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
NJ may fund Climate Change Resource Center at Rutgers
Even before a new climate change center at Rutgers gets off the ground, its proposed state funding has been shrunk by three-fourths.
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 on Verge of Cutting Back Driver’s License Suspensions for Crimes
Mandatory license suspensions for things unrelated to unsafe driving would end. It would be discretionary in some matters, including unpaid child support.
Task Force, Murphy Call for Ban on Flavored Vapes in New Jersey
Panel also calls for restricting online sales, increasing penalties for stores and employee who sell to people under 21 & a possible ban on menthol cigarettes.
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.
New Jersey’s Latest Plans to Help Students Afford College
NJ adds two new consumer-protection laws to help college students – one making it easier to understand the costs, another helping those with loans.
NJ Spending $9 Million to Get People to Answer Census 2020
Knowing seats in Congress and billions in federal spending are on the line if people don’t answer the census, New Jersey is developing an outreach plan.
After Minimum Wage Hike, NJ Considers Tax Breaks for Hiring Teens
The law increasing New Jersey's minimum wage included $10M in tax credits for hiring workers with disabilities. Another $10M might be added for hiring teens.
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.