Author

Nikita Biryukov most recently covered state government and politics for the New Jersey Globe. His tenure there included revelatory stories on marijuana legalization, voting reform and Rep. Jeff Van Drew's decamp to the Republican Party. Earlier, he worked as a freelancer for The Home News Tribune and The Press of Atlantic City.
Bill would speed up payments for utility companies helming infrastructure projects
By: Nikita Biryukov - March 7, 2023
The state's ratepayer advocate said faster payments to utilities could lead to biannual rate hikes for consumers.
Lawmakers unveil bill to revamp Prohibition-era liquor license rules
By: Nikita Biryukov - March 3, 2023
The bill, which faces opposition from the restaurant and bar industry, would phase out Prohibition-era liquor license limits by 2029.
Panel clears bill shielding home addresses of local government officials
By: Nikita Biryukov - March 2, 2023
The push to shield local officials’ addresses is part of a broader effort to block the release of home addresses of state lawmakers, judges, law enforcement officers, and child protective investigators.
Plan to let tax on businesses expire draws progressive ire
By: Nikita Biryukov - March 2, 2023
The push to extend a 2.5% surcharge on corporate profits above $1 million appears doomed amid lawmakers', governor's support for expiration.
Governor Murphy announces record $53.1 billion spending plan
By: Nikita Biryukov - February 28, 2023
Buoyed by better-than-expected revenue, Gov. Phil Murphy suggests expanding child tax credit and senior freeze programs.
Remote work demands state give up office space, Senate president says
By: Nikita Biryukov - February 28, 2023
The state must let some office buildings go amid shrinking state workforce and a shift to hybrid and remote work, Senate President Nicholas Scutari said.
Lawmakers yank bill that critics warn would gut election protections
By: Dana DiFilippo and Nikita Biryukov - February 27, 2023
As concerns mounted from politicians and good government watchdogs, legislative leaders postponed voting on the "Election Transparency Act."
Top Democrat looks to sharply raise no-bid contract limits
By: Nikita Biryukov - February 27, 2023
The proposal would more than double no-bid contract limits imposed on local governments, with larger increases for large cities, counties.
Governor taps restaurateurs to pitch plan to overhaul liquor license laws
By: Nikita Biryukov - February 24, 2023
Restaurant owners charged more availability would boost competition, but industry officials are still worried about existing licensees.
Assembly GOP proposes more state aid for schools, fewer district costs
By: Nikita Biryukov - February 23, 2023
The GOP plan, backed by business groups, would require schools to reduce tax levies by an amount equal to increases in state aid.
Advocates, lawmakers urge passage of Voting Rights Act of New Jersey
By: Nikita Biryukov - February 21, 2023
A measure expanding voter protections and improving ballot access for non-English speakers has been locked in stasis since its September introduction.
Lawmakers aim to provide services to defendants before trial
By: Nikita Biryukov - February 10, 2023
Pretrial services would be provided by the New Jersey Reentry Corp., a nonprofit headed by former Gov. Jim McGreevey.