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
Still no legal marijuana bill, as March 25 goal for vote nears
New Jersey's top elected officials say they're nearly ready to unveil legislation legalizing and taxing adult-use marijuana. A March vote remains the goal.
With Airbnbs taxed, NJ-wide registration rules may be next
Municipalities are moving to rein in short-term rentals, so proposed law would set the guidelines, including up to $250 a year to be a 'registered host.'
NJ legislators begin action on expanding lawsuits for sexual abuse
A bill extending New Jersey's deadline for civil lawsuits alleging sexual abuse, including for some decades-old cases, could become law within weeks.
State’s CWA deal: Savings from new health plan, 2% yearly raises
A new health plan would save the state $70 million a year. It reduces out-of-network benefits and gets people to use it by changing the contribution formula.
Higher taxes and fees for guns and hunters in Murphy’s sights
Just over $9 million in new or higher taxes and fees related to guns would be imposed – on ammunition and gun sales, gun licenses and bear-hunt permits.
Murphy: Make corporations that don’t offer health plans pay more
Large companies whose workers get health coverage through Medicaid would start paying the state $150 per worker per year, under Gov. Phil Murphy's budget.
Murphy touts $1.1B in savings to bolster $558M in new tax hikes
Lawmakers don't appear convinced that around $800 million in health plan savings are enough to justify the millionaires tax sought by Gov. Phil Murphy.
Bill would have some NJ high schools try out later start time
A bill moving through the Senate would create a pilot program in which five New Jersey school districts would implement later start times for high schools.
Over $2.2B in tax hikes under Murphy so far. More coming Tuesday?
Gov. Phil Murphy says his 2020 budget "will put forward significant and sustainable savings” – but also “speak once again to my commitment to tax fairness.”
Not just commuters impacted if rail tunnel closes before Gateway
A new report projects startling consequences for commutes, home values and more if the Hudson River rail tunnel is closed for repairs before new one is built.