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

HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

AND NEW JERSEY REALTORS.

THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN NEW JERSEY.

MORE INFORMATION ON LINE AT NJREALTOR.COM.

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

>> THANKS FOR JOINING US THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT.

I'M RHONDA SCHAFFLER, IN FOUR BRIANA VANNOZZI.

THE HEAD OF A TROUBLED NEW JERSEY VETERANS HOME IS GONE.

A SPOKESWOMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS SAYS JENNIFER IS NO LONGER AT THE NEW JERSEY VETERANS MEMORIAL HOME OF MENLO PARK.

SHE DID NOT GO INTO DETAILS OR DISCUSS THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF HER DEPARTURE.

BUT THE ANNOUNCEMENT COMES AFTER THE DISCOVERY OF MAJOR HEALTH AND SAFETY VIOLATIONS AT THE FACILITY, LEADING TO A HALT OF NEW ADMISSIONS.

SHE WAS APPOINTED AS CEO IN MARCH 2021.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT TODAY ISSUED A REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS AS IT SEEKS VENDORS WHO CAN PROVIDE INTERIM SUPERVISORY STAFF AND CONSULTING SERVICES AT MENLO PARK, AS WELL AS TO WHETHER VETERAN HOMES.

NEW JERSEY MILITARY VETERANS ARE SHAKEN BY THE EVENTS AT MENLO PARK.

WE SPOKE WITH JAY BOSWELL, HEAD OF THE NEW JERSEY VFW.

>> WE THOUGHT THEY WERE MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

THIS OBVIOUSLY PROVED TO US THAT IT WAS NOT.

THE VETERANS OF NEW JERSEY, THE MOST FRAGILE VETERANS WE HAVE CANNOT GET DIGNIFIED CARE.

FOR MANY OF THEM, THEY SEEM TO BE THEIR FINAL SPOT THAT THEY LIVE AND IT'S A CRYING SHAME THAT OUR STATE CANNOT PROVIDE A DIGNIFIED EXISTENCE TO THE MOST DISENFRANCHISED AND FRAGILE VETERANS WE HAVE IN NEW JERSEY.

>> Reporter: CHILDREN ATTENDING TO PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE WEARING MASKS IN CLASSROOMS AND ON SCHOOL BUSES ONCE AGAIN.

THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE STATE, REINSTATED ITS MASK MANDATE DUE TO RISING COVID-19 CASES.

EMPLOYEES AND VISITORS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO WEAR FACE COVERINGS.

THE DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT SAID UNDER SCHOOL BOARD POLICY, MASKS ARE REQUIRED DURING PERIODS OF HIGH ACTIVITY LEVEL OF COVID-19.

AS DOCUMENTED BY THE STATE HEALTH DEPARTMENT.

THE STATE SAYS PASSAIC IS AMONG 10 COUNTIES IN NEW JERSEY WITH HIGH COMMUNITY LEVELS OF COVID.

THE OTHERS ARE BERGEN, CUMBERLAND, ESSEX, HUDSON, MIDDLESEX, MONMOUTH, SOMERSET, UNION, AND WARREN.

NEW JERSEY'S MEANING -- REMAINING COUNTIES HAVE TRANSMISSION LEVELS.

1866 CONFIRMED NEW COVID CASES AND 19 DEATHS.

AS MORE KIDS ARE GETTING SICK WITH COVID, RSV, OR THE FLU, PARENTS ARE STRUGGLING WITH HOW TO CARE FOR THEM.

THERE ARE SHORTAGES OF CHILDREN'S FLU AND COLD MEDICATIONS.

NATIONAL PHARMACY CHAINS LIKE CVS AND WALGREENS ARE LIMITING HOW MANY MEDICATIONS CUSTOMERS CAN BUY.

MELISSA ROSE COOPER REPORTS ON HOW PHARMACIES IN NEW JERSEY ARE DEALING WITH EMPTY SHELVES AND DESPERATE PARENTS.

>> WE HAVE TO SORT OF WEIGHT FOR MERCHANDISE TO GET FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO THE WHOLESALE LEVEL AND EVENTUALLY DOWN THE SUPPLY CHAIN TO THE PHARMACIES AND THE END-USER.

THAT CAN TAKE ANYWHERE FROM 2 TO 3 WEEKS.

THE PROCESS, WHEN IT'S RUNNING SMOOTHLY, BUT WHEN YOU HAVE A KID WHO IS SICK AT HOME AND YOU DON'T HAVE ANY OTHER OPTIONS, TWO OR THREE WEEKS IS NOT AN ANSWER I FEEL COMFORTABLE GIVING TO A PARENT.

>> Reporter: THE OWNER OF THIS PHARMACY IN WESTFIELD IS DOING HIS BEST TO MAKE SURE HE CAN PROVIDE CUSTOMERS WITH ALTERNATE SOLUTIONS AS FAMILIES ACROSS NEW JERSEY EXPERIENCED A SEVERE SHORTAGE OF MEDICATION THIS COLD AND FLU SEASON.

>> THIS TIME OF YEAR, PAR FOR THE COURSE, QUITE HONESTLY.

THERE IS ALWAYS A SHORTAGE.

RESPIRATORY INFECTION OR THE FLU, USUALLY NOT AS MUCH OF THE SPIKE IN THE PRODUCTS BEING DISPENSED.

>> Reporter: MANY KIDS ARE GETTING SYMPTOMS OF FLU, RSV, AND COVID.

MEDICATIONS TO TREAT THESE CONDITIONS JUST CANNOT STAND THE SHELLS.

THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION STEPPING IN TO ANNOUNCE IT WILL RELEASE DOSES OF PRESCRIPTIONS FROM THE PHARMACY STOCKPILE.

MORE AND MORE LOCATIONS ARE LIMITING THE AMOUNT PEOPLE CAN BUY.

>> WE ARE ONLY ALLOWING TWO PER FAMILY.

YOU CAN MIX AND MATCH.

GET TWO OF THE SAME PRODUCT.

MOTRIN, TYLENOL, ADVIL, TYLENOL.

BUT ONLY TWO PER FAMILY SO WE HAVE AMPLE SUPPLIES FOR THE COMMUNITY.

>> Reporter: CHAINS LIKE WALGREENS ARE LIMITING OVER-THE-COUNTER PURCHASES TO SIX.

CVS IS LIMITING THEM TO TWO.

FOR THIS DR., A SHORTAGE OF AMOXICILLIN IS MAKING IT DIFFICULT TO DISCHARGE PATIENTS FROM THE HOSPITAL.

SHE AND HER COLLEAGUES ARE THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX.

>> WHETHER IT'S AN EAR INFECTION OR PNEUMONIA OR STREP THROAT, THERE ARE DEFINITELY GOOD ALTERNATIVES TO AMOXICILLIN.

SOMETIMES WE HAVE TO MOVE TO THOSE OTHER MEDICATIONS.

THERE'S A COUPLE OTHER THINGS WE CAN DO WITH AMOXICILLIN, TOO.

A TWO TAB WHICH CAN BE SPLIT.

IT CAN BE CRUSHED OR PUT INTO APPLESAUCE.

THE CAPSULE COULD BE BROKEN UP INTO A LIQUID OR APPLESAUCE, AS WELL.

SOMETIMES, WE HAVE DONE THAT IF THE DOSAGE WORKS OUT WITH WHAT THE DOSAGE OF THE CAPSULE OR TABLET IS.

>> LOOKS AT PARENTS HAVE THE ADULT FORMULATIONS OF THESE MEDICATIONS, THOSE DOSES MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN.

IT'S REALLY IMPORTANT TO CHECK WITH YOUR PEDIATRICIAN ON WHAT DOSE WOULD BE GOOD FOR YOUR CHILD AND NOT JUST USE THE ADULT FORMULATIONS BECAUSE IT'S WHAT YOU HAVE.

REMEMBER THAT FEVER IS NOT ALWAYS A BAD THING.

IT IS ONE OF YOUR BODY'S NATURAL DEFENSE MECHANISMS.

AS LONG AS IT IS NOT A SEVERE FEVER AND TOO PROLONGED, IT IS HELPING YOUR BODY.

>> PHARMACISTS ASK FAMILY AND FRIENDS WITH CHILDREN WHO ARE NOT SICK IF THEY MIGHT HAVE MEDICATION AROUND.

IF YOUR SYMPTOMS WORSEN AND YOU ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO PROVIDE COMFORT AT HOME, CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR RIGHT AWAY.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM MELISSA ROSE COOPER.

>>> LOCAL LEADERS ARE REACTING TO THE RELEASE OF THE JANUARY 6 COMMITTEE REPORT INTO THE INSURRECTION ON CAPITOL HILL AND THE ALLEGED ROLE PLAYED BY FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP.

THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED THAT HE BE PROSECUTED FOR THE EVENT SO THAT THEY WHICH ARE CLOSE TO HOME.

SOUTH RIVER NATIVE BRIAN 6, U.S. CAPITAL POLICE OFFICER WAS STORMED WHEN THEY STORMED THE CAPITAL.

WE SPOKE WITH SEVERAL LEADERS ABOUT THE REPORT AND WHAT IS NEXT FOR JOHN.

>> WE HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THIS COMMITTEE WILL HELP PROVIDE A ROADMAP TO JUSTICE.

>> THE JANUARY 6 COMMITTEE PRECEDENT SETTING FINAL REPORT ON THE RIOT INVESTIGATION, DERIVED FROM 1000 WITNESSES AND 1 MILLION DOCUMENTS RECOMMENDS FOR CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP, INCLUDING INCITING THE INSURRECTION AND OBSTRUCTING CONGRESS HESITATED IN A PEACEFUL TRANSFER OF POWER.

THE TAKE AWAY?

>> WE HAVE TO ACKNOWLEDGE AND CONCLUDE THAT DONALD TRUMP IS UNFIT TO EVER HOLD OFFICE AGAIN.

AND I APPRECIATED THE FACT THAT THE RECOGNIZED THAT WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY BECAUSE WE SHOULD NEVER EVER BE IN THIS POSITION AGAIN.

>> Reporter: IS NEW JERSEY CONGRESSWOMAN BONNIE WATSON COLEMAN WATCHED THE LAST COMMITTEE HEARING, HER MIND FLASHED BACK TO THE ASSAULT ON THE CAPITOL, WHEN SHE FLED BEFORE THE MOB.

>> A LOT OF ANXIETY.

I RELIVED SOME ANGER.

CERTAINLY RELIVED SOME TRAUMA ASSOCIATED WITH IT.

>> SHE SAYS THE COMMITTEE CANNOT LEGALLY CHARGE TRUMP BUT CAN REFER CHARGES TO THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE, WHERE A SPECIAL PROSECUTOR IS HANDLING THE INVESTIGATION.

>> I DON'T EXPECT ANYTHING TO HAPPEN QUICKLY AND I'M OKAY WITH THAT.

I WANT YOU TO GET IT RIGHT.

I DON'T WANT IT TO BE A POLITICAL INSTRUMENT.

I DON'T WANT IT TO BE A SHORT-TERM MAKE US FEEL GOOD.

I NEED YOU TO GET THIS RIGHT.

>> I THINK THERE IS A PRETTY COMPELLING CASE ON THE OBSTRUCTION OF CONGRESS STATUTE, WHICH IS A 20-YEAR FELONY.

THAT IS RELATIVELY STRAIGHTFORWARD TO PROVE.

THE EVIDENCE THEY GATHERED, THERE IS A REASON THEY LEAD WITH THAT.

IT IS THE STRONGEST CASE THEY HAVE.

>> THAT IS FORMER NEW JERSEY ATTORNEY GENERAL JOHN FARMERS GUEST ON WHAT HE DOES NEXT.

CALLED THE COMMITTEE SHOW TRIALS.

THE COURT IS NOTHING MORE THAN A VANITY PROJECT THAT INSULTS AMERICANS INTELLIGENCE AND MAKES A MOCKERY OF OUR DEMOCRACY.

BUT FARMER, A REPUBLICAN, THINKS THE COMMITTEE DID CONNECT WITH VOTERS.

>> THE MAINSTREAM REPUBLICANS HAVE TO BE A LITTLE BIT SHAKEN BY THE FACT OF THE OVERWHELMING AMOUNT OF TESTIMONY CAME FROM STRONG REPUBLICANS LIKE THEMSELVES.

NOT FROM DEMOCRATS THROWING BOMBS.

I THINK IT WILL HAVE SOME EFFECT.

>> MOST AMERICANS WOULD SAY ALL RIGHT, HE HAS TO ANSWER IN THE CAN FOR HIS ACTIONS.

IF YOU ARE A REPUBLICAN, THERE IS SOME GOOD NEWS HERE.

THE COMMITTEE IS DONE.

THIS IS THE LAST WE WILL BE HEARING ABOUT THE COMMITTEE.

>> Reporter: COULD INFLUENCE HOW THEY PROCEED WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS.

THIS OFFERS SOME REPUBLICANS A CHOICE.

RASMUSSEN THINKS THIS COULD BENEFIT REPUBLICAN TOM JR., WHO WOULD CONTROVERSIALLY ALIGNED HIMSELF WITH TRUMP'S MOVEMENT.

BUT A WEAKER TRUMP IS LESS FOR KEAN TO WORRY ABOUT.

>> IF HE DISAPPEARS OR FADES FROM THE SCENE, TO SOME EXTENT, KEAN'S PROBLEMS GO AWAY BECAUSE HE WILL NOT HAVE TO APOLOGIZE FOR TRUMP ANYMORE OR FEEL HE HAS TO KOWTOW TO FROM SUPPORTERS IN THE PARTY.

>> Reporter: PRESSURE ON THE VICE PRESIDENT TO OVERTURN THE ELECTION, DOCUMENTED IN THE INVESTIGATION, HAS PUSHED CONGRESS TO VOTE ON OVERHAULING THE ELECTORAL COUNT ACT, TO MAKE THE VICE PRESIDENT'S ROLE PURELY CEREMONIAL.

THIS LAW PROFESSOR SAYS MOST AMERICANS TAKE FOR GRANTED SOMETHING LIKE JANUARY 6 WOULD NEVER HAPPEN.

>> MY HOPE IS THAT PEOPLE REALIZE, UNFORTUNATELY, HOW FRAGILE OUR DEMOCRACY IS.

WE ALL ASSUME THAT WE DID NOT HAVE TO REALLY WORRY ABOUT SOMETHING LIKE THIS.

EVER HAPPENING.

AND TELLING THE STORY OF HOW CLOSE IT CAME SHOULD BE VERY SOBERING NEWS TO ALL OF US.

>> Reporter: BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> IN NEW JERSEY'S BIG CITIES AND OTHER COMMUNITIES TONIGHT, RESIDENTS WITHOUT HOMES WILL SEEK A PLACE TO SLEEP.

LYING CLOSE TO A BUILDING OR MAYBE ON A PARK BENCH OR ANYWHERE ELSE THEY CAN FIND.

HOMELESSNESS IS A NATIONAL PROBLEM AND A NEW JERSEY PROBLEM.

THE WHITE HOUSE RECENTLY ANNOUNCED PLANS TO DECREASE HOMELESSNESS IN THE U.S. BY 25% BY 2025.

IN NEWARK TODAY, OFFICIALS ANNOUNCED THEIR PLAN TO REDUCE THE HOMELESS POPULATION IN NEW JERSEY'S BIGGEST CITY.

DAVID CRUZ REPORTS IT'S NOT GOING TO HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.

>> THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN NEWARK IS ALSO THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

ALSO THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM IN THE COUNTRY.

>> LOW-KEY PASSIONATE AS HE UNVEILED THE PATH OF CITYWIDE PLANS TO END CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS.

ALWAYS A NEWARK ISSUE, EXACERBATED BY COVID OVER THE PAST TWO PLUS YEARS AND AT THE ROOT OF WHAT AILS MUCH OF THE LARGEST CITY, HE SAYS.

>> HOUSING IS THE NUMBER ONE PROBLEM THAT WE FACE.

SOCIAL DETERMINANTS DEVELOP AND TO STEM FROM A LACK OF HOUSING.

A LACK OF QUALITY AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING.

A LACK OF SHELTER, PERIOD.

>> Reporter: ON NATIONAL HOMELESS PERSONS REMEMBRANCE DAY, HE PRAISED THE PLAN FOR BRINGING TOGETHER ADVOCATES, LAWMAKERS, THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS, TO SHARE RESOURCES FOR A FIGHT THAT, SO FAR, THE CITY IS STILL LOSING.

>> ON AVERAGE, PEOPLE EXPERIENCE CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS HAVE A LIFE EXPECTANCY THAT IS 17 YEARS SHORTER THAN THOSE WHO ARE HOUSED.

ACCORDING TO THE 20 2210 COUNTS, AND NEWARK, 40% OF RESIDENTS WHO ARE HOMELESS HAVE A DISABLING CONDITION AND 40% ARE EXPERIENCING PROLONGED HOMELESSNESS.

THE AGE RANGE MISREPRESENTED AS ADULTS BETWEEN 55 AND 64.

THIS POPULATION IS AGING.

>> Reporter: THE PLAN CALLS FOR PARLAYING STATE, LOCAL, AND PRIVATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO BUILD MORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING, SHELTERS, AND SIGNIFICANTLY, TO PROVIDE MORE SERVICES.

>> WE ARE WAITING FOR WORK FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BECAUSE WE HAVE ASKED THEM FOR PERMISSION TO USE $10 MILLION OF OUR AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN MONDAY TO BUILD A DROP IN CENTER NEAR PENN STATION, WHICH WOULD BE A 24 HOUR OPERATION.

FOLKS COULD COME NOT TO GET OFF THE STREET AND NOT BE CALLED.

BUT WE WILL HAVE AN ARRAY OF PROVIDERS THAT WILL BE THERE.

MEDICAID.

IF YOU ARE OLD ENOUGH, MEDICARE.

TO SEE WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR A VARIETY OF PROGRAMS.

>> IS HIGH ON ASPIRATION, IF LIGHT ON DETAILS, BUT THE HIGHEST ASPIRATION IS THAT IT WILL NORMALIZE HOMELESS SERVICES AND ENGAGE THE BROADER COMMUNITY MORE CONSTRUCTIVELY.

>> I HAD A DISCUSSION WITH SOME STUDENTS WHO ARE CHALLENGING ME AND PUSHING ME AND SAID, DON'T PEOPLE HAVE THE RIGHT TO BE ON THE SIDEWALK?

THE SIDEWALK IS A PUBLIC PLACE.

WE SHOULD ALLOW PEOPLE TO BE ON THE SIDEWALK.

IT DAWNED ON ME WHEN THAT WAS SAID, PEOPLE HAVE A RIGHT TO BE ON THE SIDEWALK BUT BY CREATIVE SOCIETY WHERE PEOPLE NEED TO BE ON THE SIDEWALK?

OUR JOB IS TO GET PEOPLE OFF OF THE SIDEWALK.

>> Reporter: TODAY'S THE FIRST DAY OF WINTER.

FOUR DAYS TILL CHRISTMAS.

TEMPERATURES ARE EXPECTED TO DIP INTO THE 20s THIS WEEKEND.

THE CITY HAS ISSUED SEVERAL COLD BLUE WARNINGS WITH FREEZING TEMPERATURES.

CLOSE TO 1700 PEOPLE ARE FACING LIFE ON THE SIDEWALK.

AS WELL-INTENTIONED AS THE PLAN MAY BE, THAT FACT IS NOT CHANGING TONIGHT.

DAVID CRUZ, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> CHANGES ARE COMING TO NEW JERSEY'S CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM WITH THE GOAL OF MAKING SURE THAT NO CHILD FALLS THROUGH THE CRACKS.

GOVERNOR MURPHY HAS SIGNED LEGISLATION THAT CAPS THE NUMBER OF CHILD WELFARE CASES ASSIGNED TO SOCIAL WORKERS.

THE BILL ALSO ALLOWS FOR STUDENT MONITORING OF THE DIVISION OF GENERAL PROTECTION AND PERMANENCY, FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE DIVISION OF YOUTH AND FAMILY SERVICES.

NEW JERSEY'S CHILD WELFARE SYSTEM HAS BEEN UNDER FEDERAL COURT OVERSIGHT AFTER A LAWSUIT WAS FILED 20 YEARS AGO ON BEHALF OF CHILDREN WHO ADVOCATES SAY WERE PLACED IN HOMES ONLY TO BE NEGLECTED, ABUSED, AND EVEN KILLED.

AFTER YEARS OF REFORMS, THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION NEGOTIATED AN AGREEMENT TO END FEDERAL OVERSIGHT.

BEFORE THAT COULD HAPPEN, THIS NEW LAW HAD TO BE PUT IN PLACE.

FEDERAL OVERSIGHT IS EXPECTED TO AND DOES EARLY AS THIS SPRING.

IT IS CHRISTMAS TIME IN TRENTON.

NOT EVERYONE IS HAPPY ABOUT THAT.

>>> ONE NEW JERSEY STATE SENATOR IS TAKING ISSUE WITH SO-CALLED CHRISTMAS TREE ITEMS IN THE STATE BUDGET.

LEGISLATORS ADDED HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS TO THE BUDGET FOR SPECIAL PROJECTS.

SOME CALL THOSE PORCH PROJECTS TO BENEFIT THEIR DISTRICTS.

IT HAPPENS EVERY YEAR BUT MICHAEL TESTA WANTS TO CHANGE THAT.

HE JOINS ME NOW.

SENATOR, GOOD TO SEE YOU.

>> GOOD TO SEE YOU, AS WELL.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU.

SAME.

>> HOW DO YOU PROPOSE TO DO THIS?

>> LOOK, I MEAN, WE CALL THEM PORT PROJECT FOR A REASON.

LEGISLATORS LIKE TO BRING THE BACON HOME TO THE DISTRICT.

I THINK IT NEEDS TO BE A MUCH MORE FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS.

MY LEGISLATION AIMS TO DO THAT.

THE ONE THING THAT HAS RESONATED WITH THE PUBLIC AND THE MESSAGE THAT WE ARE SENDING BACK TO LEGISLATORS.

THERE IS THE GENERAL LEVEL OF MISTRUST OF THE GOVERNMENT AND HOW IT OPERATES.

THEY BELIEVE THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN OPERATING ESPECIALLY DURING THE COVID-19 ERA IN BACK ROOMS THAT ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC WHERE THEY ARE NOT INVOLVED AND THEY REALLY WANT TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY FROM THE GOVERNMENT.

I CAN TELL YOU THE WAY THE BUDGETARY PROCESS HAS WORKED FOR THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS, ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR, WITH A RECORD-BREAKING $51 BILLION BUDGET IS NEITHER TRANSPARENT NOR ACCOUNTABLE.

>> HAS SPECIFICALLY WHAT YOUR LEGISLATION WORKER?

HOW WOULD YOU GO ABOUT THIS REDISTRIBUTION?

>> IT WOULD BE A MUCH MORE FAIR AND OPEN PROCESS WHERE DISTRICTS COULD APPLY FOR THE FUNDING THAT WE CALL PORT FUNDING.

WILDWOOD, NEW JERSEY.

WILDWOOD IS THE PEOPLE'S BEACH.

THE BOARDWALK HAS ABOUT AN $80 MILLION ESTIMATED PRICE TAG TO FIX.

I WOULD HAVE LOVED TO HAVE BEEN INVOLVED IN THE PROCESS TO GET MORE OF THAT MONEY FOR THE WILDWOOD BOARDWALK.

IT IS AN ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR THE COUNTY AND FOR MY LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT.

WE WERE KEPT OUT OF THE PROCESS.

I HAVE A R NEXT TO MY NAME AND NOT A D. CALL ME CYNICAL BUT WHEN YOU HAVE UPCOMING ELECTIONS WHEN THE ENTIRE LEGISLATURE IS UP IN 2023, TAKE A LOOK AT WHERE ALL THAT SPENDING GOES.

IT GOES TO THOSE DISTRICTS WHERE PEOPLE ARE INVULNERABLE DISTRICTS.

I HATE TO BE SO CYNICAL ABOUT THE PROCESS.

BUT IT TRULY IS GOVERNOR MURPHY AND THE ADMINISTRATION PLAYING SANTA CLAUS TO THOSE DISTRICTS.

>> SENATOR, AREN'T SOME OF THE PROJECT BENEFICIAL?

YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN WILDWOOD, BUT IN THE BUDGET, THERE IS MONEY FOR A PILOT NURSING PROGRAM, INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS, NONPROFITS.

AREN'T SOME OF THOSE BENEFICIAL TO COMMUNITIES IN THE STATE?

>> MANY OF THOSE PROJECTS ARE BENEFICIAL.

BUT JUST BECAUSE SOME OF THOSE PROJECTS ARE BENEFICIAL DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE PROCESS SHOULD NOT BE MORE FAIR AND OPEN.

OTHER DISTRICTS SHOULD HAVE EQUAL OPPORTUNITY TO BE ABLE TO GET THAT MONEY.

I AM NOT AGAINST RUTGERS UNIVERSITY IN THE LEAST.

THERE IS AN ADDITIONAL $300 MILLION GOING TO RUTGERS UNIVERSITY.

I REALLY HAVE TO TAKE A LONG, HARD LUCK AND HOW OUR MONEY IS SPENT AND OUR BUDGET CONTINUES TO GROW EACH YEAR.

>> IT'S NOT FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE OR SAFE.

NEW JERSEYANS AND THE TAXPAYERS THAT ARE IN NEW JERSEY ARE UNFORTUNATELY LIVING UNDER THE MANTRA OF PHILIP MURPHY THAT IF TAXES ARE YOUR ISSUE, NEW JERSEY IS NOT YOUR STATE.

WE CANNOT CONTINUE DOWN THIS ROAD.

>> SENATOR, THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.

IT WAS GOOD TO EKING WITH YOU.

>> IT WAS GREAT SPEAKING WITH YOU.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO YOU AND YOURS.

>>> AND THE SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS, MORE FINANCIAL HELP IS ON THE WAY TO NEW JERSEY SMALL BUSINESSES.

THE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ANNOUNCED THE STATE WILL RECEIVE $255 BILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING TO DEVELOP FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES.

THE LIONS SHARE OF THE FUNDING WILL, ENERGY PROJECTS THAT CREATE JOBS IN THE STATE.

MONEY WILL ALSO BE USED TO SUPPORT EARLY-STAGE INNOVATION FOCUSED COMPANIES.

THE NEW JERSEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE CALLED THE FUNDING GREAT NEWS FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY AND APPLAUDED THE NJ EDA FOR CREATING PROGRAMS THAT CREATE IMPORTANT SECTORS IN NEW JERSEY'S ECONOMIC GROWTH.

>>> ANOTHER STEP FORWARD FOR THE GATEWAY PROJECT AS A KEY FUNDING AGREEMENT HAS BEEN REACHED.

NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE AUTHORITY COMMISSIONERS AUTHORIZED THE SHARE OF THE PROJECT.

NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK ARE PAYING 25% OF THE $16 BILLION COST WITH THE REST OF THE FUNDING COMING FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

THE TURNPIKE AUTHORITY WILL PROVIDE MONEY FOR THE ANNUAL $124 MILLION LOAN PAYMENT FOR ITS SHARE OF THE PROJECT.

THE TURNPIKE AUTHORITY WILL CONTRIBUTE ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO THE GATEWAY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION, OVERSEEING THE HUDSON RIVER, PRODUCT.

THEY DID NOT IMMEDIATELY RESPOND TO QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW THE FUNDING AGREEMENT MAY IMPACT HOMES.

>>> NEW JERSEY HAS BRAGGING RIGHTS WHEN IT COMES TO THE SHIPPING BUSINESS.

THE BOARD OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY HAS SURPASSED THIS PORT OF LOS ANGELES IS THE BUSIEST IN THE NATION.

LAST YEAR, THERE WERE SUPPLY-CHAIN ISSUES THAT LED TO BOTTLENECKS AT WEST COAST PORTS.

SHIPS WERE WAITING TO BE DOCKED AND UNLOADED, SO SHIPPERS BEGAN LOOKING ELSEWHERE, MOVING GOODS TO THE EAST COAST.

THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NORTH JERSEY TRANSPORTATION AUTHORITY SAYS THE PORT HAS SHOWN THAT CAN HANDLE INCREASED VOLUME WITHOUT SUFFERING THE BACKUPS BEING EXPERIENCED ELSEWHERE, WHICH ENCOURAGES SHIPPERS TO CONTINUE SENDING GOODS HERE.

LAST YEAR, THE PORT OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY MOVED MORE THAN 8.9 MILLION CARGO CONTAINERS.

MORE THAN 20% INCREASE OVER PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS, SETTING AN ALL-TIME RECORD ANNUAL HIGH.

>>> SCHIER IS A CHECK ON HOW THE STOCK MARKET FARED TODAY.

>>> THAT'S THE SHOW TONIGHT.

MAKE SURE TO GO TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG AND FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON THE GARDEN STATE.

I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER.

FOR THE ENTIRE NJREALTOR.COM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

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

RWJBARNABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND ORSTED.

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

>> I AM MILES.

THIS IS WHAT I WORK FOR.

TO BE MY BEST FOR THEM AND FOR ME.

THE CARE THAT I NEED FOR BOTH WITH MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS THAT I CAN TALK TO WHEN I NEED TO.

WHEN I FEEL STRONG AND SECURE, SO DO THEY.

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

>>> FOR OVER 100 YEARS, NEW JERSEY REALTORS HAVE BEEN HELPING CLIENTS ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS.

NEW JERSEY REALTORS LIVE AND WORK IN CITIES, SUBURBAN NEIGHBORHOODS, AND COMMUNITIES JUST LIKE DUTIFUL ASBURY PARK.

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR NEEDS ARE, THERE IS A NEW JERSEY REALTOR FOR YOU.

FIND YOUR REALTOR AT NJ.REAL ESTATE/FIND.

>>> 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, DREAM, TO ACHIEVE, AND THE CHANCE TO BELONG AND BE AN AMERICAN.

MY NAME IS JULIA CROMPTON AND I AM PROUD TO BE AN NJEA MEMBER.