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 State: Montclair State University’s College of Communication and Media has officially taken over operation of NJ PBS, returning local control to New Jersey’s public television stations after more than a decade of out-of-state management. Montclair State Dean Dr. Keith Strudler joins the show to explain what this shift means for local programming and New Jersey viewers.

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 and analysis including Peter Chen, Senior Policy Analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective, 

Rosemary Becchi, Founder and President of Jersey First, and Ross Connolly, Northeast Regional State Director at Americans for Prosperity.

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, Director of the Rebovich Institute for New Jersey Politics at Rider University and Dr. Tara Chalakani, award-winning psychotherapist and CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health Group.

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 and speaks about the bill's impact. 

Plus, Monmouth County launches its new “Open for Business in Monmouth” program to coordinate ribbon cuttings for new and expanding businesses and recognize anniversaries. Commissioner Director Tom Arnone explains how it works.

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 the New Jersey Business & Industry Association, for reaction and solutions.

Plus, Micah Rasmussen of Rider University’s Rebovich Institute breaks down the 2026 primary election results for U.S. Senate, Congress, and local races.

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 recovery high schools, which serve teens battling substance use disorders. Laura speaks with former Senator Raymond Lesniak and Prevention Links CEO Morgan Thompson about the risks to students.

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 about Bill A4897, which expands New Jersey’s holistic defense program, combining legal representation with social services to reduce recidivism and save taxpayer dollars.

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 Democratic Governor, where they find common ground, and their expectations on affordability, taxes, and state spending.

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 the impact on seniors.