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
Plan advances to ban cigarette sales at NJ pharmacies
Legislation endorsed by the Senate health committee would impact retailers such as supermarkets that have pharmacies, as well as stand-alone pharmacies.
Free beaches for NJ teens? Yes, if lawmakers get their way
Beach badge season is over for 2019 – and if some lawmakers get their way, might never return for most teenagers in some Shore towns.
Salary history questions banned in NJ in interest of equal pay
Starting early next year, employers in New Jersey can no longer ask prospective workers about their salary history.
Lawmakers look to shield H.S. coaches from ‘overbearing’ parents
A bill moving in Trenton would provide head coaches of high school sports three-year contracts and spell out a process to follow to fire them or cut their pay.
Pot half full: Legislature OK’s expungement, delays on medical
Senate and Assembly approve a plan to make it easier to erase past criminal convictions. They're looking at possible changes to medical marijuana bill.
NJ plans to add 100+ new medical marijuana businesses
A rapid expansion of New Jersey's medical marijuana program may go beyond what lawmakers envision in bill one vote from reaching Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk.
Medical marijuana expansion approved by NJ Senate, expungement delayed
Final legislative approval of medical marijuana expansion is likely June 10. Senate tweaked the bill to further encourage the industry's workers to unionize.
Assembly votes to expand medical marijuana, keep taxing it
The 65-5 vote, with six abstentions, pushes the bill one step from Gov. Phil Murphy's desk. Senate approval is expected next week.
NJ could let 14-year-olds get vaccines without parental consent
A new bill would give minors in New Jersey the right to consent to vaccinations starting at age 14, regardless of whether their parents or guardians approve.
Plan to penalize pot possession with $50 ticket advances, shakily
Expungement of criminal records advanced easily. But vote on switching to civil fine for possession was shelved, revived, then advanced without discussion.
Marijuana legalization in NJ on hold until 2020 voter referendum
Marijuana will not be legalized for use by adults in New Jersey any time soon, with the idea now delayed until decided by a voter referendum in November 2020.
NJ close to ending ‘religious’ exemptions for vaccines
NJ's second measles outbreak in seven months may prompt the Legislature to tighten up New Jersey’s vaccination rules by eliminating religious exemptions.