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
Child-care centers say recovery at risk as they face closures
New Jersey's child care industry needs state or federal help to avoid collapse, business owners and policy analysts told an Assembly committee.
Towns seek help for expected drop in August property tax payments
Property tax collections declined slightly in May, when mortgage escrows paid the bills. The pattern could be different in the second half of 2020.
NJ lawmakers advance school depression screenings, with parental consent
An Assembly committee OK'd a bill that would have schools screen middle-school and high-school students for depression, with written consent from parents.
The question: Put back $80M for lead water pipe replacement?
At an Assembly water infrastructure panel's first hearing, opposition to Gov. Phil Murphy's reversal of spending plans, due to COVID-19 budget deficits.
Up to Murphy whether to cap delivery fees charged to restaurants
Fees levied by third-party delivery services like DoorDash and GrubHub to restaurants would be capped in COVID-19 emergency under bill passed by Legislature.
NJ looks for ideas for helping small businesses get PPE
Small businesses might need personal protective equipment for months or longer. The state wants to see if their collective buying power can be pooled to help.
Assembly votes to convert foreclosures into affordable homes
Latest version of legislation that dates to 2012 would put state HMFA in charge of program, funded through $350 fee on most foreclosures.
Bill sent to Murphy allowing extra ‘bridge year’ of high school
Seniors in 2021 and 2022 could delay graduation, mixing community college courses and high school extracurricular activities and spring sports, if law enacted.
Election officials warn of confusion, big glitches ahead of July primary
From a voter registration system glitching as its prepares vote-by-mail ballots to insufficient drop boxes to unfamiliar provisional ballots, concerns abound.
Murphy administration skips hearing on how it handled nursing homes in pandemic
A directive was essentially rescinded, but it remains the focus as the death toll in long-term care facilities exceeds 6,000 residents and staff.