>> Diversity in policing.

The latest data finds racial inequities in law enforcement mostly in New Jersey's urban centers.

>> The state population is 52% non-Hispanic white and 68% of police are white.

That is clearly out of sync.

>> Still on strike.

1700 RWJ University Hospital nurses are in their third week of picketing.

The hospital, rejecting their proposal.

>> It is sad we have to be out here without pay fighting for something every Hospital should provide.

>> Childcare crisis.

Congresswoman MIKIE SHERRILL pushing a bill that will help families.

>> I'm pushing for more funding to make sure we are stabilizing the childcare industry.

>> Prioritizing been turned -- veteran mental health.

Reducing suicide rates among former soldiers.

>> Programs that help connect people in need, those in distress with treatment, we can make a difference.

>> NJ Spotlight news.

>> Funding is provided by the members of the New Jersey education Association, making public schools great for every child.

RWJ Barnabas health, let's be healthy together.

And, Orsted.

Committed to a clean energy future for New Jersey.

♪ >> From NJPBS, this is NJ Spotlight News.

>> Thanks for joining us.

I'm Joanna.

As police conduct has come into focus, some departments made an effort to hire officers who better like the communities they serve.

In spite of those efforts, more than two thirds of police officers in New Jersey are white, close to 90% are male.

That is a far cry from the diverse population.

Colleen O'Day is here with me to break down the numbers and discuss some recent changes that have been made.

Always good to have you on the set.

Break down the numbers you have found when you analyzed police officer hiring and recruitment.

>> The state population is about 52% non-Hispanic white and 68% of police are white.

That is clearly out of sync.

We only have about 9% of officers who are black, 12% Hispanic, 2% Asian, well below the way those groups are represented in the state.

The biggest difference is 88% male, 12% female.

Women are a little more than the majority of the state.

>> What do we know about the importance of having officers who reflect the communities they serve?

>> You want to see officers who look like you.

You don't want to see, if you are a community of black or Hispanic people, you don't want to see all white officers.

It is a question of not relating as well.

The way someone put it to me is, you don't want to feel like you are being policed.

You want to feel like partners.

>> When you look at these departments, transparency has been a challenge.

The state created laws, passed laws that would require departments to make their data transparent.

Where are departments falling in terms of transparency?

>> There are more than 500 departments.

We looked at a good number and only about half our meeting, it is probably a stretch to say meeting the letter of the law.

Only a few give the specifics they need to, which is, you are supposed to put the demographic data we talked about for your department on your website.

You are supposed to create a plan to try to improve minority recruitment and diversify the forest.

Very few departments had a real robust plan where it showed, Woodbridge was one where they show these are the groups we will be talking to, to try to get more people interested in policing.

>> They are looking at data.

If we have 10% Asian population and 2% police force that reflects that, we need to fill the gap?

>> Exactly.

Woodbridge has a large Asian and Indian community and they made a partnership with the business Association, using them as an entryway to better reach the Asian-Indian community.

A lot of departments have had nothing, no demographic data and no plan.

>> When we talk about passing laws, how do you enforce it?

How are these departments in violation and is there any consequence on the backend?

>> I would say they are in violation.

If you ask the attorneys general's office, they are trying to be kinder and say, it will take time to make sure everyone is following the rules and we will try to nudge people into doing that.

>> Colleen O'Day, thank you so much.

To read more about the makeup of New Jersey's police departments, check out Colleen's article on our website.

Governor Murphy signed a bill that creates strict criminal penalties for anyone who illegally traffics or sells a gun that ends up being used to kill someone or cause significant bodily injury.

The law creates criminal liability for the illegal seller.

If the gun is used to commit a crime after it is sold.

The law, called the real accountability for consequences of unlawful trafficking of firearms act, it is the first of its kind legislation in the country where a person could be charged for a first or second degree crime if they illegally sell a firearm.

It is the latest in the efforts to crack down on the illegal distribution and possession of guns in the state.

More than a dozen gun safety laws signed since 2018, some have been challenged in state and federal court.

Governor Murphy touts this as a model for a nation that he says has failed to pass common sense gun safety laws.

>> Gun violence is a nationwide challenge.

As long as the majority in the House of Representatives refuses to take action, we in New Jersey cannot slow down and we don't have a choice.

Today according to the CDC, gunfire is the number one cause of death for America's children.

Number one.

>> The first presidential Republican primary debate is tonight, and Chris Christie will be on the stage ready to deliver his signature no holds barred style.

He won't get the body blows he was hoping to land against former President Trump, who will not be on the stage.

Trump, opting for a sit-down interview with former Fox host Tucker Carlsen.

Where will the Christie jabs hit?

We will have analysis tomorrow as the former governor finds himself performing well in New Hampshire, pulling second behind Trump.

His lead slips into the bottom 10 and an Iowa poll.

Both poles were paid for by Republican Main Street partnerships.

It has been three weeks since 1700 nurses walked off the job at a hospital in New Brunswick.

The failed negotiations with the hospital as late as last week, leaving them without income.

The patients without permanent nurses, and the rest of us wondering when a deal will be reached, including Bernie Sanders, who added his voice into the workers on strike.

Ted Goldberg has more.

>> It is sad that we have to be out here without pay, fighting for something every hospital should provide to their staff area >> The nurses strike is about to finish up its third week.

With no strike pay, nurses have become more pessimistic.

>> It is a struggle for everyone individually.

We have our own personal financial hardships.

We are sacrificing this because our patients mean that much to us.

>> Around 1700 nurses hope they can raise attention for demands including cap on health care cost, better pay and higher levels of staffing.

>> The pandemic pushed us to a breaking point.

We were forced to take care of more patients than we should have been and they never backed off on our responsibilities.

We are not machines.

We are doing the jobs of more than one person.

It is not fair to the patients do not get the time and care they deserve because we are spread across too many patients.

>> We want to make sure patients get the best care they deserve.

>> The nurses tell me staffing levels for basement nurses temporarily hired is close to what they are looking for in the future.

>> It is hurtful.

Hopefully the union and hospital can come to an agreement.

>> In a situation like the emergency room you have to staff for potential.

That is something they haven't gotten a grasp on.

>> Carroll is a registered nurse in pediatrics.

She said the latest contract proposal had the staffing levels the union wanted, but it wasn't enforceable.

>> There is a clause that says if we have a sick call, the hospital is not responsible for maintaining safe ratios.

We don't think that is reasonable or appropriate.

>> RWJ Barnabas health did not respond to a request for comment, but the strike is gaining the attention of Bernie Sanders, who sent a letter to RWJ Barnabas health's President and CEO, saying if they can hire these replacement nurses and pay executives millions, they can afford a contract that keeps nurses safe and provides living wages and good benefits.

A spokesman for Senator Robert Menendez sent a statement.

The senator is supportive of the nurses advocating for better working conditions and he hopes RWJ BH will reach an agreement that provides the nurses with quality working conditions, affordable health care and living wages that support the employees, hospital community and patients.

>> If elected leaders enacted safe staffing ratios laws and our state, it would take the issue off the bargaining table.

We could have avoided tragedies like the one that is happening.

>> Debbie leads New Jersey's largest nurses Union, but not the one that is on strike.

Her union is separately pushing state leaders to adopt a bill that would and worse safe staffing levels.

She argues without it, nursing in New Jersey faces an existential threat.

>> 95% of new nurses say they will leave.

We have a staffing crisis.

This bill has become so important to us.

We have revised our entire endorsement process.

>> Both sides came to the table a week ago but nurses say no progress was made, leaving the future of the strike on certain.

>> Access to quality affordable childcare is an issue facing countless families in New Jersey and across the family.

While average wealthy nations spend about $14,000 a year in funding for child care, America spends less than $500 per child.

That is not OK with Congresswoman MIKIE SHERRILL, who has joined with other members of Congress to support legislation that would change the funding structure.

She joins me now.

Congresswoman MIKIE SHERRILL, you have long advocated for more childcare in New Jersey and around the country.

You said New Jersey is about to fall off a childcare cliff.

What do you mean?

>> It is not just New Jersey.

We have pushed funding into childcare sending -- centers.

We have had a crisis even before COVID.

Too many parents didn't have access to quality childcare.

COVID broke the system into many places.

With the funding we were able to push money into keeping the industry going with quality centers parents could afford.

Now we are facing the childcare cliff, because the extra money will run out at the end of said member.

-- September.

I had a roundtable, and hearing from providers about what is coming on their concerns, this is something I think we really need to address.

I'm pushing for more funding before the end of the year to make sure we are stabilizing childcare.

>> You mentioned American rescue plan funding.

Tell us about the childcare for every community act you are supporting.

What would it do?

>> This is a piece of legislation I introduced in the house, Senator Warren in the Senate.

It is largely modeled after what we do in our military, on military bases.

The armed -- I sit on the armed services committee.

This model has been supportive of many military families.

It ensures nobody pays more than 7% of their income in childcare costs, making sure we are supporting the workforce, the infrastructure of the childcare centers.

There are lots of overhead costs to caring for young children, and the safety codes of the building and certifications of the workforce, as well as making sure families can afford that childcare.

>> I was surprised to see you put out in a statement that America falls far behind commentaries -- countries like Romania and Mexico in terms of federal support for child care.

How much money would be needed?

There is $16 billion in this bill.

Is that actually what is needed?

>> We are looking at $16 billion, yes, to have this sector of the economy, ensure that people can get that to work.

It is important because right now, too many parents aren't able to get back into the workforce because they can't find places to have their children, safe and secure places for their children to be watched as they go back to work.

I was just at the chamber, and the New Jersey chamber this morning, and they were raving that so many of the employer's as part of the chamber, so many small businesses are having workforce shortages.

As you mentioned, I have been advocating for better childcare for families for years now because of my own experiences, the experience of too many families who come to me to talk about this.

This is an incredibly important way we get the workforce back.

The chamber was saying this is something we have to address for our economy.

>> This has huge economic impacts.

Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill, thank you so much.

Government can often feel like a machine that operates on its own with constituents left out of the process.

Every once in a while, individuals can sit down and talk with their representatives, ask questions and better understand the systems in place.

Today was one of those days as residents of the 12th Congressional District sat down with members of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman's staff to navigate the challenges they are facing.

>> Geneva has concerns about her Social Security benefits.

>> >> It seems they say every year they overpay me and they are taking more money out of my income.

I am a person that, I like to inquire and find out.

I'm constantly on the phone finding out stuff and talking to different agencies, getting help.

I advocate for myself.

>> Today she is glad she has the opportunity to do so in person at this event and the Mercer County office Park.

She found out about it afterwards feeling -- after receiving a phone call from Bonnie Watson Coleman's office.

>> I see other agencies that would like to talk to.

>> Like the post office, part of many federal, state, county and local agencies offer assistance.

>> It is a one-stop shop for constituents.

Everything is in one room and you have the representatives here and it is great for us to canvas and promote the types of services that people don't have access to.

>> John Lewis is disturbed director for Congresswoman Coleman and says it was important to her that residents can get help they might need.

>> They can get direct opportunity to speak with liaisons from each agency and gather information for family members.

We have things for seniors and students, also universities and colleges here for different programs people should be aware of.

>> Darrell Tucker is working to help residents resolve issues with the IRS, a free service a lot of people don't realize is available.

>> My office opened two years ago in Trenton and we are trying to bring awareness, particularly to underserved communities.

We want to bring awareness and education about filing tax returns.

Typically what happens in underserved communities, we have tax preparers that prepare returns and a lot of times those aren't prepared correctly.

In addition, they are paying off the when they can utilize the IRS programs voluntarily, the income tax program, to help them prepare returns.

That is free as well.

So we want to bring awareness and education and provide assistance to them to get issues resolved.

>> It is great resources for the community.

And the people in our state.

>> Other services, unemployment benefits and passport processing.

Although the event is just for one day, organizers want constituents to know they can always get access by contacting their local congressional office.

I'm Melissa Rose Cooper.

>> A 10 day tax holiday will start this Saturday for parents buying back-to-school supplies.

The sales tax break will apply to items like pens, notebooks, art and sports supplies, even some electronics including computers that cost less than $3000.

The break was enacted last year.

It waives sales tax from August 26-September 4.

Governor Murphy, touting the break as a way to make back-to-school a little less stressful especially for those struggling to make ends meet.

Some critics say it won't be as impactful as the Murphy administration would like because stores can adjust prices to make up for the tax break and because the 10 day break doesn't give low income earners the time they need to take advantage of it.

The state projects it will lose $32.7 million in tax revenue from the tax holiday.

Here is a look at how the markets closed today.

♪ >> It's no secret America's veterans often struggle with mental health issues when they return home from service.

A number of programs have rolled out to help support them but rates of suicide among veterans remains high, nearly double that of nonmilitary individuals, according to the U.S. veterans affairs annual suicide prevention report.

In New Jersey, the Department of military and Veterans Affairs has partnered with the New Jersey Hospital Association in an effort to prevent veteran suicide by raising awareness about it with all of those who care about them.

Raven Santana attended an event and has more.

>> The goal is that someone in the community can better recognize the signs that a veteran may be in distress.

>> Members of the New Jersey Hospital Association New Jersey mental health Association and the deputy Commissioner of Veterans Affairs met at the National Guard training center.

They announced a statewide mental health training program to support veterans and their families.

>> The goals of the governor's challenge to prevent suicide in service members, veterans and their families, is number one, to identify those people, get them screened for any kind of mental health risk through our V.A.

partners and New Jersey providers.

Our second goal is to promote connectedness to ensure those who they interact with, in their church, temple, mosque, or synagogue, or a Rotary club, that those folks know they are veterans and can help them if they are in crisis.

I believe one of the most important things to do to reduce suicide is increased awareness about lethal means safety.

>> According to the veteran suicide data and reporting mental health, in 2018 the New Jersey veteran suicide rate was nearly seven points higher than the New Jersey nonveterans suicide rate.

>> Mental health is for everybody.

Individuals will learn signs and symptoms of emerging mental health challenges, and when those might be becoming worse and when somebody might be in a crisis, it teaches us to notice and support and connect.

We don't treat, but this is something anybody can do.

Like basic first aid, we put the pressure on the wound until appropriate professionals can be engaged.

>> Ruth is the statewide director of strategic programs and mental health first aid at the mental health Association in New Jersey.

She says the initiative in partnership with the Hospital Association is looking to train a variety of people, especially those who come into close contact with veterans.

>> It is an eight hour training.

It is in all 50 states, 26 countries, taught the same way which is important because that is where evidence comes from.

The evidence shows people leave our class with increased mental health awareness.

>> Marine Corps veteran Dr. Michael is a certified teacher and says the program is critical to eliminating stigmas around mental health for veterans.

>> The class teaches us ways and strategies to help get people that won't open up, to open up.

>> Having been the work built and -- the network built and expanded will help the person in crisis in their kitchen, standing on a street corner, at work or walking into a hospital and that is what we want to see happen.

What we have seen happen, as mental health first aid has been rolled out internationally, this is a sustainable model.

This is not a one-shot deal.

This is evidence-based.

>> There will be two trainings in each of New Jersey's 21 counties over the course of the next 12 months.

I'm Raven Santana.

>> That will do it for us tonight.

Listen to us on our podcast any time.

Thanks for being with us, have a great night and we will see you tomorrow.

>> NJM Insurance group, serving insurance needs of residents and businesses for more than 100 years.

Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield, and independent licensee of Blue Cross Blue Shield.

New Jersey realtors, the voice for real estate in New Jersey.

More information is online.

And by the PSEG foundation.

>> McManus 2023 president of New Jersey Realty, whether it is securing space for small business owners, New Jersey realtors have been helping clients achieve their dreams for more than a century.

No matter what your unique needs are, there is a realtor for you.

Find your realtor on our website.

>> Life is unpredictable.

Health insurance shouldn't be.

For over 90 years, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield has provided quality affordable health plans to New Jersey residents.

We served generations of New Jersey families and businesses, and are committed to driving innovations that put you at the heart of everything we do.

Our members are our neighbors, friends and families.

We are here when you need us most.

Horizon, proud to be New Jersey.

♪