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
No progress yet toward budget or tax incentives agreement
Nearly half the time has passed between the Legislature’s approval of a budget and extending business tax incentives and the June 30 deadline for enacting them.
Lawmakers consider new concussion, heat rules for H.S. sports
A three-bill package aimed at improving safety for high school athletes awaits action in the Assembly after unanimously passing the Senate.
Legislature votes to extend business tax breaks, inviting veto
Despite Gov. Phil Murphy's veto threat, the Legislature Thursday approved a seven-month extension for New Jersey’s business tax incentive programs.
Legislature sends Murphy a $38.7B budget — What will he do with it?
A $38.7 billion spending plan was approved by the Legislature. Gov. Phil Murphy said it needs corrective action, so a veto or negotiated solution seems needed.
Report: NJ students improving on tests, so don’t change too much
JerseyCAN calls widespread gains on state standardized tests evidence N.J. shouldn't step away from rigorous exams as it replaces what used to be called PARCC.
Labor backs Murphy, who blasts ‘voodoo math’ of lawmakers’ budget
Gov. Phil Murphy clung to his push to raise taxes on income exceeding $1 million Tuesday, despite opposition from Democratic legislative leaders.
Church says new bill unfairly treats some victims of sexual abuse
A bill seeks to clarify liability for public entities in sexual abuse lawsuits. Catholic Conference says it puts a tighter lid on monetary damages.
Lawmakers defy Murphy — no millionaires’ tax in this budget
Budget committee Democrats advance 2020 budget that spends slightly more than the governor had proposed and without the tax and fee hikes he proposed.
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.
NJ Senate advances reforms as thousands protest outside
While unions rallied against the Senate president's legislative plan, some of its less-controversial ideas related to state and county government advanced.