>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RW J BARNABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

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

THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIAND OF THE NOSY.

>> THANKS FOR JOINING US.

IT'S BEING CALLED A GAME CHANGER FOR A CLIMATE AND MILLIONS OF THE COUNTRY SENIOR CITIZENS.

THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT LANDED A HARD-FOUGHT VICTORY FOR SENATE DEMOCRATS THIS WEEK AFTER INTENSE NEGOTIATIONS.

AND ADVOCATES SAY IT WAS WELL WORTH IT.

THE LEGISLATION INVESTS BILLIONS TO FIGHT GLOBAL WARMING, REFORMS HOW DRUG PRICES ARE SET, AND TACKLES THE NATIONAL DEFICIT.

MEANWHILE, REPUBLICANS ARGUE THE SPENDING BILL DOES LITTLE TO REDUCE INFLATION.

THE DEMOCRATIC CONTROLLED HOUSE IS EXPECTED TO PASS THE MEASURE FRIDAY.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT IS INSIDE THE $740 BILLION PACKAGE FOR NEW JERSEY.

>> NO SENIOR HAS TO CHOOSE BETWEEN PUTTING FOOD ON THE TABLE, KEEPING THEIR HOME, AND HAVING ACCESS TO LIFE-SAVING ENHANCING DRUGS.

>> NEW JERSEY'S U.S.

SENATORS TOLD AN AUDIENCE AT THE ELIZABETH SENIOR CENTER HOW THE INFLATION REDUCTIVE ACT THE SENATE JUST PASSED WILL IMPROVE THEIR LIVES, ARGUING THE DOWNSIZED VERSION OF PRESIDENT BIDEN'S BUILD BACK BETTER BILL WILL HELP FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE, AND MAKE MEDICINE FOR NEW JERSEY'S 1.6 MILLION ELDERLY MORE AFFORDABLE.

THE ACT LETS MEDICARE NEGOTIATE LOWER DRUG COSTS AND CAPS OUT- OF-POCKET PAYMENTS.

>> I HAVE TALKED TO SENIORS WHO HAVE HAD THOUSANDS AND THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS IN DRUG COSTS.

THAT WILL BE CAPPED NOW AT $2000 PER YEAR AS AN OUT-OF- POCKET EXPENSE.

>> WHAT WOULD THAT DO FOR YOU?

>> IT WOULD HELP ME A WHOLE LOT.

>> ELIJAH PATTERSON IS 82, AND SAYS IT IS A BLOOD THINNER DRUG THAT SQUEEZES HIS BUDGET.

THE CARE DOESN'T COVER IT ALL.

>> WHAT I DO, IS I TRY TO STRETCH IT OUT.

I MIGHT MISS A DAY OR SO AND THEN CONTINUE ON.

>> HOW MANY FOLKS HERE KNOW SOMEBODY RATIONS THEIR INSULIN, DOESN'T TAKE ALL OF IT BECAUSE IT CAN LEAVE MONEY?

YOU ALL KNOW ANYBODY LIKE THAT?

YES!

THAT IS SO DANGEROUS.

WHY WOULD THIS COUNTRY PUT OUR SENIORS IN THAT STATE?

>> SENATOR CORY BOOKER TOUTED THE ACT DIRTY FIVE DOLLAR A MONTH CAP ON INSULIN, WHICH CAN COST MORE THAN THREE TIMES THAT.

THE ACT WOULD ALSO KEEP HEALTH INSURANCE IMPORTABLE BY EXTENDING TAX CREDITS THAT WERE DUE TO EXPIRE UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT.

IT WOULD SAVE THE AVERAGE JERSEY FAMILY AND ESTIMATED THOUSAND $500 A YEAR.

>> THIS IS MONUMENTAL.

WE CAN'T STRESS THAT ENOUGH.

IT IS ONE OF THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL PIECES OF LEGISLATION TO LOWER HEALTHCARE COSTS FOR PRESCRIPTIONS AND HEALTH INSURANCE AND MANY, MANY YEARS.

>> BUT THE BENEFITS DON'T ARRIVE IMMEDIATELY.

THE $2000 CAP KICKS IN THREE YEARS FROM NOW.

THE CARE WILL NEGOTIATE LOWER PRICES FOR 10 DRUGS IN 2026, AND 10 MORE IN 2029.

>> OVER THE APPROPRIATE TIME IT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED SUCCESSFULLY.

BUT THE GOOD NEWS IS THE LAW IS PERMANENT, SO THE RESULTS WOULD BE PERMANENT.

>> THE ACT WILL ALSO SPEND MORE THAN $300 BILLION TO FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE BY USING TAX CREDITS TO PROMOTE CLIMATE RESILIENCY AND CLEAN ENERGY, LIKE SOLAR AND WIND, INCLUDING HOME ENERGY UPDATES AND ELECTRIC VEHICLES.

SOME 3 BILLION IN ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE BLOCK GRANTS WILL HIT HOME IN NEWARK AND ELIZABETH, WHERE FOLKS SUFFER FOUR TIMES THE AVERAGE ASTHMA RATE DRIVEN IN PART BY PORT TRAFFIC.

THE ENVIRONMENTAL STAKES IN NEW JERSEY ARE HIGH.

>> WE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO LIVE WITH SUCH DIRTY AIR.

WE ARE GOING TO PUT BILLIONS OF DOLLARS INTO DOING THINGS TO LOWER THE OMISSIONS FROM THE PORTS, THE POLLUTION.

>> THE CLIMATE IS A HUGE PROBLEM.

IT'S IMPACTING NEW JERSEY MORE THAN ANY OTHER STATE.

>> THE HOUSE WILL GATHER FRIDAY TO VOTE ON THE BILL, AND OTHER PARTYLINE VOTES EXPECTED WITH EVEN RELUCTANT DEMOCRATS APPARENTLY READY TO VOTE YES.

>> WE KNOW TAX INCREASES IN OUR DISTRICT ON THIS LEGISLATION IS A HUGE WIN FOR US.

THAT WAS OUR LINE.

IT GOES FURTHER AND ACTUALLY REDUCES TAXES.

>> THEY CAN FOR NOW EXCEPT THE BILL'S FAILURE TO RESTORE THE STATE AND LOCAL TAX DEDUCTION, HIS FORMER LINE IN THE POLITICAL STAND.

NEW JERSEY'S TWO REPUBLICANS DIDN'T REPLY TO REQUESTS FOR COMMENT.

JERSEY DEMOCRATS HAVE ALIGNED AND SUPPORT, PART OF A RAZOR THIN MARGIN IN THE HOUSE.

>> PEOPLE FINALLY GOT A BILL THAT HELPS SENIORS, THAT HELPS THE CLIMATE, THAT HELPS EVERYBODY IN NEW JERSEY.

>> CONGRESSMAN ALBIO SIRES IS RETIRING, SO HIS YES VOTE WILL BE AMONG HIS LAST AS A JERSEY CONGRESSMAN.

AND ELIZABETH, AND BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> YOU CAN READ MORE ABOUT HOW THE INFLATION REDUCTION ACT WILL AFFECT NEW JERSEY'S CLEAN ENERGY GOALS IN TOM JOHNSON'S REPORTING.

CHECK IT OUT ON NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.COM.

FOR MAC A MASSIVE WATER MAIN BREAK IN NEWARK THIS MORNING LIGHTED STREETS AND AFFECTED TENS OF THOUSANDS OF RESIDENTS, FORCING THE STATE'S LARGEST CITY TO DECLARE A WATER EMERGENCE THE ONLY SCORCHING HOT DAY.

A 72 INCH WATER MAIN SUPPLYING DRINKING WATER TO THE NEWARK SYSTEM BROKE IN THE BELLEVILLE PORTION OF THE PARK.

STATE OFFICIALS WARN IT COULD TAKE A DAY TO REPAIR.

NEW YORK, BELLEVILLE, AND BLOOMFIELD WERE ALSO PLACED UNDER BOILED WATER ADVISORIES AS A RESULT.

NEWARK SENT CITY WORKERS DOOR TO DOOR HANDING OUT BOTTLED WATER TO RESIDENTS WHOSE SERVICE WAS IMPACTED.

NEWARK SCHOOLS CANCELED SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAMMING FOR THE DAY.

NEW YORK BELT ISRAEL MEDICAL CENTER POSTPONED ALL SURGERIES, WHILE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ACTIVATED ITS EMERGENCY COMMAND CENTER AS IT DEALS WITH THE EFFECTS OF THE BREAK AS WELL.

MEANWHILE, NEW JERSEY IS OFFICIALLY UNDER A STATEWIDE DROUGHT WATCH WITH NO SIGNIFICANT RAINFALL IN THE FORECAST.

>>> THE STATE DEP IS URGING RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES TO CONSERVE WATER.

A DROUGHT WATCH IS THE FIRST STEP BEFORE A FULL DROUGHT IS DECLARED.

THE DEP IS REPORTING STEEP DECLINES AND RESERVOIR LEVELS ACROSS NORTH AND CENTRAL JERSEY, GROUND-LEVEL IN NEW JERSEY IS ALSO LOW.

TYPICALLY HIGH SUMMER DEMAND, COMBINED WITH HIS ONGOING DRY SPELL.

IF THE SUMMERS HOT AND DRY CONDITIONS DON'T IMPROVE, THE AGENCY SAYS WATER RESTRICTIONS MAY BECOME NECESSARY.

IN SOME TOWNS, LOCAL UTILITIES HAVE ALSO PUT LIMITS ON DAILY LAWN WATERING AND OTHER UNNECESSARY WATER USE.

RESEARCH WARNS THE CLIMATE CHANGE PUTS NEW JERSEY AT HIGHER RISK OF DROUGHT WITH RAINFALL INCREASINGLY FOCUSED IN HEAVY DOWNPOURS THAT ARE SPACED OUT BY LONGER DRY SPELLS.

>>> NEW JERSEY CONGRESSMAN JOSH GOT HEIMER HAS A PROPOSAL TO DEAL WITH THE LATEST CONGESTION PRICING PLAN IN NEW YORK -- DON'T GO THERE.

HE'S PUSHING TO KEEP WORKERS IN NEW JERSEY.

IT'S ALL BY INCENTIVIZING NEW YORK BASED BUSINESSES TO OPEN NEW OFFICES HERE.

>> WHY SHOULD OUR FOLKS BATTLE TWO HOURS OF TRAFFIC ON THE BRIDGE OR IN THE TUNNELS EVERY DAY, MS.

KIDS BASEBALL GAMES, AND PAY $20,000 A YEAR IN TOLLS, PARKING, GAS, AND THIS NEW CONGESTION TAX WHEN THEY CAN JUST STAY AND WORK IN JERSEY AND SUPPORT OUR DOWNTOWNS INSTEAD OF NEW YORK'S?

>> AUGUST WHEN JOSH GOT HEIMER IS FIGHTING BACK AGAINST THE PROPOSED PRICING PLAN IN NEW YORK THAT WITHOUT A TOLL FOR ANY WHO DRIVE BELOW 60 STREET.

THE TOTAL WOULD HELP FIND THE CITY'S MTA SYSTEM.

>> THE IDEA THAT WE WOULD RAISE ANY FEES FOR ANYBODY RIGHT NOW, ANY TOLLS, ANY TAXES FOR THESE FOLKS RIGHT NOW IS TOTALLY OUTRAGEOUS.

I WOULD ASK THE MAYOR, WHAT GIVES?

WHY ARE YOU SO FOCUSED ON THIS?

HAVE YOU SO MISMANAGE THE FINANCES OF THE MTA THAT YOU NEED TO STICK IT TO JERSEY?

'S >> THIS GROUP OF LAWMAKERS HAS COME UP WITH THEIR OWN PLAN TO STICK IT BACK TO NEW YORK.

>> AT OUR TASK NOW TO ENCOURAGE BUSINESSES TO ENCOURAGE AND RECOGNIZE THE BENEFITS OF BEING IN NEW JERSEY, AND TO GET THE BALL ROLLING ON THEIR RELOCATION EFFORT.

>> HE IS CALLING US TO STAY IN JERSEY CAMPAIGN, BUT THESE LAWMAKERS ARE DEVELOPING TAX INCENTIVES TO ANY NEW YORK BUSINESS THAT CREATES A HUB HERE IN JERSEY.

>> THE AMOUNT OF TAX CREDITS AWARDED TO AN ELIGIBLE BUSINESS WILL BE EQUAL TO 50% OF THE CAPITAL INVESTMENT PLUS AN ADDITIONAL $250 PER EXISTING FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE.

WHO WORKS AT LEAST 60% OF THEIR WORKING HOURS AT THE NEW JERSEY WORKPLACE.

>> MANY BUSINESSES ARE ALREADY STRUGGLING TO GET THEIR EMPLOYEES BACK IN PERSON AT THE 60% RATE REQUIRED FOR THE EDA'S TAX INCENTIVES.

AT LEAST EIGHT COMPANIES ARE OPTING OUT OF THE TAX INCENTIVE PLAN COMPLETELY.

BUT THEY SAY IT'S A PLAY POINT THEY ARE WILLING TO BE FLEXIBLE ON.

>> WE WANT TO BE ABLE TO REACT TO WHAT THE MARKET IS DICTATING WHAT THE BUSINESSES ARE TELLING US.

ALSO WORKING WITH THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND ALSO BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS IN THE STATE.

WE DON'T WANT TO DO A MULTI- PROGRAM THAT'S WHAT A MESS OF SOMETHING THAT WORKS.

>> THE MTA WILL HOLD PUBLIC HEARINGS ON THE CONGESTION PRICING PLAN STARTING AUGUST 25th, THAT IS MEETING TOMORROW TO RELEASE AN ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT THAT ACCORDING TO A STATEMENT WILL INCLUDE DETAILED ANALYSIS AND MODELING, AND INCORPORATES FEEDBACK HEARD DURING 19 PUBLIC WEBINARS HELD LAST YEAR ON THE PROJECT.

BUT THAT'S NOT ENOUGH.

>> WE HAVE INTRODUCED --SHE AND I HAVE INTRODUCED NEW LEGISLATION THAT ANY FEDERAL FUNDS USED UNTIL THE CITY COMPLETES A FULL AND THOROUGH ENVIRONMENTAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF WHAT THEY ARE DOING.

>> THE CONGESTION PRICING WILL HAVE A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ON THE CITY BY REDUCING CAR TRAFFIC THAT HAS ALREADY RETURNED TO PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS.

BUT GOTTHEIMER SAYS IT'S INCREDIBLY SHORTSIGHTED BECAUSE OF THE DOUBLE TAX ON NEW JERSEYANS.

>> THIS COMES AT A TIME WHEN THEY ARE BEGGING NEW JERSEY COMMANDERS TO COME BACK AND SUPPORT THEIR LOCAL ECONOMY.

NICE WELCOME PRESENT BACK, HERE'S A $5000 CONGESTION TAX BILL.

IF I WAS TRYING TO JUMPSTART A CITY, THE LAST THING I WOULD DO IS MAKE IT HARDER FOR PEOPLE TO WORK AND VISIT I TAXING THEM.

>> STATE LAWMAKERS SAY THEY ARE WORKING WITH THE EDA AND GOVERNOR'S OFFICE ON THE BILL'S LANGUAGE SO THEY HAVE SOMETHING TO PRESENT WHEN THE LEGISLATURE CAN RECONVENES IN THE FALL.

>> AFTER FACING MOUNTING PRESSURE FROM GRASSROOTS ACTIVISTS, LAWMAKERS TOOK A STEP CLOSER TO PROTECTING CAVEN POINT IN LIBERTY STATE PARK AS A WILDLIFE REFUGE.

THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE, THEY SURE WERE BUSY YESTERDAY, UNANIMOUSLY VOTED ON A BILL THAT WILL PRESERVE THE AREA AS A NATURAL HABIT AND PUBLIC SPACE.

CAVEN POINT IS CRITICAL TO BIRD BREEDING, AND A MAJOR ECOSYSTEM FOR PLANTS AND ANIMALS.

BUT THE PENINSULA HAS BEEN IN THE CROSSHAIRS OF PAUL FIREMAN FOR YEARS, WHO WANTED TO USE SOME OF THE LAND TO EXPAND HIS NEARBY EXCLUSIVE GOLF CLUB.

ALTHOUGH THE VOTE ADDRESS CRITICISM THAT SOME PREVIOUS LEGISLATION LEFT CRAVEN POINT VULNERABLE TO PRIVATIZATION, THAT LEFT AT THE SPRING SESSION AND THAT DEDICATED $50 MILLION TASK FORCE TO CLEAN UP THE PARK, BUT IT DIDN'T SAFEGUARD AGAINST COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.

DESPITE THE WIN, THE BILL'S FATE IS STILL UNCERTAIN.

IT STILL HAS TO GO THROUGH THE ASSEMBLY AND PASS BOTH LEGISLATIVE CHAMBERS.

AND IT LOOKS LIKE HOSPITAL-BASED VIOLENCE INTERVENTION PROGRAMS WILL GET A BOOST IN FUNDING AFTER ALL.

THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCED MONDAY IT WILL SET ASIDE $10 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO CONTINUE SUPPORTING THE PROGRAMS.

EARLIER THIS SUMMER, FUNDING WAS DRYING UP, AND COMMUNITY GROUPS WERE AT RISK OF SHUTTING DOWN.

IT IGNITED PROTEST ACROSS THE STATE LAST WEEK.

ADVOCATES SAY THE INITIATIVE DIRECTLY HELPS CUT DOWN GUN VIOLENCE IN NEIGHBORHOODS BY HELPING PRIME VICTIMS AFTER THEIR DISCHARGE FROM THE HOSPITAL, PROVIDING FOLLOW-UP SERVICES LIKE MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES, HOUSING JOBS, AND MEDICAL INSURANCE.

THE FEDERAL AMERICAN RECOVERY ACT DOLLARS WILL KEEP THE PROGRAMS GOING FOR NOW, BUT PROGRAM LEADERS SAY IT WILL TAKE ANOTHER ROUGHLY $80 MILLION TO FULLY FUND THE INITIATIVE THROUGH 2025.

>>> FOR PARENTS ESPECIALLY, THIS WILL COME AS NO SURPRISE.

KIDS IN NEW JERSEY AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY ARE IN THE MIDST OF A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.

STRUGGLING WITH UNPRECEDENTED LEVELS OF ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST KID COUNT REPORT FROM THE AND E CASEY FOUNDATION.

IN NEW JERSEY, IT TRANSLATES TO NEARLY 168,000 CHILDREN, OR MORE THAN 10.5% SUFFERING FROM THOSE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES IN 2020.

THAT'S UP FROM ABOUT 130,000 KIDS JUST FOUR YEARS PRIOR.

WE ASKED THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF MENTAL ILLNESS OF NEW JERSEY WHAT THE STATE CAN DO ABOUT IT.

MEREDITH, WELCOME TO YOU.

FIRST, I WANT TO KNOW WHAT IS DRIVING THE SPIKE IN STRESS, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION FOR OUR KIDS?

>> THANK YOU.

WHAT WE HAVE FOUND IS THAT BEFORE THE PANDEMIC EVEN HIT, WE WERE SEEING THAT IT WAS HEADING IN THE WRONG DIRECTION.

WE WERE ALREADY HEADING TOWARDS THE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.

FROM 2019 TO 2019, WE WERE SEEING CHILDREN INCREASE THEIR REPORTING OF PERSISTENCE SADNESS AND LONELINESS, THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE, ATTEMPTS OF SUICIDE, AND EVEN INJURIES TO SUICIDE.

ONCE A PANDEMIC HITS, THAT KIND OF JUST PUSHED IT A LITTLE FASTER.

SINCE A PANDEMIC, CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH VISITS TO EMERGENCY ROOMS HAVE INCREASED DRAMATICALLY.

FROM FIVE-YEAR-OLDS TO 11-YEAR- OLDS, THEY HAVE INCREASED 24%.

SO THE PANDEMIC REALLY HAS HIGHLIGHTED AND MADE A WHAT WE HAVE BEEN SEEING ALREADY THE LAST DECADE.

>> IT'S HEARTBREAKING TO THINK ABOUT.

THESE ARE OUR YOUNGEST CHILDREN, WHO SHOULD BE INNOCENT TO ALL THE ISSUES GOING ON IN THE WORLD.

ARE THERE DISPARITIES AMONG THOSE MOST AFFECTED?

>> ALL CHILDREN ARE AT RISK.

WE DO SEE THAT CHILDREN -- BLACK AND LGBT YOU GROUPS ACTUALLY HAVE HIGHER RISKS OF SUICIDE.

AND THEY HAVE LESS ACCESS TO THESE THINGS.

WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT WE HAVE MORE ACCESS ACROSS THE BOARD AND MAKE SURE THAT PEOPLE KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR HELP.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF FEDERAL PANDEMIC RELIEF MONEY KICKING AROUND.

WHAT ARE SOME WAYS THE STATE COULD USE THAT TO MAKE THE MOST OF IT?

>> THAT'S GREAT.

IN NEW JERSEY, WHILE WE ARE NOT IMMUNE TO THIS FROM THE REST OF THE DATE --REST OF THE COUNTRY, EXCUSE ME --THIS LAST BUDGET DID HAVE SOME VERY GREAT INITIATIVES IN IT THAT WILL HELP, INCLUDING MONEY FOR MORE CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIST IN THE STATE.

WE IN NEW JERSEY HAVE A SEVERE SHORTAGE.

WE HAVE 341 CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRIST FOR THE ENTIRE STATE.

WHILE THAT IS BAD, YOU THINK ABOUT SOME OF OUR MORE RULE COUNTIES LIKE WARREN, SALEM, HAVE ZERO.

NO CHILD PSYCHIATRIST.

SO WE REALLY NEED TO CONTINUE TO PUT MORE FUNDING IN, BOTH ENCOURAGING MORE INDIVIDUALS TO ENTER CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY, AS WELL AS KEEP THOSE WHO ARE HERE AND KEEP INCENTIVES TO BRING MORE INTO THE STATE.

>> WHAT ABOUT OUR SCHOOL COUNSELORS?

WE KNOW THIS IS TYPICALLY A RESOURCE THAT IS RIGHT THERE FRONT FACING FOR KIDS.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

SO NEW JERSEY IS LUCKY THAT WE HAVE A LAW THAT TEACHES CHILDREN ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH IN SCHOOLS.

BUT WE NEED TO MAKE SURE THAT THERE IS ONE TO 200 50, AS I THINK THAT RATIO THAT PEOPLE WANT, BUT WE NEED MORE.

WE NEED MORE SUPPORTERS IN OUR SCHOOLS.

TEACHERS CAN'T DO IT ALONE.

WE NEED MORE PSYCHIATRISTS IN THE BUILDING, WE NEED MORE SOCIAL WORKERS.

BECAUSE THAT IS UNFORTUNATELY WHERE THE CHILDREN SPEND MOST OF THEIR DAY AND WHERE YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEE SOME OF THESE SIGNS.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH, MEREDITH.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> IN OUR SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS REPORT TONIGHT, WE LOOK AT A REAL-LIFE IMPACT OF AN PATIENT 40 YEAR HIGH.

FAMILIES ARE STRETCHING THEIR DOLLAR FARTHER THAN EVER.

SOME ARE SKIPPING MEALS JUST TO PAY FOR OTHER EXPENSES, PUSHING THEM TO LOCAL FOOD PANTRIES THAT ARE ALSO FEELING THE SCREENS.

RAVEN SANTANA REPORTS.

>> IT'S 9:00 A.M. AND THERE'S ALREADY A LINE FORMING OUTSIDE THE DOOR OF THE FATHER ENGLISH FOOD PANTRY IN PATTERSON.

>> FROM THE TIME WE OPEN, TO THE LACK TIMELY CLOSE, WE HAVE A LINE OF PEOPLE.

AT 7:00 IN THE MORNING, WE ALREADY HAVE 30, 35 PEOPLE ALREADY WAITING OUT THERE.

>> CARLOS ROLLED ON SAYS FOOD BANKS AND PANTRIES LIKE THIS ONE IN PATTERSON ARE SEEING MORE DEMAND, MORE NEW FACES, NOT ENOUGH DONATIONS TO KEEP UP WITH THE DEMAND.

>> ANY OF THE PEOPLE WHO COME TO THE FOOD PANTRY ACTUALLY NEVER CAME BEFORE.

DIDN'T HAVE A NEED TO COME BEFORE.

BUT NOW BECAUSE THE ECONOMY IS SO BAD, FOOD IS SO EXPENSIVE, RENT IS SO HIGH, THAT EVEN THOUGH PEOPLE DO WORK AND THEY DO MAKE MONEY, IT'S NEVER ENOUGH.

I STILL HAVE TO COME HERE TO PICK UP LAUNDRY DETERGENT, BABY ITEMS, BABY FOOD, REGULAR FOOD, VEGETABLES, MEAT.

WE CAN PROVIDE ALL OF THAT BECAUSE WE HAVE SOME PEOPLE WHO GIVE US MONEY TO BUY IT, AND WE DO HAVE SOME DONATIONS.

I'M PRAYING TO GOD THAT THAT WILL CONTINUE, BECAUSE THESE PEOPLE DEPEND ON THE FOOD PANTRY, AND IT'S NOT JUST PEOPLE WHO DO NOT WORK.

NOT ALL OF THESE PEOPLE WORK, BUT THE SITUATION IS THAT EVERYTHING IS MORE EXPENSIVE.

>> HE SAYS THE PANTRY WENT FROM SERVING 5000 PEOPLE A MONTH TO MORE THAN 20,000 PEOPLE A MONTH, AND ABOUT 1000 BAGS OF FOOD EVERY DAY.

>> WE ARE TALKING ABOUT MILLIONS OF DOLLARS OF FOOD THAT WE ARE GIVING OUT, MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE GENEROSITY OF OTHERS.

YOU KNOW, EACH AND EVERY YEAR, YOU KNOW, UPWARDS OF THREE, $4 MILLION WORTH OF FOOD AND HYGIENE ITEMS AND OTHER SUCH PRODUCTS THAT WERE GIVEN OUT TO THOSE MOST IN NEED, ALL MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH DONATIONS.

>> DONATIONS AND HELP FORMER CLIENT TURNED VOLUNTEER SHEILA BELDEN.

>> A LOAF OF BREAD WILL COST YOU FOUR OR FIVE DOLLARS ALONE.

A GALLON OF MILK IS SIX DOLLARS.

I WAS ASHAMED, BUT YOU KNOW WHAT?

GOD SAID, PEOPLE ARE GIVING AND IT IS A BLESSING.

THERE'S NO SHAME WHATSOEVER FOR ME AND OTHER CLIENTS AS WELL.

COME HERE AND THEY ARE SO APPRECIATIVE OF THIS COMPANY, YES.

>> MARIA TORRES IS A PANTRY MANAGER WITH A ARE SEARING NEARLY 25,000 DOLLARS A MONTH.

THEY EVEN CREATED A MOBILE FOOD TRUCK AND FREE COMMUNITY REFRIGERATORS TO EXPAND OUTREACH.

>> AND A MONTH LIKE 2400 FAMILIES WALKING THROUGH THE FOOD PANTRY, LAST MONTH WE DID 24,800 AND 75 FAMILY WALKING THROUGH.

EVERYBODY IS LOOKING FOR THE STUFF THAT ARE VERY EXPENSIVE RIGHT NOW, LIKE THE EGGS, FRESH PRODUCE.

I'M SEEING PEOPLE LOOKING FOR PAMPERS.

I'M SEEING PEOPLE LOOKING FOR FORMULAS.

ITEMS THAT RIGHT NOW ARE KIND OF CRAZY TO FIND, OR THEY ARE EXPENSIVE AND THEY ARE NOT WORKING.

>> THEY ARE CONSISTENT ACROSS THE STATE, WHERE PANTRY DIRECTOR OR THE ANGELS COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND PITCHMAN SAYS A FOR THE FIRST TIME IN 13 YEARS, THEY HAD TO SHUT DOWN THE PANTRY.

>> I WANT TO SEE IT GET BETTER, I'M JUST NOT SURE IT'S GOING TO.

THE ON THE FAMILIES DONATING TO US, NOW WE HAVE PEOPLE NEEDING HELP, BECAUSE NOW THEY CAN'T PROVIDE FOOD FOR THEIR OWN FAMILY NOW.

IT'S REALLY HARD.

THEY COME IN AND WE DON'T HAVE ANY FOOD LEFT.

WE CAN'T HELP YOU THIS WEEK.

AND THAT'S ONE OF THE HARDEST THINGS, ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE AN ELDERLY OR A VETERAN, YOU KNOW, I HAVE TO SAY UNFORTUNATELY THIS MONTH, I CAN'T HELP YOU.

>> EACH PANTRY HAS ITS OWN STRUGGLES AND CHALLENGES, BUT THEY ALL AGREE THAT THE NEED IN INCREASE FOR WILL NOT STOP.

IF YOU CAN AFFORD TO DO SO, DONATE.

BECAUSE NO FAMILY SHOULD HAVE TO CHOOSE TO GO HUNGRY.

SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M RAVEN SANTANA.

>>> CHECKING IN ON WALL STREET TODAY, HERE'S A LOOK AT THE CLOSING TRADING NUMBERS.

>>> THEY ARE BACK, AND THEY ARE ON TREES, CITY STREETS, AND ACTUALLY AT THE JERSEY SHORE.

THE INVASION OF SPOTTED LANTERN FLIES SWARMING THE STATE AGAIN IN LARGE NUMBERS.

THE PESKY BUGS ARE DESTRUCTIVE TO A WIDE RANGE OF PLANTS AND CROPS, NOT TO MENTION A MENACE TO YOUR BACKYARD.

IF YOU SEE ONE, EXPERTS SAY REPORT IT, THEN SQUASH IT.

TED GOLDBERG HAS THE STORY.

>> GEORGE HAMILTON RESEARCHES LIVING SPOTTED LANTERN FLIES.

BUT HE WANTS EVERYBODY ELSE TO CRUSH THEM.

>> WHEN YOU SEE ONE OF THESE GUYS, IF YOU CAN KILL IT, THAT'S THE BEST THING TO DO.

>> FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS, HE STUDY THE INFAMOUS INVASIVE BUG FROM ASIA.

>> JUST BE AWARE THAT THEY ARE GOOD JUMPERS, AND IT'S NOT AS EASY AS YOU MIGHT THINK.

>> HIS LAST TWO YEARS HAVE BEEN SPENT HERE AT RUTGERS DIET GARDEN.

IT HAS TENS OF THOUSANDS OF THESE PESKY PAST.

>> THESE INSECTS ARE GOING TO MOLT, MUCH LIKE A BUTTERFLY DOES WHEN IT COMES OUT OF THE CHRYSALIS, AND BECOME AN ADULT.

IT JUST DOESN'T HAVE A PUPAL STAGE.

>> ENTOMOLOGISTS LIKE HAMILTON HAVE LEARNED A LOT ABOUT THESE FLIES --HOW THEY GROW UP, WHAT THEY EAT, AND HOW THEIR DROPPINGS --CALLED HONEYDEW -- CAN KILL PLANTS.

>> YOU CAN SEE HOW THEY ARE STARTING TO BLACKEN.

THAT'S THE SIGNAL OF THE DEVELOPING.

SO IT'S GOING TO CONTINUE WITH MORE AND MORE HONEYDEW ON HERE, BUT THAT'S WHAT YOU GET BLACKER AND BLACKER EVENTUALLY.

>> HAMILTON SAYS HIS WORK IS GIVING PEOPLE A LEG UP IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST THE SPOTTED LANTERN FLY.

FIRST SPOTTED THE U.S.

EIGHT YEARS AGO IN PENNSYLVANIA, AND NOW SWARMING THE GARDEN STATE.

>> WE CAN MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PEOPLE AS TO WHAT IS THE BEST KIND TO CONTROL, AND THAT DIFFERS DEPENDING ON THE SITUATION.

WINE GRAPE GROWERS, WE TELL THEM NOT TO WORRY ABOUT THE JUVENILE STAGES, BECAUSE THE INSECTICIDES THEY ARE USING TO CONTROL OTHER PAST THAT THEY HAVE DO A GOOD JOB ON THE JUVENILES.

>> HAMILTON RECOMMENDS THAT IF YOU SEE A BUNCH OF SPOTTED LANTERN FLIES ON YOUR COMPANY, CALL THE EXPERTS WHO KNOW HOW TO PROPERLY SPRAY INSECTICIDE.

>> THERE ARE ISSUES WITH THAT, AS YOU MIGHT EXPECT.

IT ALSO WON'T BE A LONG-TERM SOLUTION IF YOU HAVE OTHER TREES IN THE AREA THAT THEY CAN MIGRATE BACK INTO.

>> A MORE LONG-TERM SOLUTION COULD BE TO INTRODUCE THE LANTERN FLIES NATURAL PREDATOR.

NEW JERSEY SECRETARY OF AGRICULTURE SAYS THE STATE IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT ANIMAL THAT MIGHT BE.

>> WE ARE DOING IT HERE NEW JERSEY IN OUR LABS TO TRY TO FIND WHAT IS THE PREDATOR -- THE NATURAL PREDATOR.

A BUG THAT IS COMING HERE AND IT'S LIKE A HEYDAY, BECAUSE WHILE IT'S HERE, IT'S NATURAL PREDATOR ISN'T.

>> SOME HAVE TAKEN IT INTO THEIR OWN HANDS USING GLUE TRAPS TO CATCH THE FLIES.

THE PROBLEM IS, WHAT ELSE GETS CAUGHT?

>> WE ARE ACTUALLY KILLING THE PREDATORS THAT WOULD HELP SOLVE THE PROBLEM.

>> CHRIS SOUCY SAYS BIRDS COULD HELP THE FIGHT AGAINST LANTERN FLIES, BUT MANY GET CAUGHT IN THESE GLUE TRAPS AS DEBT.

>> BENEFICIAL INSECTS LIKE POLLINATORS, BUTTERFLY AND MOTH LARVA.

THESE ARE IMPORTANT POLLINATORS.

FROM WHAT WE HAVE BEEN SEEING, IT'S CATCHING A LOT OF WORDS.

THE BIRDS SOMETIMES ARE ATTRACTED TO THE STRUGGLING INSECTS ON THAT PLATE.

>> HAMILTON SAYS THEY PREFER TO BE TREES OF HEAVEN, BUT THEY HAVE A WIDE-RANGING DIET AND NEED TO BE CRUSHED ON SITE, OR THEY WILL CAUSE A LOT OF DAMAGE IN THE GARDEN STATE.

IN NORTH BRUNSWICK, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> THAT DOES IT FOR US THIS EVENING.

MAKE SURE YOU HEAD OVER TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON THE GARDEN STATE.

I'M BRIANA VANOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE SPOTLIGHT NEWS TEAM, THANKS FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT.

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

>> AND JM 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 BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>> LOOK AT THESE KIDS.

WHAT DO YOU SEE?

I SEE MYSELF.

I BECAME AN ESL TEACHER TO GIVE MY STUDENTS WHAT I WANTED WHEN I CAME TO THIS COUNTRY.

THE OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN, TO DREAM, TO ACHIEVE.

A CHANCE TO BELONG, AND TO BE AN AMERICAN.

MY NAME IS JULIA, AND I'M PROUD TO BE AN AND JE MEMBER.