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
Murphy to endorse ending NJ income taxes on combat zone pay
New Jersey is the only state that taxes combat pay. Gov. Phil Murphy will endorse long-stalled legislation that would finally end that.
NJ could allow more events at farms, wineries — environmentalists upset
Though a state review of a pilot program of special events at wineries isn't complete, lawmakers want to make it permanent and extend it to preserved farms.
NJ Senate votes to allow endorsement deals for college athletes
The NCAA is acting on the issue. The bill's sponsor says that's in part because more than 30 states are following California's lead in allowing endorsement pay.
Want medical marijuana? NJ may allow it through virtual doctor visits
Patients not in a long-term care facility, with a developmental disability, terminally ill or housebound would still need in-person doctor visit first.
Step one, again, for banning plastic bags in New Jersey
The proposal was revised to take effect in 18 months, rather than two years. Last legislative session, it was approved by the Senate but not the Assembly.
‘Zack Alerts’ coming to NJ so public can help find hit-and-run drivers
Statewide Hit and Run Advisory Program, similar to Amber and Silver alerts for missing children and seniors, is signed into law.
Plastic & paper bag ban dies in Assembly after Senate approval
The bill would ban single-use carryout bags in two years. Its sponsor says it will be a top priority in the new session with a first hearing on Jan. 30.
Ban on flavored vapes in New Jersey advances in Legislature
Bill is set for Monday approval, despite protests from vape shop owners who say it will force them out of business and send former smokers back to cigarettes.
New law seals marijuana convictions in NJ, expands expungement
Gov. Phil Murphy signs law making it easier to erase and get past criminal convictions. "Who hasn’t made a mistake, for crying out loud?” he said.
It’s now up to you: NJ Voters to decide in 2020 on legal marijuana
A proposed constitutional amendment will be before voters next November, after it barely achieved the needed three-fifths supermajority in the Legislature.
Ban advances on plastic bags, Styrofoam in NJ – paper bags, too
Plastic straws would survive, though only available by request. Supermarkets would be required for to give out reusable bags for free for two months.
NJ moving ahead with proposed law letting college athletes be paid
Though the NCAA has relented on the issue, after California passed a law, legislators say states are moving ahead to ensure it's done timely and correctly.