I'm the Statehouse bureau chief for New Jersey 101.5, covering the governor, Legislature and state politics, and had previously covered the Statehouse for Gannett newspapers for more than 15 years. I'm a lifelong New Jerseyan -- raised in Bergen, living in Hunterdon, Rutgers graduate. I'm co-author of the 2012 biography 'Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power.' I am not the Iron Chef with a similar name though sometimes get tweets meant for him, especially around Thanksgiving. Believe me, you don't want my cooking tips.
Michael Symons
Murphy, lawmakers agree to finally update NJ homestead benefits
Benefits for eligible homeowners have long been based on 2006 property tax information, even as bills continued rising. The change in the budget will boost benefits $130 or more.
More hunger-focused bills likely to be approved with NJ budget
Two focus on meals for students, two focus on how SNAP benefits are administered, and the last would create an Office of the Food Insecurity Advocate.
New NJ law: Landlords can’t ask applicants about criminal records
Gov. Phil Murphy signs the bill into law at a Paterson church as part of marking the first observation of Juneteenth as a state and federal holiday.
Proposed state task force would scrutinize youth sports in NJ
From abusive coaches and parents to bullying by players to unscrupulous team and league organizers, the panel would have a wide range of focus.
NJ adds 13,600 jobs in May – but still down 314,000 in pandemic
At the rate jobs have been added so far in 2021, it would take until the end of 2023 to recover pandemic-era losses. But things might speed up going forward.
To help summer economy, NJ may let teens work 50 hours a week
State lawmakers have an idea for easing the labor crunch: Let 16- and 17-year-olds work overtime this summer.
Midyear tests point to education ‘state of emergency’ in NJ
Standardized tests were skipped again, but midyear assessments by school districts show three of every eight students below grade level in math and English.
NJ veterans’ homes reforms advance, with one key bill excluded
In response to the devastation caused by COVID-19 at veterans' homes, a package of eight bills is advancing toward final legislative approval this month.
NJ may speed up college athletes endorsement law to this July
The 'name, image and likeness' law enacted last year for New Jersey college athletes was timed to take effect in 2025. A new bill moves it to July 1, 2021.
NJWeedman won’t be on ballot for governor, after Dems challenge
Marijuana activist Edward Forchion won't be on the ballot as a candidate for governor after all, though he will seek support as a write-in.