
A majority of contributions have come from out of state for the 2 ballot questions touching on the national hot button issues of gun safety and voter ID.
Posted inNews, Politics
Trump administration agrees to release some education funding to states
Sen. Susan Collins said Friday that the administration agreed to release about $1 billion in education funding approved by Congress, including $6.5 million for Maine. But that’s a fraction of the more than $6 billion withheld nationally, including $28 million from Maine.
Posted inMaine, News
Maine joins multistate lawsuit to reverse Trump FEMA cuts
The lawsuit claims the administration illegally terminated a program to help fortify communities against natural disasters, including a $41.4 million sand dune restoration project in York County.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Susan Collins opposes Democratic effort to rein in Trump’s budget rescission power
A spokesperson said Maine’s senior senator voted against the proposal because it would have been challenged on jurisdictional grounds and delay needed funding for military infrastructure and veterans services.
Posted inMaine, News, Politics
Sen. Collins, Rep. Golden outraise opponents in 2 closely watched national races
Maine’s Senate and 2nd Congressional District races could be pivotal for the control of Congress and are expected to draw significant outside spending.
Posted inMaine, Nation & World, News, Politics
Collins votes no but Senate advances Trump budget request
Vice President JD Vance broke a 50-50 tie in a procedural vote on the president’s demand to cut $9.4 billion in funding already approved by Congress for foreign assistance and public broadcasting.
Posted inMaine, Nation & World, News, Politics
Donald Trump gave Susan Collins a pass, for now. Will Maine voters?
The Republican senator’s maneuvering on Trump’s tax and spending cuts bill shows she’s walking a tightrope ahead of her 2026 reelection bid.