>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY NJM INSURANCE GROUP, SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

AND, HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

KNEW BACK >>> FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>>> IT EVENING, AND THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

THE STATE IS NOT CHANGING PLANS TO OPEN.ELIGIBLE VACCINE ELIGIBILITY DESPITE THE PATH ON GIVING OUT JOHNSON & JOHNSON'S WINDOW SHOT.

THIS, AS A GROUP OF CDC ADVISERS MET TODAY TO REVIEW THE SIX CASES OF RARE, BUT DANGEROUS BLOOD CLOTS IN PEOPLE WHO RECEIVED J&J'S COVID-19 VACCINE.

THE DISTRIBUTION OF ON HOLD, PFIZER SAYS THE COMPANY CAN DELIVER 10% MORE OF ITS TWO SHOT DOSES TO THE U.S. BY THE END OF MAY THAN IT PREVIOUSLY AGREED TO.

AND, MODERNA IS SAYING THAT IT'S VACCINE REMAINS 90% EFFECTIVE SIX MONTHS AFTER A SECOND DOSE.

TODAY, GOVERNOR MURPHY SAYS THE STATE IS PUSHING FORWARD WITH VACCINES AVAILABLE.

AS OF THIS MORNING, MORE THAN FIVE AND HALF MILLION TOTAL DOSES HAVE BEEN GIVEN ACROSS THE STATE.

NEARLY 2.3 MILLION RESIDENTS ARE NOW FULLY VACCINATED.

CAMDEN COUNTY'S VACCINATION CENTER ORGANIZERS WERE PREPARING TO OPEN THOUSANDS OF APPOINTMENTS FOR A J&J SHOT.

A KEY PART OF THE EFFORT TO GET SHOTS IN THE ARMS OF HARD-TO- REACH RESIDENTS.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW?

LEAH MICHIGAN REPORTS.

>> LAST WEEK WAS A RECORD WEEK FOR US WHERE WE WERE ABLE TO GET MORE THAN 16,000 VACCINATION.

>> Reporter: HAMPTON COUNTY SPOKESPERSON SAYS 4500 PEOPLE ARE SCHEDULED TO RECEIVE THE VACCINE HERE THIS WEEK.

ABOUT A THIRD LESS.

THE REASON FOR THE DROP?

ON TUESDAY, CDC AND FDA RECOMMENDED ALLSTATE'S PAUSE USING THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE AFTER REPORTS OF BLOOD CLOTS.

WELL, HEALTH OFFICIALS SAID IT WAS EXTREMELY RARE.

ONLY SIX CASES REPORTED OUT OF 6.8 MILLION OR SO.

THEY WANT TO INVESTIGATE OUT OF CAUTION.

>> IN NEW JERSEY WHERE WE HAD ADMINISTERED JUST OVER 244,000 DOSES OF THE JOHNSON & JOHNSON VACCINE, PRIOR TO HITTING PAUSE, NO SIMILAR ADVERSE EFFECTS HAVE BEEN REPORTED.

I WANT TO REPEAT THAT NO ONE WHO HAS RECEIVED THIS VACCINE SHOULD PANIC OR WORRY.

>> WHEN J&J WAS IN PRODUCTION, HOW MANY PEOPLE WERE GETTING THAT VACCINE VERSUS THE MODERNA?

>> SO, WHAT WE WOULD DO IS WE WOULD PUT MONDAYS AND SATURDAYS ASIDE JUST FOR J&J.

WE HAVE PLENTY OF PEOPLE ASKED FOR J&J BECAUSE IT IS A ONE DOSE.

BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED A BIG SHIPMENT OF J&J LAST WEEK, THERE MODERNA STOCKPILE DID NOT RUN OUT.

SO, FOR NOW, THERE'S NO DELAYS IN APPOINTMENT WITHOUT BACKUP SUPPLY.

THE ISSUE IS, THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO DROP IN NEW SLOTS, HE SAYS UNTIL HEALTH EXPERTS PUSH PLAY AGAIN ON J&J, OR THEY GET ASKED ENDED ALLOCATION OF MODERNA FROM DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.

>> IT'S BEEN A ROLLER COASTER RIDE.

>> VACCINE SITES ACROSS THE STATE ARE SCRABBLING TO ADJUST WITH THE UNCERTAINTY WHETHER IT'S OFFERING ALTERNATIVE VACCINES TO PEOPLE, OR RESCHEDULING APPOINTMENT UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.

FEDERAL OFFICIALS SAY THEY BELIEVE THAT IT SHOULD ONLY LAST A FEW DAYS.

>> EVEN WITH THIS PAUSE, OUR OVERALL GOAL OF VACCINATING 4.7 MILLION ADULT NEW JERSEYANS BY THE END OF JUNE REMAINS NOT ONLY IN PLACE, BUT ENTIRELY ACHIEVABLE.

>> THE QUESTION IS, EVEN IF THE CDC AND FDA GREENLIGHT J&J AFTER REVIEW, WILL PEOPLE WANT TO GET IT?

THE SCHOOL OF NURSING ASSOCIATE DEAN SAYS HE'S BEEN WORKING ON HARD-TO-REACH RESIDENTS AND THE VACCINE WAS CRITICAL.

HE SAYS PUBLIC TRUST WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET AT THE BEGINNING OF THE VACCINE ROLLOUT, AND THEY'VE MADE PROGRESS AS MORE PEOPLE GET THE SHOT AND SPREAD POSITIVE WORD- OF-MOUTH.

>> YES, IT'S GOING TO MAKE IT MORE COMPLEX.

WE ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DO MORE EDUCATION ON TRUST AS WE MOVE FORWARD.

WE DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING.

BUT, WE KNOW THAT EVERY SINGLE DRUG, EVERY SINGLE MEDICATION, EVERY SINGLE PROCEDURE, THE DECISIONS WE MAKE IN LIFE ALWAYS HAVE RISKS.

AND, IT'S THAT LEVEL OF RISK THAT WE HAVE TO CONSIDER.

FOR ME, IS THAT LEVEL OF RISK WORTH GETTING COVERED?

AND GETTING SICK FROM COVERED.

WE KNOW THAT CREATES BLOOD CLOTS, RIGHT?

>> YOU CAN GET BLOOD CLOTS OTHER WAYS TOO.

SO IF I HAD IT, I WOULD'VE TAKEN IT TODAY.

>> CHERYL SAYS AS SHE HAD HESITANCY GETTING ANY VACCINE BUT SHE WATCHED THREE COUSINS AND TWO ACQUAINTANCES DIE AT THE HANDS OF THIS VIRUS TRIP >> IF I JUST LEAVE HERE.

YOU KNOW.

I'M NOT READY TO GO.

>> SHE SAID SHE'S THANKFUL WALKING AWAY FULLY VACCINATED TODAY AFTER RECEIVING HER SECOND MODERNA SHOT.

SOMETHING HEALTH OFFICIALS HERE HOPE THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE MORE AS PEOPLE 16 AND OLDER BECOME ELIGIBLE IN NEW JERSEY ON MONDAY.

I AM LEAH MICHIGAN FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> EVEN WITH A J&J VACCINE TEMPORARILY SHELVED, STATE HEALTH LEADERS POINTED DATA SHOWING THAT NEW JERSEY IS ON FAR BETTER FOOTING THAN WE WERE THIS TIME LAST YEAR.

TODAY, REPORTING ANOTHER 2800 POSITIVE CASES WITH ALL KEY BENCHMARKS DECREASING, BUT 43 MORE LIVES HAVE BEEN LOST AND TODAY, THE STATE SURPASSED 25,000 TOTAL DEATH.

IT WAS EXACTLY ONE YEAR AGO TODAY THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED FOR COVID-19 PEAKED.

NEARLY 8300.

HOSPITALS STRUGGLE TO MAKE ROOM FOR THE SURGE.

TODAY, THAT NUMBER IS DOWN TO JUST UNDER 2300.

THE HEALTH COMMISSIONER SAYS NEW DAILY INTAKE WAS STABILIZING.

A LOT HAS HAPPENED IN THE MONTHS IN BETWEEN.

OUR SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, BRENDA FLANAGAN TAKES A LOOK BACK, AND TO WHERE OUR HOSPITALS ARE HEADING.

>> I WAS SCARED, VERY, VERY SCARED.

>> UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL NURSE, RICHIE RECALLED BEING ADMITTED AS A COVERT PATIENT HERE SHORTLY BEFORE THE CRISIS PEAKED IN APRIL OF LAST YEAR.

PATIENTS FILLED MORE THAN 8000 BEDS ACROSS NEW JERSEY.

STAFF GOT SICK, 10 DIED HERE AT UNIVERSITY.

ADMINISTERED HIS CALL FOR HELP FOR MILITARY MEDICS.

LYING IN HER HOSPITAL BED, SHE KEPT HEARING CODE BLUE.

>> CODE BLUE WE CALL WHEN A PATIENT IS ACTIVELY CODING AND DYING.

IT WAS BACK TO BACK TO BACK.

WHAT MADE ME STRONG WAS WHEN MY SON SAID TO ME, MOMMY, ARE YOU GOING TO DIE?

RIGHT AFTER I TOLD HIM I SAID NO.

MOMMY IS GOING TO FIGHT FOR THIS.

>> I PUT IT SIMPLY.

WE WERE FILLED TO THE BRIM WITH PATIENTS WHO WERE AMONG THE SICKEST THAT I'VE EVER SEEN.

ALMOST EVERY PERSON IN OUR FILLED HOSPITAL OVER 300 BEDS AT THE TIME WAS A PERSON OF COLOR.

>> UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL CEO STOOD IN A PARKING LOT ON THE AVENUE AND SET OFFICIALS NEEDED TO KEEP A PROMISE MADE HERE DECADES AGO, TO BUILD A NEW HOSPITAL ON THIS SITE WHERE HUDSON INSTEAD REPLACED A THRIVING BLACK NEIGHBORHOOD RAISED VIA EMINENT DOMAIN.

BUT, THE PANDEMIC THE NEED FOR THAT NEW HOSPITAL BACK INTO EVEN SHARPER RELIEF.

>> I DON'T KNOW IF HE MISSED THAT, BUT WHILE HEALTHCARE WAS NOT SEGREGATED IN INTEREST ANYMORE, IT IS STILL SEGREGATED IN NEW JERSEY TODAY.

AND, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE BEGIN TO INVEST IN THESE HOSPITALS AND COMMUNITIES LIKE THIS, COMMUNITIES OF COLOR, COMMUNITIES OF NEED.

>> OFFICIALS BACK SPENDING HALF $1 MILLION OF THE STATE BUDGET TO KICKSTART HOSPITAL PLANNING HERE AND NOW, IT IS NOT JUST FOR LOCALS.

>> WHAT WE ARE REALLY TALKING ABOUT IS TREATING CRITICAL AND LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES FOR A LARGE PORTION OF THIS ESTATE.

>> MANY OF NEW JERSEY 71 ACUTE CARE HOSPITALS EXPANDED THEIR BET AND ICU CAPACITY DURING THE PANDEMIC, AND THEY MADE IT THROUGH THE CRISIS.

BUT, THEIR MOST CRITICAL ASSET IS STAFF.

>> FOR A WHILE, WE HAVE VERY LITTLE COVERT.

IT IS ON THE UP TICK NOW.

SO, WE ARE FILLING BACKUP.

WE STILL SEE A LOT OF DEPTH IN THE ICU.

THAT'S THE HARDEST PART.

>> IT MADE HER EN MASSE.

SHE CANNOT GET PPE IN ST. MARY'S AND PATTISON DURING THE PANDEMIC HEIGHT.

SHE GOT COVERED ANYWAY.

IT TOOK FIVE MONTHS TO RECOVER.

BUT SHE GETS MORE PPE NOW.

HOSPITALS ARE REQUIRED TO STOCKPILE THREE MONTHS WORTH.

>> IS NERVE-RACKING, IT GIVES YOU ANXIETY.

YOU JUST HAVE TO REMIND YOURSELF WE ARE NOT BACK TO WHERE WE WERE.

TODAY, NEW JERSEY HOSPITALS ARE CARING FOR MORE THAN 2200 COVERT PATIENT.

ALMOST HALF UNDER THE AGE OF 60.

THAT'S DIFFERENT TOO.

JERSEYS DEATH TOLL PAST 25,000 TODAY, BUT MOST OF THOSE LOST IN THE FIRST SEARCH WERE ELDERLY.

HOLY NAMES, DOCK ADAM JARRETT SAYS COVERT DEBTS HAVE LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON PEOPLE'S SOULS TRIP >> YOU CANNOT HAVE LIVED THROUGH WHAT WE'VE LIVED THROUGH AND NOT HAVE THAT LEAVE A WHOLE IN YOUR HEART FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.

>> DR. JARRETT ALSO BELIEVES CLEAR DATA ABOUT HEALTHCARE WORKER COVERT DEPTH AT NEW JERSEY HOSPITALS SHOULD BE WIDELY PUBLISHED.

>> IN MOST CASES, I BELIEVE THAT HEALTHCARE FACILITIES DID EVERYTHING THAT THEY COULD DO TO KEEP THEIR STAFF AND EMPLOYEES A SAFE AND THEY WERE IN A SITUATION WHERE THERE THAT IS NOT THE CASE, WE SHOULD LEARN FROM THAT.

THE PRESIDENT OF NEW JERSEY'S HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION TOLD OUR HEALTH REPORTER THE INDUSTRY STILL FEARS BEING WRONGLY JUDGED, ESPECIALLY SINCE DOCTORS HAVE LEARNED SO MUCH IN A YEAR.

>> WE ARE IN A PLACE TODAY WHERE OUR KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATION ABOUT THIS VIRUS IS YOU KNOW, SO FAR FROM WHAT WE KNEW LAST MARCH AND APRIL, AND MAY.

YOU KNOW, WE DID NOT GET THE IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY STRENGTH , AND THE IMPACT THAT IT COULD HAVE.

>> IT IS STILL UNCLEAR HOW MANY HEALTHCARE WORKERS COVERT HAS KILLED IN NEW JERSEY.

THE ARGUMENT OVER WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD BE RELEASED AND WHEN CONTINUES.

I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> FOR MORE INSIGHT ON LESSONS LEARNED SINCE THE STATE HIT PEAK HOSPITALIZATIONS CHECK OUT THE INTERVIEW WITH KATHLEEN BENNETT, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE NEW JERSEY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION.

MEANTIME IN WASHINGTON, CAPITAL HOOK TO A RARE SHOW OF BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IN THE SENATE THIS WEEK.

AS LAWMAKERS PREPARE TO VOTE ON LEGISLATION AIMED AT COMBATING THE RISE IN ANTI-ASIAN HATE CRIMES.

DEMOCRATS ARE CALLING ON THE REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES TO HELP SWIFTLY PASS THE BILL.

THE COVID-19 HATE CRIMES ACT WOULD INSTRUCT THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TO EXPEDITE A REVIEW ON THE RECENT SURGE IN ANTI- ASIAN BIAS THAT IS BROUGHT ON BY THE PANDEMIC AND EQUIP LAW ENFORCEMENT WITH BETTER WAYS TO DEAL WITH THE RISE EASING THE REPORTING PROCESS, AND INCLUDING A WIDER RANGE OF INCIDENTS.

AT A PRESS CONFERENCE YESTERDAY, ASIAN-AMERICAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER CONGRESS MEMBERS INCLUDING NEW JERSEY'S OWN ANDY KIM SHARE THEIR OWN EXPERIENCES WITH RACISM.

KIM RECENTLY TRAVELED TO GEORGIA TO MEET WITH A COMMUNITY STILL REELING FROM THE KILLINGS THERE LAST MONTH OF SIX WOMEN OF ASIAN DESCENT.

>> WHAT IS CONGRESS GOING TO DO ABOUT THIS?

THAT IS THE DEMAND BEING MADE RIGHT NOW, IT IS THE DEMAND THAT IS JUSTIFIED, GIVEN THE VIOLENCE AND DISCRIMINATION THAT THE API COMMUNITY HAS FACED NOT JUST IN THE LAST MONTH, NOT JUST IN THE LAST YEAR, BUT OF COURSE IN OUR ENTIRE LIVES.

NEXT TIME I GO BACK DOWN THERE TO MY LAND, I WANT TO BE ABLE TO LOOK THEM IN THE EYE AND TELL THEM WE DID EVERYTHING WE COULD AT THIS MOMENT TO TRY TO FIGHT FOR JUSTICE AND EQUALITY, AND ALLOW YOU TO FEEL SAFE HERE IN YOUR OWN COUNTRY.

>> IT LOOKS LIKE GOVERNOR MURPHY HAS SHAKEN HIS DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY OPPONENTS IN THE UPCOMING ELECTION.

ADMINISTERED OF LAUNCH ON JUST TUESDAY ROLLED HIS TWO POTENTIAL CHALLENGES TO BE REMOVED FROM THE BALLOT BECAUSE THEIR PETITIONS WERE INVALID.

THE JUDGE SAID PERENNIAL CANDIDATE LISA McCORMICK'S PETITION DID NOT HAVE A SINGLE VALID SIGNATURE.

THE DEMOCRATIC STATE COMMITTEE IS ALLEGING HER CAMPAIGN USED VOTER DATA TO FILL PETITIONS AUTOMATICALLY WITHOUT VOTER KNOWLEDGE.

MEANWHILE, MURPHY'S OTHER OPPONENT USED REGISTERED REPUBLICAN SIGNATURES ON HIS.

THAT IS NOT ALLOWED IN A DEMOCRATIC MARY.

AND, IT LOOKS LIKE LIKELY GOP NORTH ROYAL NOMINEE WILL HAVE AN EASIER TIME FENDING OFF HIS OPPONENT, PHIL RIZZO ACCORDING TO POLITICO, RIZZO DID NOT QUALIFY FOR MATCHING FUNDS WITH THE STATE, BUT MAY APPEAL THAT DECISION.

TONIGHT, PRESIDENT BIDEN IS CALLING FOR AN END TO THE NATIONS LONGEST WAR.

FORMALLY ANNOUNCING HIS DECISION TO WITHDRAW ALL AMERICAN TROOPS FROM AFGHANISTAN BEFORE SEPTEMBER 11th THIS YEAR.

THE 20th ANNIVERSARY OF THE TERRORIST ATTACKS ON THE WORLD TRADE CENTER AND THE PENTAGON.

THE WAR HAS KILLED MORE THAN 2000 U.S. SERVICE MEMBERS.

MORE THAN 100,000 AFGHAN CIVILIANS HAVE COST THE U.S. AS MUCH AS $1 TRILLION.

BIDEN SAYS THE MILITARY MISSION WILL END, BUT THE HUMANITARIAN UNDEMOCRATIC WORK WILL CONTINUE.

THERE ARE ABOUT 2500 U.S.

TROOPS ON THE GROUND IN AFGHANISTAN, AND ROUGHLY 1000 ADDITIONAL SPECIAL FORCE PERSONNEL IN THE COUNTRY.

THE PRESIDENT SAYS HE WANTS TO SHIFT MY FOCUS TO COMBATING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE EXTREME IS HIM, BUT THIS COMES AS MILITARY OFFICIALS WARNED OF COMPLETE DEPARTURE FROM THE COUNTRY LEADING TO MORE TERRORIST ACTIVITY.

WELL, A D+ MAY NOT BE A FAILING GRADE, BUT IT'S NOT WANT TO HANG ON THE FRIDGE.

>>> A NEW SET OF DOCUMENTS FROM THE WHITE HOUSE RANKS JERSEYS INFRASTRUCTURE AMONG THE BOTTOM OF THE PACK IN NEED OF IMPROVEMENT, DIVIDED ADMINISTRATION SAYS COULD BE MADE THROUGH HIS $2 TRILLION AMERICAN JOBS PLAN PROPOSAL.

BUT, THAT COST IS MORE THAN REPUBLICANS APPEAR WILLING TO SPEND, AND SOME SAY INCLUDES TOO MUCH MONEY FOR ITEMS OUTSIDE THE TRADITIONAL DEFINITION OF INFRASTRUCTURE.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, DAVID CRUZ REPORTS.

>> Reporter: A STATE-BY-STATE REPORT CARD FROM THE DIVIDED ADMINISTRATION HAS DEMOCRATIC TALKING POINTS AROUND THE PRESIDENT TO TRILLION DOLLAR INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN.

THE REPORT HIGHLIGHTS JERSEYS LOWLIFE IN CRITICAL AREAS.

502 BRIDGES AND ALMOST 4000 MILES OF HIGHWAY IN POOR CONDITION.

MORE THAN 20% OF TRAINS AND OTHER TRANSIT VEHICLES IN THE STATE ARE PAST THEIR LIFE.

31% OF NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS LIVE IN AREAS WHERE THERE'S ONLY ONE BROADBAND PROVIDER, AND 46% OF RESIDENTS LIVE IN THE CHILDCARE DESERT.

IT'S THE KIND OF STUFF THAT MOST OF US MAY BE FELT MORE THAN WE ACTUALLY KNEW.

>> PEOPLE CANNOT BELIEVE THIS.

BUT, ON THE WEEKENDS, THEY SEND TEAMS TO THE DO BRIDGES AND OVERPASSES OVER THE TURNPIKE AND THE PARKWAY WITH THESE STICKS THAT LITERALLY THEY KNOCK UP TO THE BRIDGE ABOVE TO GET LOOSE ANY CONCRETE THAT'S ABOUT TO FALL DOWN SO IT DOES NOT FALL IN A CAR.

>> TRUE STORY, BUT IT'S ALSO MASS TRANSIT, A SUPPOSED ALTERNATIVE TO THESE ROADS AND BRIDGES THAT NEED MODERNIZING.

BUSES, BELCHING, GROANING, AND DRIVING PEOPLE RIGHT BACK INTO THEIR CARS.

>> JUSTIN NEW JERSEY TRANSIT, CAPITAL PLANNING THEIR $16 MILLION IN PROJECTS THAT WERE READY TO GO.

THAT INCLUDES PLACING BUSES, GARAGES, FIXING PLATFORMS, FIXING BRIDGES OVER THE SHOCK RIVER.

THE HACKENSACK.

JUST YOU KNOW, NO END OF THOSE, JUST FIX IT PROJECTS.

>> PRESIDENT AFTER PRESIDENT, INCLUDING THE ONE MOST PREVIOUS HAVE PROMISED BIG, BOLD INFRASTRUCTURE INITIATIVES THAT NEVER MADE IT QUITE PAST THE BIG, BOLD IDEA PHASE.

DEMOCRATS HAD HOPED IT WAS SOMETHING THAT THEY COULD WORK ON WAS BIDEN'S PREDECESSOR TO NO AVAIL.

NOW, THEY HAVE A PRESIDENT ON THEIR OWN PARTY GOING BIG, BUT FACING QUESTIONS FROM THE OTHER SIDE ABOUT HOW IT SHOULD BE PAID FOR.

>> I'M PREPARED TO NEGOTIATE US TO HAVE THE EXTENT OF MY INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT AS WELL AS HOW WE PAY FOR IT.

I THINK EVERYONE ACKNOWLEDGES WE NEED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN INFRASTRUCTURE.

IS GOING TO GET DONE WHAT TO WHAT WE CALL INFRASTRUCTURE.

>> THE PRESIDENT PUTS BROADBAND INTERNET AND PIPE REMEDIATION, AND MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING INTO THAT CATEGORY.

WHICH HAS LEFT OPPONENTS DISMISSING IT AS LIBERAL WISH LISTS THAT WILL TARGET THE TRUMP TAX CUTS AS A WAY TO PAY FOR.

BUT, REGIONAL PLANNERS SAY IT IS ALL INFRASTRUCTURE PRITZKER OCCUPIED A BUSINESS THAT IS LOOKING AT WHETHER THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY OR LEAVE IT.

WHETHER YOU CAN HOUSE YOUR WORKFORCE, WHETHER THEY CAN HAVE A LIVABLE LIFE AND WAS A REALLY BEAUTIFUL STATE AND ASSESS.

IT'S AN ISSUE.

SO, YOU KNOW, IT'S REALLY FOR CITIZENS TO LIKE AS WELL.

>> IS THERE SOMETIMES WANTING TO DO, SOME DEMOCRATS ARE PREPARED TO SCUTTLE THE WHOLE PLAN IF THEY DON'T HAVE THE ADMINISTRATION REINSTATE THE STATE AND LOCAL TAX DEDUCTIONS KNOWN AS SALT.

>> WE SHOULD REINSTATE SALT AND BRING TAX RELIEF TO OUR FAMILIES.

I'M SICK OF PAYING THE BILLS OF ALL THESE OTHER STATES THAT I THINK A LOT OF PEOPLE IN JERSEY ARE, AND SO, WE'VE GOT TO ADDRESS IT.

>> OVER HALF THE PEOPLE IN MY DISTRICT TOOK THIS DEDUCTION CAPI FOR THE LAST TAX BILL.

I HEAR FROM TEACHERS AND THROUGHOUT MY DISTRICT ABOUT HOW HARMFUL THIS HAS BEEN FOR THEM.

>> BIDEN HAS HELD AND SAYS HE WILL CONTINUE TO HOLD BIPARTISAN MEETINGS WITH LAWMAKERS THIS WEEK.

>> I'M CONFIDENT EVERYTHING IS GOING TO WORK OUT PERFECT.

>> FAMOUS LAST WORDS OR PRESIDENTIAL IMPRESSIONS?

THE HOUSE WANTS TO GET VOTED ON BY JULY IN THE HOPES THAT THE SENATE COULD PASS SOMETHING BY LABOR DAY.

OPTIMISTIC TIMETABLE FOR SUCH A LARGE PLAN.

I AM DAVID CRUZ, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> WITH ALL THE RELIEF MONEY BEING MADE AVAILABLE TO SMALL BUSINESSES, HOW DOES ONE ACTUALLY SECURE THEIR PIECE OF THE POT?

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS DETAILS FOR OWNERS ANTENNAE STOP BUSINESSES.

HEY, RHONDA.

>> WE HAVE SOME DETAILS NOW ABOUT HOW SMALL BUSINESSES AND NONPROFITS CAN APPLY FOR NEW GRANTS AVAILABLE FROM THE STATE.

THE GRANTS CAN BE USED FOR WORKING CAPITAL OR TO COVER PAYROLL COSTS.

INTEREST IN BUSINESS OWNERS WILL NEED TO CREATE REGISTERS AND THEY CAN DO THAT ON THE WEBSITE STARTING ON MONDAY.

THE REGISTRATION WILL CONTINUE THROUGH APRIL 29th.

AFTER THAT, THE FORMAL APPLICATION PROCESS WILL BEGIN IN EARLY MAY.

A TOTAL OF $85 MILLION IS AVAILABLE.

OF THAT AMOUNT, 35 MILLION IS BEING SET ASIDE FOR RESTAURANTS.

TOMORROW, STILL MARKS AN IMPORTANT TAX DATE FOR MILLIONS OF AMERICANS.

WHILE THE DEADLINE TO FILE YOUR 2020 TAX RETURNS WAS MOVED TO MAY 17th, ANYONE WHO PAYS ESTIMATED TAXES FOR THIS YEAR MUST GET THOSE CHECKS OUT BY TOMORROW ACCORDING TO APA ONDREA DIAZ WHO IS A PARTNER AT SK'S AND COMPANY.

>> THE ESTIMATES ARE ALWAYS DUE ON APRIL 15, AND THEY HAVE NOT EXTENDED THAT DEADLINE.

SO, THIS IS VERY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT WE SAW LAST YEAR.

LAST YEAR, WE SAW THEM MOVE THE DEADLINE FOR THE TAX RETURNS UNTIL JULY 15th, AND AS WELL REMOVE THE ESTIMATED TAX PAYMENT FOR THEY DID NOT DO THAT THIS YEAR.

>> THIS AFFECTS ANYONE WHO WORKS FOR AN EMPLOYER THAT DOES NOT WITHHOLD TAXES FROM THEIR PAYCHECKS, SUCH AS SELF- EMPLOYED WORKERS, CONSULTANTS, AND SOME SMALL BUSINESSES LIKE SOLE PROPRIETORS.

MEANTIME, THE IRS IS GOING TO START ENDING OUT MONTHLY PAYMENTS FROM THE NEW $3000 CHILD TAX CREDIT BEGINNING IN JULY.

THAT WAS CONFIRMED BY THE IRS MISSIONARY YESTERDAY.

THE NEW EXPANDED CHILD TAX CREDIT IS INCLUDED AS PART OF THE LAST COVID-19 RELIEF BILL KNOWN AS THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN.

FAMILIES WHO MEET CERTAIN INCOME ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS WILL RECEIVE $3000 PER CHILD FROM THE AGES OF 6 TO 17 AND $3600 PER CHILD UNDER THE AGE OF 6 OR NOT, THIS IS FOR THE 2021 TAX YEAR.

FAMILIES WILL RECEIVE MONTHLY PAYMENTS THROUGH DECEMBER.

THE MAN BEHIND WHAT IS BELIEVED TO BE THIS COUNTRIES BIGGEST INVESTMENT FRAUD EVER HAS DIED.

BERNIE MADE OFF DIED IN PRISON WHERE HE WAS SERVING A 150 YEAR SENTENCE.

HE WAS 82.

HE CONVINCED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF INVESTORS, INCLUDING CELEBRITIES, CHARITIES, AND FOUNDATIONS TO INVEST BILLIONS OF DOLLARS WITH HIM IN WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE A MASSIVE PONZI SCHEME THAT ENRICHED ONLY MADE OFF.

ACCORDING TO THE AP, HE DIED OF NATURAL CAUSES.

NOW, HERE IS A LOOK AT TODAY'S TRADING ACTIVITY ON WALL STREET.

I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY NJCU SCHOOL OF BUSINESS.

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WE ARE STUFFED AWAY FROM THE EXCHANGE PLACED TRAINING JERSEY CITY, AND MINUTES FROM AUSTRIA.

LEARN MORE AT NJCU.EDU/GAMECHANGER .

AND, SJ MAGAZINE, THE HEART AND SOUL OF SOUTH JERSEY.

ONLINE AT SJ MAGAZINE.NET.

>>> THE FIVE MEMBERS OF NEW JERSEY'S CANNABIS REGULATORY COMMISSION FINALLY MET THIS WEEK.

IT IS A POWERFUL PANEL THAT WILL HAVE THE AUTHORITY TO SHAPE THE RULES, REGULATIONS AND EVEN TAXES AROUND THE LEGAL MARIJUANA INDUSTRY.

THE COMMISSION WILL HAVE SIX MONTHS TO FINALIZE THE FRAMEWORK.

YET, EVEN AS THEY GET DOWN TO WORK, LAWMAKERS ARE STILL TINKERING WITH THE LEGISLATION THAT SOME SAY IS NEEDED TO GET THE INDUSTRY OFF THE GROUND.

NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS CONTRIBUTING WRITER JOINS US NOW WITH THE LATEST.

TO SAY THIS PROCESS AS A MARATHON IS PROBABLY AN UNDERSTATEMENT.

WHAT OTHER ITEMS ARE LAWMAKERS STILL LOOKING TO ADD IN NOW?

>> YEAH.

HE PROCESS, IT IS.

I THINK NEW JERSEY SPOTLIGHT HEADLINE WAS THE LAST HEADLINE WAS, THE CANVAS CHRONICLES LATEST INSTALLMENT.

YOU KNOW, THE TREATY OF RIVERSIDE TOOK SIX MONTHS TO CLOSE.

THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON NOW FOR OVER FOUR YEARS.

SO, YOU KNOW, WE HAVE REALLY FOUR CANNABIS BILLS ON THE BOOKS.

PEOPLE FORGET THAT IN 2019, THERE WAS AN EXPUNGEMENT BILL PASSED FOR CANNABIS CONVICTIONS.

BEFORE THEY MADE CANNABIS DECRIMINALIZED.

THEN, OF COURSE, WE HAVE THE BIG THREE THAT HAVE AND RECENTLY.

LEGALIZATION, DECRIMINALIZATION, AND THEN CLEANUP BILL WHICH WAS HOW TO DEAL WITH MYERS.

SINCE THEN, WE HAVE ALSO PASSED AND SIGNED A NEW BILL INTO LAW CLEANING UP THE CLEANUP BILL.

THE MOST PROBABLY VOLATILE TOPIC IS HOME GROW.

AND, NEW JERSEY'S IS AN OUTLIER IN THIS.

MOST STATES THAT HAVE PASSED ADULT USE MARIJUANA ALLOW FOR SMALL AMOUNTS OF HOME GROW, AND PARTICULARLY WITH MERCK, COROLLA PATIENTS WHO MAY NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE OUNCES COMING FROM NEW JERSEY.

SO SENATOR PAUL HAS PROPOSED A BILL THAT WILL ALLOW UP TO 6 PLANS FOR INDIVIDUALS TO GROW FOR RECREATIONAL NEWS ENOUGH TO 10 PLANTS FOR MEDICAL PATIENTS.

>> AND IAN, THERE'S ALSO PROPOSAL WITH REGARD TO EMPLOYERS, RIGHT?

USE OF ALCOHOL AND MARIJUANA WHILE ON THE JOB.

>> YEAH, THAT ONE IS A BIT SQUISHY.

SENATOR PAUL WANTS TO GIVE EMPLOYERS MORE LATITUDE TO ENSURE WORKPLACE SAFETY.

AND PARTICULARLY, IN THOSE JOBS AND INDUSTRIES THAT ARE REGULATED AND INVOLVE SAFETY ISSUES.

LIKE OPERATING HEAVY MACHINERY, ETC.

HE WANTS TO BE ABLE TO ALLOW FOR LESS, ALLOW FOR EMPLOYERS TO TEST PEOPLE.

TO PREVENT ANY TYPE OF INTOXICATION ON THE JOB.

I SAY IT IS PUSHY, BECAUSE I THINK THE THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT'S GOING TO END UP BEING DECIDED BY THE COURTS.

>> Reporter: IAN, IS THERE A SENSE THAT ALL OF THESE LATE ADD-ONS COULD SLOW UP THE WORK OF THIS COMMISSION?

>> NO.

I DON'T THINK SO, BECAUSE THE COMMISSION HAS A LOT OF WORK TO DO.

THEY HAVE TO SET UP THE RULES FOR A BILLION-DOLLAR INDUSTRY.

THEY HAVE TO ADOPT ALL OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ON HOW THAT INDUSTRY IS GOING TO WORK.

THEN, THEY HAVE TO TAKE APPLICATIONS FOR A GAMUT OF LICENSES THAT WILL BE ISSUED TO THE INDUSTRY.

THEY'VE GOT PLENTY TO DO.

>> WE WILL BE COMING BACK TO YOU FOR THE NEXT CHAPTER.

THANKS SO MUCH.

>> THANK YOU, BYE.

DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT THIS WEEK'S EPISODE OF CHAT BOX WITH SR.

CORRESPONDENT, DAVID CRUZ.

HE TAKES A LOOK AT THE IMPACT OF THE PAUSE ON VACCINE PRODUCTION AND SETS THE RECORD STRAIGHT WITH THE MYTHS VERSUS THE FAX ON COVID-19 VACCINATIONS.

WATCH IT LIVE 6:30 P.M. THURSDAY NOT ON THE SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

FROM THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM THANKS FOR WATCHING COULD HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.

>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RW J BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER .

AND, OR STUD, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW, LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

>>> I AM KAYLA, AND THIS IS WHAT I WORK FOR.

TO TEACH HIM.

TO PROTECT HER.

AND, TO TAKE CARE OF ME TOO.

I NEED HEALTH INSURANCE THAT DOES THE SAME, THAT MAKES THINGS EASIER FOR MY SCHEDULE.

SO, I CAN FOCUS ON WHAT MATTERS.

THIS IS MY LIFE, AND THIS IS HOW HORIZON BLUE CROSS SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY WORKS FOR ME.

AND HIM, AND HER.