New Jersey Politics

This week on New Jersey Politics, a new law signed by Gov. Mikie Sherrill creates an employee-ownership transition program through the NJEDA, with education, guidance, and low-interest loans to help owners keep companies and jobs in the state. Senator Andrew Zwicker joins Laura to explain the program and why it matters as many firms approach a generational handoff. Plus, new rules let New Jersey t...

On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks, Host Laura Jones speaks with Valerie Velazquez-Stetz, a Jersey City police officer who responded to Ground Zero. She shares her firsthand account of that day, the lasting health challenges that followed, and how she has turned her experience into a story of resilience, recovery, and advocacy for others still living with the aftermath of 9/11. Th...

This week on New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones: A new FDU Poll finds New Jersey among the most segregated states for public schools, yet most residents don’t see it in their own towns. Dan Cassino of the FDU Poll joins Laura to explain the disconnect. Plus, Governor Mikie Sherrill signs the Fair Price Protection Act, banning “surveillance pricing” that uses shoppers’ personal data to charge dif...

This week on Your New Jersey, Lisa Marie Falbo shines a light on the Ashley Lauren Foundation, a New Jersey organization providing critical financial, emotional and practical support to children battling cancer and the families standing beside them. Lisa Marie is joined by Maria D'Amato, Development & Special Events Director, and Margaret Fontana, Advisory Board Member, to discuss the fou...

On this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, Congresswoman Analilia Mejia discusses her first months representing New Jersey’s 11th District. She covers her Living Wage for All Act to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour, her work as co-chair of the Defend the 14th Amendment Task Force, and ongoing issues at Delaney Hall in Newark. Later, Senator Declan O’Scanlon joins to addr...

For more than 50 years, Rider University has hosted American Legion Jersey Boys State, one of the nation’s premier civic education programs. Now, delegates who complete it can earn three transferable college credits through a new companion course on New Jersey politics and government. Host Laura Jones speaks with Micah Rasmussen, Director of Rider’s Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics, abou...

In this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, we meet Belleville’s new mayor, 24-year-old Frank Vélez,  one of the youngest mayors in New Jersey history. Mayor Vélez joins Laura to discuss his vision and agenda for the township after years of service on the school board, town council, and as a staffer for former Congressman Bill Pascrell. Plus, a major media milestone for the Garden Sta...

In this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, host Laura Jones breaks down Governor Mikie Sherrill’s historic $60.7 billion FY2027 state budget, the largest in New Jersey history. Labeled an “affordability budget,” the plan increases property tax relief, boosts school funding, and strengthens pensions without raising taxes on individuals. Laura is joined by leading voices for reaction a...

Host Laura Jones examines one of the most closely watched races in the 2026 midterms: New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District. Republican incumbent Congressman Tom Kean Jr. has just returned to Washington after nearly four months away from Congress, during which he missed more than 140 roll call votes while being treated for depression. Laura is joined by two expert guests: Micah Rasmussen, Direct...

Host Laura Jones covers two key stories this week. The Climate Superfund Act passed the Assembly Environment Committee. The bill would hold major fossil fuel companies financially responsible for climate damages in New Jersey. Supporters say it funds protection from floods and storms, while critics argue it will raise energy costs and hurt the economy. Assemblyman Gerry Scharfenberger weighs in an...

Host Laura Jones breaks down new federal changes to Medicaid and SNAP benefits and New Jersey’s response. Former Governor Jim McGreevey discusses the New Jersey Reentry Corporation’s plan to help residents keep their benefits. Plus, Hoboken’s community block parties for the FIFA Club World Cup, with Hoboken Mayor Emily Jabbour.

In this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, host Laura Jones discusses Samsung Electronics America’s decision to relocate its U.S. headquarters from Englewood Cliffs to Plano, Texas—less than a year after opening in Bergen County. Following Exxon’s departure, the move raises fresh concerns about New Jersey’s business climate. Laura is joined by Michele Siekerka, President & CEO of...

In this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, host Laura Jones tackles two hot controversies.  First, outrage over the World Cup at MetLife Stadium: while NJ taxpayers invested tens of millions, the host committee is offering New Yorkers 1,000 discounted $50 tickets, as local fans pay up to $1,900. Then,  Governor Mikie Sherrill’s budget proposes a 100% cut to funding for New Jersey’s r...

In this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, host Laura Jones explores two key issues. A new Stockton University poll shows nearly 9 in 10 New Jersey voters believe social media is harming children’s mental health, with strong support for tougher regulations. Alyssa Maurice from the William J. Hughes Center joins to discuss the findings. Laura then speaks with Assemblyman Gary Schaer a...

This week on New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, we look at Governor Mikie Sherrill’s first 100 days. Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale Caldwell joins to discuss the administration’s early priorities, stepping in as acting governor, new faith-based initiatives, and plans for America’s 250th anniversary. Then, Assemblyman Paul Kanitra (R-10th District) shares how Republicans are working with the new D...

In this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, Christina Polizzi, Deputy Communications Director at Climate Power, joins the conversation about clean energy. Plus, Governor Mikie Sherrill’s proposal to tighten the Stay NJ property tax relief program by cutting eligibility and benefits. With New Jersey’s property taxes the highest in the nation, AARP New Jersey’s Katie Squires discusses t...

On New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones, Governor Mikie Sherrill gives NJ Transit a tight deadline to improve rider experience, cleaner stations, better safety, and upgraded digital tools, with results due by June 22. Former Assembly Transportation Chair John Wisniewski weighs in on whether it’s realistic. Plus, the latest FDU Poll shows New Jersey voters still strongly oppose casino expansion out...

On this episode of New Jersey Politics with Laura Jones:  Princeton University students, led by the Whig-Cliosophic Society, NAACP Princeton Chapter, and Vote100, host a non-partisan forum for Democratic candidates vying to replace retiring Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman in NJ’s 12th District. Student leader Alejandra Ramos joins us. Plus, Assemblyman Mike Inganamort explains why Governor Mikie Sherri...

This week on New Jersey Politics, Host Laura Jones speaks with panelists and attendees at BINJE’s Best: Top Women in Business, where over 300 business leaders came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of women across New Jersey.

Host Laura Jones heads to the State House in Trenton for the debate around three immigration bills, one of which bans law enforcement, including federal ICE officers, from wearing masks. Laura speaks with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle about the bills.