Announcer: Funding for "NJ Spotlight News" funded by the members of the New Jersey Education Association, making public schools great for every child.

And RWJBarnabas Health, let's be healthy together.

>> Tonight on "NJ Spotlight News" calls for cease-fire as a death hold and humanity -- death toll and human a Terran crisis worsens in Gaza.

Pressure on representative Bill Pascal to take a stand.

>> It's as simple as asking that he be there for us and our most dire situation, in our most urgent time of need, he has left us hanging.

>> Also, everyone gets a pay raise.

The lame-duck -- lame-duck legislature is expected to improve pay raises for legislators and cabinet officials and also for themselves.

Plus, strict rules on breweries are set to return, but some brewery owners are begging for a lifeline.

>> Sometimes it just feels like New Jersey does not want us to succeed, and that is a tough pill to swallow.

>> And meter Jersey City changemaker who is providing kids with a safe space to get mental health services.

>> Our first goal is to create an environment where they feel welcome, they feel open, they feel they can come in and be their natural selves.

>> "NJ Spotlight News" begins right now.

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

Briana: Good evening, and thank for joining us on this Wednesday night.

The prospect for a new cease-fire proposal in Gaza appears unlikely, even as pressure grows to de-escalate the violence in the Israel-Hamas war.

Israel's military chief says the war against Hamas will continue for, quote, many more months, echoing the words of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the conflict is far from over.

As is will extends come back to refugee camps, within 20,000 refugees have been Kyl since a war started on October 7.

Here at home, Muslims are mobilize King -- mobilizing against a longtime time Congressman, urging him to support a cease-fire.

As senior political correspondent David Cruz reports, the same constituency that helped him remain in office, now wants him out.

David: It could seem politically counterintuitive to not support calls for a cease-fire in a conflict for tens of thousands of people are dying and atrocious acts of violence are being committed.

But in Paterson, the city with the nation's largest Palestinian community and the state largest Muslim communities live, the congressman refuses to sign on to the idea.

Echoing the consensus of New Jersey's congressional delegation that the fight is with Hamas, not Palestine.

>> They have every right to protect themselves.

>> That was him at a recent fund raiser.

His district also has a large Jewish population.

But is this cellphone video shows, he also got an ear full from activists in attendance.

October's attacks have changed the political dynamic between Pa schrell and the Muslim communities here.

His grandfather Abraham was a longtime supporter and fundraiser for him.

She says she cannot see herself or community supporting him today.

>> The lease we can do at this point is withhold votes.

We cannot in good conscience vote for somebody who in 80 days has not taken any action to stop the killings.

>> He has signed on to letters calling for increased humanitarian aid and support of the so-called humanitarian laws, but that has not stopped the mounting discontent with the ninth District Congressman.

Speaking here as a member of the community >> >> At large.

For us, it is a simple as asking that he be there for us in the most dire situation and are most urgent time of need, he has left us hanging, given us talking points that are outdated, that are inherently racist.

In this situation, when he faces his upcoming calendar, we will not be in his corner.

David: It has been a long time since anyone has heard that sentiment coming from this community in this district.

A new phenomenon for an elected official looking to run for reelection next year.

>> If you are is moving too far in the Israeli direction, then you're not keeping the Palestinian side happy.

And if you are seen as agreeing with the Palestinian side, your scene is not keeping the Israelis happy.

It is less and less possible since October 6.

>> Some liked this cease-fire advocate since the conflict began have noticed.

He speaks the language of the disaffected.

He has all but said he is looking to run for Congress, but Pasquarello has survived before, often with the Muslim communities behind him.

But this district includes a large Jewish population, too, bringing the congressman directly between the proverbial rock and hard place.

I'm David Cruz, "NJ Spotlight News".

Briana: Prosecutors are not giving leniency to Senator Bob Menendez's request for a delay federal corruption trial.

The defense team asked to push back the start date which is scheduled for May 6 by at least two months.

In a letter sent Tuesday, prosecutors urged the Manhattan judge to reject the idea, writing that the current trial schedule is reasonable and defendants should be required to stick to it to vindicate the public's interest in a speedy trial in this matter.

The centers defense attorney say they need more time to sift through millions of pages of files that were turned over in discovery.

Menendez, his wife, and handful of associates at plead not guilty to charges of a sweeping bribery conspiracy that alleges Menendez and his wife accepted cash, gold bars, and luxury car in exchange for his influence on foreign affairs.

Menendez has also plead not guilty to acting as an unregistered foreign agent for the Egyptian government.

The senator is seeking reelection in 20 24, and New Jersey's primary is held in June, after the trial is slated to begin.

A bill that would strengthen job protections for tens of thousands of domestic workers in the state is moving through Trenton.

These are jobs that include housecleaners, home health aides, nannies, and even gardeners.

People who are far from public eye.

And it aims to end carveouts that have allowed their employers to pay less than the minimum wage or offer rates and time off.

As Melissa Rose Cooper reports, the legislation survived about from the full Senate late last week, despite some opposition.

>> I would say that the majority of domestic workers do it with passion, we do it with love.

>> Yet Evelyn says that love is often overlooked by their employers, leading to long hours with no breaks.

>> It needs our attention, it has an impact in our mentality.

>> He is hoping new legislation will change that.

The last mystic workers Bill of Rights provides protections for more than 50,000 workers across New Jersey who have historically been excluded.

Under the measure, employers would be prohibited from paying less than minimum wage, meals and rest breaks would be mandatory and they would be required to enter a written contract with domestic workers.

Violators would be subject to penalties.

>> In basic key elements of labor law in New Jersey, another protection that workers enjoy, this bill basically tries to raise the standard for workers who have been historically left behind and to historically have been marginalized.

>> And organizer and coordinator for the national to mystic workers alliance in New Jersey.

He says those who take care of children, the sick, and elderly, as well as people who perform gardening and clearing -- cleaning duties are considered domestic workers.

He says they play vital roles in keeping the economy going.

>> It is a small step with huge implications.

Part of the implication is dignifying the work that women perform in this society.

It is not just about taking care, but also extending basic rights to women.

>> According to a 2020 report from the Center for women and work, 86% of domestic workers are paid in cash, most without a contract.

57% have been victims of wage theft and many workers have no health insurance or paid time off.

A third -- of domestic employees report they were even refused unpaid sick time.

>> Unfortunately, I can so that we would get to a point where were you were in favor of the bill just because the nature of the bill provides more burdensome requirements on doing business in New Jersey, but we are at a point where we are neutral.

We still have some members that do have concerns with the bill even as amended, but we do believe it has struck that balance between providing worker protection and also making New Jersey an affordable place to live and do business.

>> Before clearing the Senate last week, the bill was amended to include provisions to help ease the concerns of business owners who felt the measure would place an unfair burden on them and make the cause of business -- cost of business unaffordable.

The bill is still pending the assembly.

Advocates hope it becomes law soon so domestic workers can get the treatment they deserve.

Briana: As the final days of the lame-duck legislative session come to a close, lawmakers are expected to consider a potentially controversial item, pay raises are judges, for Cabinet officials, and for themselves.

The last time salaries for the part-time -- part-time positions got a bump was in 2000, under former Governor Christie Whitman.

While there are a lot of arguments backing the need for a pay raise, some eyebrows are raising over the weight is being done.

For more, I'm joined by Charlie style.

Good to see you.

For we get into the cynical part of this, the fact of the matter is, these lawmakers have not had a raise in almost a quarter century.

Is that why this is the time they are looking to do this?

>> That, and the fact that you have a lot of departing legislators in the lame-duck who their careers are over, either through retirement or they lost, and then along -- no longer have to fate -- face voters.

They can hold their nose with one hand.

Briana: It may not sit well with taxpayers, but how much money do they make, and is it commensurate with our partners in surrounding states?

>> They make about $49,000 for what on paper is a part-time job.

The last time it was improved was in 2000.

As commensurate to other states, it is below.

Most states, New York makes $142,000, about one in Pennsylvania, and they are technically full-time legislators.

You will hear a lot of that argument from lawmakers who say I spend most of my free time as a legislator, as in assemblyman, events around my district.

Briana: It is certainly a valid argument, we know from covering these folks that the need to be accessible at all times.

I guess I'm curious about the process.

We are in lame-duck, we've already gotten past and election where all the members were on the ballot.

So are they going about this in the normal process that we would see to approve what is essentially going to be a big job in pay?

Not just for them, but for their staff as well.

>> Well, you have to do -- define normal.

I been in Trenton long enough to see that when something is politically risky or controversial like this, they ram it through with minimal public scrutiny.

Whether it's at the end of the budget season, whether they are jamming pork through or it lame-duck.

So in that sense, it is normal.

Briana: How likely is it for this to happen and for these to be the final numbers that you mentioned previously?

>> I would say the odds are pretty good that something will happen.

Not sure it's going to be $85,000.

I think there is some pool from the assembly side for a smaller number.

Remember, they will face the voters in two years, in the Senate, four.

So I think they are feeling they want a little insurance.

Meanwhile, the governor's office is also using this opportunity, over like to see this opportunity to raise salaries for cabinet and sub cabinet level members, and then again there is the judiciary.

So everybody is going to want to jump in and get a piece of the pie.

Briana: Which the governor's office Argus is to be competitive.

Charlie, thank you so much.

>> My pleasure.

Briana: Meanwhile, brewery owners would like to see lawmakers come to an agreement on the rules and rags before the end of lame-duck.

Owners say the states strict guidelines for Brewers is pushing them out in a continued standoff between Governor Murphy's office and the legislature over how to move forward is only making the situation worse.

Leaving the business is in limbo as the clock winds down on a crucial January 1 deadline.

Ted Goldberg reports.

>> Basically, this is where all the magic happens.

>> It's been four years since he left behind a career as a radiation therapist to work full-time at Hackensack brewery.

>> I like to jump on the bus and go treat patients for 12 hours, and come back.

>> He says he took a pay cut to pursue his passion in beer making.

>> This is different, this is my baby.

>> Like any baby, the brewery has been a labor of love, mixed with some aggravation here and there.

The brewery tries to stay involved with the Hackensack community.

It has become much more in certain with stricter brewery regulations going back into effect in the new year.

The ability to coordinate food trucks so patrons can enjoy meals while drinking, restrictions which Brewers say handcuff their business.

>> If you are not planning, you are dying, in any small business, whether it be food trucks or something like that.

We have the inability to plan, and that is like the death toll.

>> We don't know if we need to lay people off, as the need for production is about to increase dramatically.

>> Another brewery hampered by uncertainty.

>> I'm going to have to say no, it has a great charitable component, because it is not a moneymaker.

>> The state division of alcoholic beverage control told them that the rules will not be enforced, but people like John said they cannot run their business behind a government entity saying, trust us.

>> The way they put conditions on our licenses last year the day before the legislation went on vacation was the opposite of acting in good faith.

>> With the compromise and arguments and debates that go on, this is just a part of what happens.

>> State Senator Gordon Johnson voted for a bill that would ease these rules, and so did every other center in New Jersey.

Governor Murphy gave it a conditional veto because he asked that legislature to include liquor license reform in a new version of the bill.

>> I felt we would be better off separating out the Brewers and distillers and those other groups and work on the >> Bigger bill later.

>>Unlike Brewers in New Jersey, Senator Johnson is confident that relief will come soon.

>> I'm 95% sure that the Brewers will have the relief they are looking for on the governor's desk before the end of the session.

>> Sometimes it just feels like New Jersey does not want us to succeed, and that is a tough pill to swallow.

>> I don't have any plans on closing, and I will fight for it.

But I think you're going to see a lot more breweries closing.

>> New Jersey Brewers sent a letter to the ABC two weeks ago asking for another six month pause, but say they never received a response.

Governor Murphy's deferred our request to the Attorney General's office, who declined to comment for this story.

Briana: In our spotlight on business report, there is still a few days left to apply for the states anchor property tax relief program.

The deadline is this Friday, December 29, and you could be eligible for a chunk of money.

Homeowner 65 and older who need -- meet certain income requirements qualify for more than $1700.

Homeowners under 65 who make less than 150,000 dollars a year qualify for $1500 check.

Renters are also eligible for the program.

The state is using information from the 2020 benefit year muscle you had to be a renter or homeowner then, according to the Treasury Department, more than 1.5 million residents received nearly $2 billion in total payments.

In some cases, the department may contact you for more information in order to verify the application.

You can visit the states anchor website to make sure your application was not filed automatically.

If not, most taxpayers can sign up online.

Opponents of New York City's congestion pricing plan or getting a chance to weigh in.

The MTA this week announced the public comment period begins today and includes four public hearings that will be held virtually and in person.

The first one is scheduled for February 29 at six clock p.m.

The rest are March 1 and March 4.

Under the proposal, which could go into effect this spring, cars will be charged a $15 fee for entering Manhattan south of 60th Street.

Trucks will be charge between $24 and 36 dollars, depending on size.

The MTA board said the feed will contribute millions to the aging transit system and cut down on traffic.

You will get a five dollar credit if you use a Hollen or Lingle Thomas from New Jersey, but the gathering -- governor and other state officials say commuters like getting ripped off, bowing to take further legal action to block the plan, after already filing a lawsuit against the federal government.

And this is shortened week for Wall Street.

The SNP is nearing a record high for the year.

Here is how stocks closed for the year.

>> Support for the business report is provided by Rowan University, educating New Jersey leaders, partnering with New Jersey businesses, transforming New Jersey's future.

Briana: Finally tonight, a conversation with one New Jersey resident who is striving to improve the lives of her neighbors in Jersey City.

15 bel launcher nonprofit organization 100 kids think, in 2019, with the goal of giving kids access the program she never had as a young person, while caring for her mom growing up in the South Ward of the city .

Bell says the organization is combating a historical lack of access to mental and behavioral health services in the area and the seed to become a changemaker was planted in her at a very young age.

Christine Bell, it's such a pleasure to get a chance to talk with you.

The mission of 100 kids Inc. is to create a safe haven for every child.

How do you do that?

>> Our first goal is to create an environment where they feel welcome, they feel open, they feel that they can come in to be their natural selves.

So we open our doors and we offer the opportunity to open our doors, I spent two hours before the children come into the environment setting it up, or before the adults come into the environment for a workshop setting it up.

Our goal is when you feel at home and you feel like you are wanted and someone is catering to you, you're more likely to come in and disarm yourself or a little while.

Briana: You hone in on this particular part of Jersey City where you were born and raised.

Why look at mental health?

If you are going to focus on kids, why are you zeroing in on the mental health aspect?

>> Personally, it was based on my upbringing.

I get -- I have a mother who gave me permission who -- to say that she suffers from schizophrenia.

She had me at 27 years old.

That is the height of her schizophrenia.

I am watching her go through these episodes and I'm going with her to the hospital and I don't know what is going on, I don't understand.

The family doesn't understand.

The only thing culturally they can say is, your mom is different.

The disturbance her diagnosis in the home had a ripple effect over my life.

The only thing I can think about with 100 kids, excuse me if I get emotional, is having a safe space there.

Having a space to go where someone can answer questions.

There was no case management for my mom.

DCF was there, but there wasn't a way to help my mother to come the mother she is today.

Briana: You didn't have that safe haven.

>> I didn't have that safe haven.

I was blessed to grow up with an aunt who did her best to create it for me, but we were homeless the majority of my life.

It wasn't until my young adulthood that I had a home to call my own.

During that time, my mother was still dealing with her battle within her mental health.

Briana: How do you go from being a kid who is witnessing all of this, who is going through a lot of trauma and instability, like you said, to now creating a nonprofit where giving kids stability seems to be your main purpose?

>> It was not easy.

It is not easy.

Coming into any community and having conversations on mental health, people want it, but they also fear it, in a way.

They don't understand it.

It is something that cannot be cured overnight.

It requires maintenance.

Briana: Christine Bell is the founder of 100 kids Inc. Christine, thank you so much.

That is going to do it for us tonight.

Don't forget to download the "NJ Spotlight News" podcast so you can listen any.

For the entire "NJ Spotlight News" team, thanks for being with us.

We will see a right back here tomorrow.

Announcer: NJM insurance group, serving the insurance needs of residents and businesses for more than 100 years.

And by the PSEG foundation.

♪