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
Average NJ property tax bill now $9,111 — How your town compares
Property taxes in New Jersey jumped by $737 million, the biggest increase in 10 years.
Teen drivers may need 50 hours practice driving for NJ license
The change in state law was recommended in 2007 but hasn't been enacted. All but three states have practice driving mandates.
Paid not to teach: NJ Supreme Court considers challenge to unions
Release time is a common feature in public labor contracts, dating to the 1970s. A lawsuit out of Jersey City says it's unfair to taxpayers.
Could this study finally help NJ cut property taxes?
Legislature considers a study that could help address property taxes. First it must narrow its focus so it has a chance to make a difference.
Bill seeks to ensure nursing home COVID-19 data remains online
Lawmakers advance a bill ensuring certain data about COVID-19 cases and deaths in long-term care facilities aren't dropped from the state's website.
With lots of changes, anti-bullying bill advances in NJ
"Mallory's Law," the bill's now-unofficial name, would increase the potential fines levied on families that blow off required anti-bullying classes.
Legislature approves NJ’s plan for legalized marijuana
Rules for adult-use recreational marijuana, which voters green-lighted in a Nov. 3 referendum, now await Gov. Phil Murphy's signature.
Study could result in NJ’s first countywide school district
Salem County has hired a Morristown-based law firm to examine whether to merge its 14 school districts into one.
NJ utilities resist push to give you more time on overdue bills
A shutoff moratorium is in place through March. Some lawmakers want that extended to six months beyond the eventual end of the public health emergency.
NJ lawmakers: Make COVID-19 shutdowns county-by-county
In the spring, Gov. Phil Murphy declined to take a regional approach to imposing pandemic-driven shutdowns. A bill would require it and based it on local data.
Magic mushrooms added to NJ’s pot decriminalization plan
Hallucinogenic ‘magic mushrooms’ were added to marijuana decriminalization legislation by a Senate committee. The bill is listed for a final vote Monday.
NJ may limit need for colleges to refund tuition over COVID
In response to lawsuits seeking refunds fromcolleges, lawmakers take up bills limiting responsibility to do that – and maybe grant immunity from liability.