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Raven: Former President Steve Sweeney is officially stepping into the race for New Jersey governor.

>> Our job is to try to find a way to make New Jersey more affordable for the residents here.

That's what we do.

Raven: Plus -- advocates take on Governor Murphy, pushing back over his lawsuit over New York's congestion plan.

Also a controversial plan to merge school districts in Ocean County is being met with fierce opposition.

>> There was no opportunity for the community to ask the questions, seek clarification.

Raven: And committed to staying in New Jersey.

Rutgers makes waves with a top recruiting class, including one of Don Fosco's own.

>> We would say home usually.

I chose to stay home and play in front of my family.

Raven: NJ spotlight news begins right now.

♪ >> From NJ PBS studios, This is NJ Spotlight News With Briana Vannozzi.

Raven: Good evening and thanks for joining us.

I'm Raven Santana.

Steve Sweeney is officially stepping into his race for governor, launching the campaign earlier this week.

The announcement comes two years after his two decade long run in Trenton was ended by a Republican newcomer.

Sweeney is entering the race with a leg up, as he has already locked up more endorsements this week from Kern and South Jersey lawmakers.

Given his history as a labor leader and New Jersey's longest-serving state president, is that enough to sway New Jersey voters over his current opponent, Steve Philip?

He sat down with our senior political respondent, Dave Cruz, on chat box to discuss his political comeback.

>> You mentioned more of your progressive accomplishments, but not so much of other reforms like pension reform, no millionaire's tax, you are that guy, would you call yourself a moderate or conservative?

>> I'm a moderate.

I've always been a moderate.

There is no escaping the pension reform that we did.

By the way, we saved the pension from solvency.

I'm plowed that we saved the pension.

We made tough -- I'm proud that we saved the pension.

We made tough decisions.

Sometimes when you lead, there are things that people don't like that you will lose votes on but it's the best thing for the people of the state and you do it.

The pension reform had to happen.

800,000 people were seeing the pension system going into bankruptcy.

>> You took a lot of heat for that.

In fact, progressives, who make up kind of the court of the Democratic Party -- core of the Democratic Party, you have never been a favorite of theirs.

On occasion, you do Line-Up.

>> But here's the ironic thing, he is the most progressive governor ever.

Every bill that he signed I voted for and passed -- Every bill he signed, I voted for and passed.

How can I be conservative?

I'm the prime sponsor of the Minimum wage.

Equal pay across the line.

We could go on and on about these progressive pieces of legislation that were done that I voted for, but Phil Murphy is a progressive and they label me as a conservative.

Those same groups cheered when I lost to a very conservative guy that has a lot of hate spewing out of his mouth.

I am a moderate.

I've always been a moderate.

I'm not going to change.

I'm fiscally conservative.

I don't apologize for that.

Our job is to try to find a way to make New Jersey more affordable for the residents here.

That's what we do.

>> It's also a little easier to be the executive -- and the executive branch and say, here's a progressive policy, or a conservative/moderate policy that I want, but it's quite another when you've got to do the heavy lifting in the legislature, you've got to whip votes and all of that.

>> Of course, but again, I signed up for it, David.

When we did reproductive freedom, we codified that before I left.

We made no one happy.

You know what I mean?

To the progressives, we didn't go far enough.

To the conservatives, we crossed the line.

But what was most important is, we protected a woman's reproductive freedom.

>> What are your priorities?

Are you going to do the other thinks put out, policy papers and all that sort of thing?

Are you going to do that?

What are your priorities?

>> Listen, one of my top priorities as housing for the disabled.

There is an 8000 person waiting list for housing.

I can tell you for someone like myself, my daughter's fine and she is safe right now because she has me and my wife.

But when we are gone, where does she go?

Is it a safe environment?

A lot of people with disabilities are abused verbally and physically.

That's why we created a registry to try to weed those people out.

Listen... transportation, energy.

>> The transportation trust fund.

>> Energy, doing things right with energy, clean energy, which we do with the s racks, I was the sponsor of Reggie, the regional greenhouse gas initiative, but we need a portfolio manager so that we don't put over -- but all our eggs in one basket and when something bad happens, all of a sudden you are in trouble.

I am excited about hydrogen coming online.

There's going to be a hydrogen hub in New Jersey.

I think it is the fuel of the future.

Nukes, I got the crap kicked out of me for wanting nuclear plants to stay open, now they all love nukes.

I think most importantly is getting consensus forecasting and multi your budgeting, that's the most important thing we can do in the state of New Jersey.

Raven: You can watch the full interview with Steve Sweeney on chat box this weekend.

Watch it Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday morning at 10:30 p.m. on NJ PBS -- at 10:30 a.m. on NJ PBS.

In Ocean County, a plan to merge school districts is being met with opposition.

Under the plan, students at the elementary school in Seaside Heights would transfer into the toms River regional school district.

But Central regional school district, where the Seaside Heights elementary students currently transfer for middle and high school, is not in favor, and as our senior correspondent reports, millions of dollars in state aid are on the line.

>> The taxpayer will pay less, the children will have a better education, and it is a win-win for both districts.

Reporter: The mayor is backing a plan that would regionalized his school by absorbing Seaside Heights students into the toms River regional school district.

He says that's necessary because enrollment keeps dropping in one elementary school that makes up the Seaside Heights district.

Currently Seaside Heights middle and high schoolers attend Central regional high school.

>> Our children that attend the school with a decline in enrollment are not doing good on proficiency examinations.

It provides an opportunity for student growth, curricular changes, and also provides tax incentives to save both Seaside Heights and the time Heights community of deal of money.

Reporter: A study was conducted a few years ago that showed several positives for merging the districts.

Chief among them, state aid increases.

It would allow toms River to phrase the $26 million in funding cuts that have occurred over the last several years under the school funding formula known as s2 an could restore state aid under a law signed by Murphy called s3950 that applies to any regional school district that includes five municipalities.

Adding Seaside would bring toms River to five.

>> It would put toms River back in a position to have sustainable revenue growth, without impacting our taxpayers, which means programs won't need to be cut.

Those dollars are directly tied to children's programs.

Reporter: That would save Seaside Heights taxpayer dollars as well.

>> The first nine years, Seaside Heights will save approximately $9 million.

Reporter: The proposal was submitted to the department yesterday for approval.

The plan does allow any student in seventh grade or higher who wants to continue attending Central regional high school to do so until they graduate, but the central regional school district voted this week to challenge the move, declining to comment for this story, but raised concerns about the impact on their taxpayers and set in their resolution that such action would cause a detrimental impact to the students of Seaside Heights and the central regional school district, and they will undertake all necessary actions to encourage the Department of Education to reject such request.

The Seaside Heights teachers' union is also raising concerns about the planned closure of the huge elementary school they say that is the hub of the community.

>> We would be the only medicine polity that doesn't have a community school within the town if this merger goes through.

The other four ascending districts all have a community school.

>> We don't have bussing, all of our students are typically walking to school, very few families have cars.

Reporter: They say Seaside Heights students would find themselves in much larger classes than they are used to, although toms River says their classes would actually decrease, in some cases from 25 students to around 18 or 19, because they will hire all the Seaside Heights staff.

If approved by DOE, the plan has to be voted on in a special referendum by both the Seaside Heights and toms River communities sometime in March of next year.

NJ spotlight news.

Raven: The federal government has a new plan to deal with a seasonal dead zone on the lower stretches of the river.

The EPA on Thursday announced new proposed standards for oxidant souls -- oxygen levels in a stretch of the river between Kempton and Wilmington, Delaware.

The goal is to make sure there's enough oxygen in the river for fish like the endangered Atlantic sturgeon to survive and thrive.

The rest of the river has good oxygen levels but this stretch is hampered by the ammonia discharged by sewer treatment plans.

The problem is especially bad in the summer, when warmer weather causes oxygen levels to deplore -- to dip lower.

Restoring oxygen levels as required by the federal Clean Water Act.

You can read more about the new standards through John hurdle's reporting at NJ spotlight news dot org.

Know you work's controversial conduction pricing plan is getting some support from this side of the river.

Dozens of environmental transportation and health advocacy groups from New Jersey today are filing a legal brief opposing a lawsuit brought against the MTA's.

Congestion pricing plan.

.

Many Jersey drivers are not happy to be facing our $15 fee on top of current tolls to enter Manhattan below 60th St.

But the groups argue the benefits to New Jersey residents will outweigh the costs.

Our senior correspondent Brenda Flanagan reports.

>> The focus is on what New Jersey drivers would pay.

Without looking at a substantial benefit -- Reporter: John Reichmann and other clean air crusaders will vigorously support the MTA's congestion pricing plan felt they needed to do more than just wave signs, so 34 advocacy organizations are waiting into a legal battle arguing against Governor Murphy.

Murphy maintains he is fighting to save New Jersey drivers from paying the higher tolls and from truck traffic trying to avoid them.

>> At its heart, this is a matter of New Jerseyans being treated fairly, and we will fight like tooth and nail to ensure that is the case.

>> We are not the MTA's ATM, period.

And if they don't know that by now, they are going to learn it.

>> That's an easy soundbite.

It's more difficult to basically set up all the various benefits that New Jersey would get from the congestion pricing problem.

>> They list eight benefits New Jerseyans would gain from congestion pricing including breathing cleaner air whenever they walk and wherever they work, better and faster commutes, faster travel and easier parking once they get there.

From any drivers, these benefits will outweigh paying a total.

-- For many drivers, these benefits will outweigh paying a total.

>> Many in our area are in the Fort Lee area, Manhattan, and this plan addresses that.

The governor doesn't even have a plan.

He's just condemning somebody else for coming up with a plan.

Reporter: The lawsuit argues the Fed should have demanded a more thorough environmental impact statement before approving congestion pricing, but the brief points to a $10.7 billion Jersey Turnpike extension plan near the Holland Tunnel, noting Murphy did not require it to pass the same rigorous examination.

>> It would increase the amount of cars, pollution, and disproportionately harm already overburdened communities.

Yet for that project, the governor's position is that there does not even have to be a full environmental review.

Reporter: The MTA approved the plan almost unanimously.

It offered a five dollar discount for vehicles entering the central business district via the Lincoln and Holland Tunnel's not the George Washington Bridge.

In hopes to launch the system in late spring, lawsuits notwithstanding.

>> The complaint is we want the lawsuit thrown out and congestion pricing moving in the right way.

But this is politics.

Nobody gets everything they want.

Reporter: The governor's office offered no comment.

I'm Brenda Flanagan, NJ spotlight news.

Raven: Turning to Wall Street, here how the markets closed today.

-- here is how the markets closed today.

Join me this weekend for NJ business beat.

I talked to state business leaders about the economic outlook for New Jersey in 2024 and the legislative priorities for business owners next year.

Watch at Saturday at 5 p.m. and Sunday morning at 9:30 a.m. on NJ PBS.

♪ A new program in Camden is teaching new students to become EMTs, giving high schoolers an opportunity to get training and work towards jobs after graduation.

Officials also hope the program attracts more young people to careers in the medical field, as a shortage of EMTs and other medical professionals continues to be a concern both here in the state and nationwide.

Melissa Cooper reports from Camden.

Reporter: Rosa has dreams of earning a bachelor's degree in nursing one day, so the high school senior is glad she is getting some hands-on experience in the medical field now, before beginning her college journey.

>> We are learning how to save people's lives, you've just got to pay attention to what you are learning and consume as much as you can and ask a lot of questions.

If you don't ask questions, I feel some people would be lost.

There's a lot of questions to be asked.

At the end of the day, I feel like a lot of questions, no matter what it is, just ask.

Reporter: That's exactly what she and her classmates are making sure that they do at virtual health.

The health care system is teaming up with a tandem city school District to provide high school students with the opportunity to learn how to become an EMT.

>> It is intense.

We have 41 chapters that we do.

Ideally in about 16 weeks, the program is going to go about 27 weeks now.

We start with the basics, with basic medical.

And learn with body systems, which is what they are learning now, they learned respiratory and cardiac.

We will start going into drama shortly after that.

Childbirth, environmental, geriatrics, pediatrics, and we end with some extrication and terrorism.

>> That scene we put together here is really top-notch in this area.

The students are offered this education in a very comfortable and safe environment.

And I would say coming out of this program, the opportunity it provides for our career and health care -- in health care, everything from staying in a career as an EMT, to becoming a paramedic, moving to anything else across our health system.

Reporter: Key elements, says Jim Newman, the entire industry continues with a workforce shortage.

>> We really need to take opportunities anywhere we can find them.

To bring students into the health care field at a very early age and keep them interested and keep them engaged for our continued growth.

Reporter: Camden City Schools says the students' ability to take part in the program while still in high school is a true testament of their desire to succeed.

>> I think it's important that we expose our young people to rigorous situations and challenging experiences while they have a support -- their supports as young adults and going forward in our schools, through our guidance counselors, through our teachers, to help them navigate so that when they are on their own, they at least have had some experiences where they had to work through difficult situations.

Our students are absolutely fantastic and phenomenal.

Reporter: once students complete the program and pass the certification test, there will be able to work anywhere as an EMT.

Vicente says she wants to take the opportunity.

Raven: Rutgers men's basketball team has had a resurgence in recent years but the best may still be to come.

Just last week, the Scarlet Knights landed a commitment from Dylan Harper, a star at Don Bosco prep, ranked as the number two player in the nation in's this year's senior class -- in this year's senior class.

He will join other top players at Rutgers next year, giving the coach the best recruiting class in college basketball.

As Ted Goldberg reports, this is a family affair for Dylan Harper.

>> Account number two, Dylan Harper -- >> And number two, Dylan Harper.

Reporter: Dylan Harper has the size and scale to be New Jersey's biggest recruit in high school basketball.

He also has the bloodlines.

His mother, Maria, played Division I at the University of New Orleans, and his father Ron, late 15 years in the NBA and won five championships.

>> For me, growing up in that type of environment, I wanted to do what they did.

>> Being in the environment, they naturally gravitated to picking up the ball and playing.

>> He always had a basketball in his hand and Ronald's hands, too, it was the kind of thing where we knew he was want to try to play basketball.

We encouraged him, if he wanted to play basketball, to go out and play and learn how to play and have fun.

Reporter: But it wasn't always fun.

>> No one took it easy on me.

It was getting me tougher.

I've got to compete.

>> He did grow up getting pushed around a little bit and he finally started to earn those wings and gaining some confidence and he always reminds his brother of that.

>> My dad and my mom used to tell me to let him went, and I would never let him because it builds character, and I stand by that.

Reporter: Ron Junior was also a standout at Don Bosco prep before becoming an All-American at Rutgers and signing with the NBA's Toronto Raptors.

He takes credit for helping Dylan become the most sought-after retreat in the Garden State -- recruit in the Garden State and one of the top recruits in the nation.

>> It's killer instinct.

I saw that since he was a kid.

He used to get real mad and get real intense trying to beat me.

He's a competitive kid.

I remember back in the day, we use to argue every time we played basketball, just because me and him are so naturally competitive with each other.

We are still like that to this day.

>> The competition at home was definitely for years.

There's not a win that you got that you did not earn.

I was coaching Dylan at a young age and I was definitely on the fiery side.

[LAUGHTER] But I've calmed down a bit.

Reporter: Maria still coaches Dylan as an assistant for Don Bosco.

She has helped her son earn offers from schools like Duke and Kansas.

Last week, Dylan announced he would turn down those bluebloods in favor of scarlet.

Even he admits that Rutgers was an unusual choice.

>> A recruit would stay home usually but I chose to stay home and play in front of my family, choosing a different path besides the bluebloods, stuff like that, making my own weight.

Reporter: Why Rutgers?

Dylan says it was because of his relationship with the Head Coach, Steve, and how he has transformed the program since taking over seven years ago.

>> He's had the best recruits, the highest recruits ever.

He will get into the tournament, at least a bubble every year.

Reporter: The Harpers say they did not push Dylan to Rutgers but they are thrilled with his choice.

>> It's an amazing place, with great people and great staff.

That's what it's really about.

For me the basketball takes care of itself.

It's about the people I trust with my children.

>> The family atmosphere, I've known the coaches for the longest.

Knowing they are going to do whatever they've got to do to help me get to the next level.

>> Very excited he is staying close to home.

Everybody gets a chance to see him play.

He has a lot of fans in the state of New Jersey.

>> I'm excited.

I tried to make him -- Let him make his own decision and he made the right one.

Reporter: He is part of the best class Rutgers has put together, many thanks go to his family that will not have to drive far to support him next year.

I'm Ted Goldberg, NJ Spotlight news.

Raven: That's going to do it for us tonight.

This weekend, be sure to turn into reporters' roundtable, from elections, to indictments, who won the year and New Jersey politics, comedian and host of the popular podcasts "NJ is a world," Chris g," makes his case Saturday at 8 p.m. and Saturday morning -- and Sunday morning at 10 a.m.

Thanks for being with us.

Have a great weekend.

We will see you back here on Monday.

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