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
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?
Factoring in other laws not directly adopted for the 2019 budget, Murphy approved more than $2.25B in new and higher taxes and fees in his first year in office.
Expert: ‘Something Majorly Wrong’ if NJ Must Hire Accused Rapist
“I mean, the reputational consequences for the organization are extreme,” Charles Sullivan said Tuesday in testimony before a committee that had been looking into how Murphy’s team handled Katie Brennan’s allegations against Al Alvarez.
NJ on Verge of Making Retirement Plan for Private-sector Workers
New Jersey would establish a retirement savings plan for private-sector workers, under a bill now on Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk after being approved Monday by the Assembly.
Senate Puts Off Planned Vote to Override Murphy Housing Veto
The state Senate delayed plans to vote Thursday to override Gov. Phil Murphy’s veto of a bill that increases emergency housing assistance for vulnerable populations such as people with disabilities.
NJ Senate passes bill that could keep Trump off 2020 ballot
The Senate voted to require White House hopefuls to disclose five years of tax returns to state elections officials, who would post them online.
Ban on Sales of Baby Walkers in New Jersey Takes First Steps
A bill that has taken its first wobbly steps in Trenton would ban the sale of baby walkers in New Jersey over concerns that young children continue to get injured in the devices despite safety improvements.
Deal Reached on Graduation Rules for NJ Seniors and Juniors
The state and groups that successfully sued over high school standardized testing reached an agreement clarifying graduation rules for 2019 & 2020.
New Gender, Sexual Orientation Options Possible for NJ Forms
New Jersey birth certificates now allow people to document a biological sex outside of the historical male/female system. Other state forms might follow suit.
NJ Looks to Extend Time Limits On Sexual Abuse Lawsuits
By the end of March, the Legislature is likely to pass a bill significantly extending the statute of limitations for sex-abuse civil lawsuits in New Jersey.