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

LINKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

OUR WJ BUS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND THE OCEAN MOON PROJECT.

AND PS AG.

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

>> FROM NJ PBS.

THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> THE OMICRON VARIANT IS LIKELY ALREADY HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I AM RAVING, AND FOR BREANNA.

NEW YORK HEALTH OFFICIALS LATE YESTERDAY ANNOUNCED FIVE CASES OF THE NEW STRAIN DETECTED ACROSS THE RIVER.

ONE NEW CASE IN MINNESOTA AND A PERSON WHO HAD ATTENDED THE ENEMY NYC CONVENTION IN MANHATTAN.

FORCING HEALTH AUTHORITIES TO URGE ANY NEW JERSEYANS WHO ATTENDED THE CONVENTION TO GET TESTED IMMEDIATELY.

THERE ARE NO CONFIRMED CASES IN SIX STATES.

THE ARRIVAL IN THE AREA COMES AS NEW JERSEY'S COVID-19 NUMBERS ARE RISING TO THEIR HIGHEST LEVELS IN EIGHT MONTHS.

THE STATE TODAY ANNOUNCED 3966 NEW CASES.

THE HIGHEST SINGLE DAY TOTAL SINCE APRIL.

ANOTHER 14 PEOPLE IN NEW JERSEY HAVE DIED OF COVID-19.

PRESIDENT BIDEN'S ADMINISTRATION IS TIGHTENING THE NATION'S TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS IN THE FACE OF A WINTER SURGE.

AND THE NEW TESTING PROGRAM LAUNCHED LAST WEEKEND AT NEWARK AIRPORT IS LOOKING FOR TRAVELERS CARRYING THE VARIANT.

PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS WARNED THAT SUCH MEASURES MAY BE TOO LITTLE TOO LATE.

OUR SENIOR CORRESPONDENT REPORTS.

>> INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS LEAVING U.S. CUSTOMS AT NEW YORK LIBERTY AIRPORT AND WALKED DOWN THE RAMP AND RIGHT OVER TO A TABLE IN TERMINAL B OFFERING FREE COVID TESTS.

IT IS PART OF THE CDC STEPPED UP SURVEILLANCE TRACKING THE NEW OMICRON VARIANT.

BUT PASSENGERS PARTICIPATE?

>> I WOULD.

I WOULD BE FOR ME, IT IS ABOUT BEING, YOU KNOW, RESPECTFUL OF EVERYBODY.?

I THINK IT IS A LITTLE BIT RIDICULOUS.

IT IS JUST A DIFFERENT VERSION OF COVID.

>> I THINK IT'S AN OVERREACTION.

>> YES, I DO.?

THEY SAID VOLUNTARY TEST THAT WE ARE PROVIDING OUR STAFF.

INFORMED PASSENGERS COMING DOWN THAT WE ARE OFFERING THIS.

>> THE MANAGER OVERSEES OPERATIONS FOR EXPRESS CHECK.

A COMPANY CONDUCTING EXIT RAMP COVID NASAL SWAB TESTS AT NEWARK AND THREE OTHER U.S.

AIRPORTS WITH HEAVY INTERNATIONAL TRAFFIC.

PASSENGERS GET CONSENT FORMS BEFORE THEY DISEMBARK AND CAN CHOOSE TO PARTICIPATE.

THEY ALSO GET FOLLOW-UP HOME TEST KITS.

>> IS IT JUST HIGH OR IS IT JUST LOW?

>> THEY SHOW VERY GOOD INTEREST.

THAT IS VERY IMPORTANT.

>> IT MAY BE TOO LITTLE TOO LATE.

>> THE RESEARCHER POINTS OUT OMICRON IS ALREADY BEEN DETECTED IN NEW YORK AND AT LEAST HALF A DOZEN OTHER STATES.

IT IS PROLIFERATING.

ONE REPORT NOTES IT IS SPREADING IN SOUTH AFRICA TWICE AS FAST AS THE HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS DELTA VARIANT.

THE PROVERBIAL HORSE IS OUT OF THE BARN.

>> WE HAVE OMICRON HERE.

WE DON'T KNOW HOW IT IS SPREAD.

TYPICALLY, WHEN YOU SEE A VIRUS POP UP LIKE THIS, IT IS ALREADY IN THE COMMUNITY.

THAT IS A REAL CONCERN.

>> BUT, CRITICAL TIME TESTING CAN STILL HELP SUPPRESS THE VARIANT.

>> YOU WANT TO BE ABLE TO STOP THIS AT YOUR DOOR.

BUT YOU HAVE TO BE VIGILANT ABOUT IT AND WE NEED POLICIES THAT ARE GOING TO PROVIDE HEALTH SECURITY.

>> THE WHITE HOUSE ALSO TIGHTENED COVID TEST REQUIREMENTS FOR AIR TRAVELERS STARTING DECEMBER 6th.

PEOPLE RETURNING TO THE UNITED STATES WILL HAVE A SHORTER 24 HOUR WINDOW TO GET A COVID TEST .

MANY WORRY THAT THEY WON'T GET RESULT IN TIME.

OTHERS DEBATE WHETHER IT IS WORTH IT.

>> AND THE URGENCY OF HAVING TO TEST 24 HOURS BEFORE.

IF WE HAVE THE TECHNOLOGY AND WE ARE ABLE TO SEE AND IS FOR THE SAFETY OF ALL THAT I THINK ADJUSTMENTS HAVE TO BE MADE AND WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO COMPLY WITH THAT.

>> A SHORT TIMEFRAME DOESN'T BOTHER YOU?

>> NO.

I GOT MY RESULTS IN LIKE 12 HOURS OR SO.

>> PRETTY EASY?

>> PRETTY EASY.

>> 72 HOURS.

THAT SEEMS LIKE A FAIR ENOUGH -- YEAH, THAT SEEMS LIKE A FAIR ENOUGH WINDOW.

THE DAY BEFORE SAINT SOUNDS LIKE IT COULD BE CHAOTIC.

>> MEANWHILE, TRAVEL BANS IMPOSED BY THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION ON FLIGHTS FROM EIGHT SOUTH AFRICAN COUNTRIES STRUCK SOME HEALTH OFFICIALS AS PUNISHMENT FOR THEIR SIMPLY BEING THE FIRST TO ISOLATE AND REPORT OMICRON.

>> IT DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.

IT IS ALSO DISCRIMINATING AGAINST BASICALLY SOME SMALL, POOR AFRICAN COUNTRIES THAT ARE EASY TO PICK ON.

EASY TO PUT A BAN AGAINST.

>> WRECKERS RICHARD SAYS OMICRON IS ALREADY A FRIEND AROUND THE WORLD.

HE DOESN'T SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT'S PLAN TO EXTEND MASS MANDATES ON AIR TRAVEL AND PUBLIC TRANSIT THROUGH MID- MARCH.

ESPECIALLY AS PEOPLE VISIT FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN.

NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> ALL THREE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINES AVAILABLE IN THE U.S. ARE EFFECTIVE AS BOOSTERS.

EVEN WHEN THEY ARE MIXED AND MATCHED.

THAT IS ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY PUBLISHED THURSDAY BY THE BRITISH RESEARCHERS.

WHICH FOUND VARIOUS COMBINATIONS OF VACCINES LED TO STRONG IMMUNE RESPONSES.

WITH MODERN AND PFIZER SHOTS OFFERING THE BIGGEST BOOST IN ANTIBODIES.

IT IS STILL TOO SOON TO KNOW HOW EXISTING VACCINES FARE AGAINST THE OMICRON VARIANT.

THE FINDINGS COME AS STATE AND FEDERAL HEALTH OFFICIALS URGE ALL ADULTS TO GET THEIR BOOSTER SHOTS.

SO FAR IN NEW JERSEY, ROUGHLY 1.4 MILLION PEOPLE HAVE GOTTEN THAT ADDITIONAL SHOT OUT OF MORE THAN 6.2 MILLION PEOPLE WHO ARE FULLY VACCINATED.

A DRAMA FILLED AND CHAOTIC DAY UNFOLDED AT THE STATEHOUSE YESTERDAY AS SEVERAL ASSEMBLY REPUBLICANS DEFINED A NEW COVID MANDATE REFUSING TO SHOW PROOF OF VACCINATION OR A NEGATIVE TEST TO STATE TROOPERS STATIONED AT THE DOOR TO THE ASSEMBLY CHAMBER.

THE ACTION WAS MET WITH SWIFT CRITICISM AND NOW TO MECHANIC ASSEMBLY LEADERS SAY NEXT WEEK'S COMMITTEE MEETINGS WILL BE HELD ONLINE INSTEAD OF IN PERSON.

MEANWHILE, REPUBLICANS REMAIN DEFINED AS THEY AWAIT A RULING ON THE LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THE POLICY IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL.

SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, DAVID CRUZ, REPORTS ON THE LATEST.

>> AMERICA, SEE WHAT IS HAPPENING.

>> DRAMA AND HYPERBOLE OVER A POLICY CREATED BY THE SPEAKER AND SENATE PRESIDENT.

THEN AFTER PUSHBACK FROM REPUBLICANS, SHUFFLED OFF TO THE STATE COMMISSION.

THEN AFTER POST BACK FROM REPUBLICANS, MODIFIED AGAIN BY THE HOUSE BOSSES.

THIS WEEK, IF YOU WANTED TO GET INTO THE BUILDING, YOU HAD TO SHOW YOUR VACCINATION CARD OR NEGATIVE COVID TEST.

IF YOU WANTED TO SEE THE ACTUAL SHOW, IN THE CHAMBER, YOU HAD TO SHOW THAT STUFF ALL OVER AGAIN.

>> HERE'S THE DEAL.

THEY QUOTE A POLICY THAT SAYS IT IS A STATEHOUSE POLICY.

TWO OF THEM SAY THAT?

STATE HELP US HOUSE POLICY.

IN MY THE STATEHOUSE?

NO.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE IF I GO 30 FEET THAT WAY?

OR IF I GO 30 FEET THAT WAY OR THAT WAY?

I DON'T UNDERSTAND.

NOBODY CAN UNDERSTAND.

>> THE ASSEMBLY GOT TO ONLY A HANDFUL OF BILLS OUT OF THE SCORES THAT WERE ON THE AGENDA.

THE SENATE SESSION WAS MORE ORDERLY BUT ON THE WAY HOME AFTER THE SESSION, THE FIRST OF THE LAME-DUCK PERIOD , LAWMAKERS FROM BOTH PARTIES AGREED ON ONE THING.

>> IS SOUND STEPS AND YOU CAN'T MAKE THIS STUFF UP.

>> ABSOLUTELY INSANE.

CAN'T UNDERSTAND IT.

>> A SENTIMENTAL COMPUTER WHO LOST TO SET STAFF MEMBERS TO COVID AND THE SENATOR, WHO WAS HIT BY THE VIRUS TWICE, NONETHELESS SAW THE RULES QUITE DIFFERENT.

>> I WENT DOWN TO DO MY JOB.

I THINK THE POLICY IS NONSENSE.

I SHOWED MY VACCINATION CARD.

I HAVE MY TEMPERATURE CHECKS.

I SHOWED MY I.D.

I HAVE MY MASK ON.

AND I GOT TO OUR CAUCUS ROOM TO PREPARE.

IT IS NOW AN HOUR LATER.

I GO DOWN TO GOING TO THE SENATE CHAMBERS.

AND I GET STOPPED BY STATE POLICE WHO TELL ME THAT I CAN'T ENTER TO DO MY JOB UNLESS I REDO THE WHOLE THING AGAIN.

IT WAS SILLY.

>> WHAT'S THE BIG DEAL?

YOU SHOW IT TWICE.

SOMEBODY'S LIFE IS AT STAKE.

SHOW THREE, FOUR, FIVE TIMES IF YOU HAVE TO.

IF YOU SHOULD AT ONCE, WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

I LIKE A LOT OF THOSE GUYS OVER THERE.

AND WOMEN.

I'M SURPRISED THAT THEY TOOK THAT POSITION.

IT WAS NOT A BIG LIFT.

TO FOLLOW THOSE RULES.

>> SPEAKER COFFIN LATE INTO THEIR PUBLICANS WHO SEEMED CONTENT TO HAVE MADE A POINT AND TURNED A SESSION ON ITS HEAD.

>> THIS IS THE SACRIFICE, THE ONLY THING THAT WAS ASKED OF THIS LEGISLATION HERE TODAY TO DO WAS TO SHOW THAT THEY WEREN'T INFECTED.

TO CARE ABOUT THEIR COLLEAGUES.

IN THE PEOPLE IN THE CHAMBER.

I'M OUTRAGED THAT IN THE MIDST OF THE SACRIFICE 20 MEMBERS OF THE MINORITY CAUCUS COULD NOT BE BOTHERED TO EXHIBIT THE COMMON DECENCY AND HUMANITY ALL BECAUSE THEY WOULD RATHER HAVE A COUPLE OF MINUTES ON TV NEWS OR TO STAND FOR SOME CLINICAL THEATER.

I'M OUTRAGED THAT THIS IS HAPPENING IN THE MIDST OF A NEW VARIANT OF THE VIRUS.

AND MORE OUTRAGED STILL THAT THIS IS HAPPENING WHEN WE KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT WHAT WILL COME IN THE FUTURE.

>> NOBODY REALLY ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES THIS WEEK.

BUT, THE STATE POLICE ARE CAUGHT BETWEEN ASPIRING PARTIES AND THE MUDDLED POLICY SEEM TO HAVE GOTTEN THE WORST OF IT.

ENDING UP HAVING TO SIMPLY STEP ASIDE.

MEANWHILE, LATE TODAY INNOCENTLY SPOKESMAN SAID THAT NEXT WEEK COMMITTEE HEARINGS WILL BE HELD REMOTELY.

I'M DAVID CRUZ.

NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> AS WE HEARD FROM DAVID, THE ASSEMBLY SPEAKER SHARPLY CRITICIZED TWO REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS WHO DEFIED THE MANDATE.

THE CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, MICHAEL, GOES ON THE RECORD WITH INCOMING A SIMILAR MINORITY LEADER, JOHN, TO GET HIS REACTION TO THE SHOWDOWN AT THE STATEHOUSE AND WHAT HIS LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES ARE ONCE HE ASSUMES HIS NEW LEADERSHIP ROLE.

>> THE ASSEMBLY MINORITY LEADER ELECT, JOHN, OF WARREN COUNTY, THANKS FOR JOINING US.

THE DEMOCRATS IN TRENTON WANT TO IMPOSE A VACCINATION MANDATE ON ALL THOSE ENTERING THE CAPITAL COMPLEX, INCLUDING THE LEGISLATION TO CHAMBERS.

WHY IS THAT A BAD IDEA?

>> WELL, MICHAEL, UM, FOR A LOT OF REASONS.

FIRST OF ALL, THERE ARE PRECONDITIONS WHICH ARE CONSTITUTIONALLY GUARANTEED, YOU KNOW, THAT WE CAN GET ENTRY TO THE BUILDING.

AND THEY USED, AND A RATHER OBSCURE COMMISSION TO WRITE A RESOLUTION WHICH IS KIND OF CONTRADICTORY TO ANY KIND OF PROCESS WHERE A LEGISLATURE WOULD BE DIRECTED BY THE COMMISSION.

IN HOW THEY SHOULD, YOU KNOW, ALLOW THEM IN THE BUILDING.

THE LAW IS CLEAR THAT THE COMMISSION SHOULD NOT HAVE TAKEN THE VOTE THEY DID.

IF THE PRESIDING OFFICERS WANT TO HAVE CONDITIONS FOR COVID OR WHATEVER, IT COULD HAVE ENACTED THEM EARLIER.

THEY DID YESTERDAY.

ON THURSDAY.

KIND OF AT THE LAST MINUTE.

AS THEY HAVE FOR THE LAST 18 MONTHS.

WE HAD TO HAVE A TEMPERATURE CHECK.

WEAR A MASK INTO THE BUILDING.

DIDN'T PUT PLASTIC AROUND OUR DESKS.

AND NOW THEY WANT TO ADD ONE MORE THING.

ONE MORE VEXING CARD OR TAKE A TEST WITH A STICK UP YOUR NOSE.

>> CAN I ASK IF YOU'RE VACCINATED.

>> I AM.

>> MOST OF YOUR MEMBERS ARE PROBABLY VACCINATED IF NOT ALL.

WHAT IS THE BIG DEAL ABOUT DECLARING THAT?

SHOWING THAT?

>> FIRST OF ALL, EVERY MEMBER MAY NOT WANT TO DIVULGE THEIR MEDICAL INFORMATION.

IT IS UP TO THE INDIVIDUAL.

I THINK IT COULD NOT ASK ME.

WHY SHOULD I HAVE TO SHOW MY IDENTIFICATION AND PAPERS EVERY TIME I GO INTO THE BUILDING?

>> YOUR NEWLY ENTERING THE POSITION OF MINORITY LEADERS, SUCCEEDING JOHN, WHO WENT TO THE SENATE.

WHAT IS AT THE TOP OF YOUR AGENDA FOR THE NEXT COUPLE OF MONTHS?

>> WELL, CERTAINLY, YOU KNOW, THE VOTERS HAVE SENT A CLEAR MESSAGE THIS PAST NOVEMBER, WITH ELECTING SIX BOARD MEMBERS TO OUR CHAMBER AND ANOTHER MEMBER TO THE SENATE.

AND THEY HAVE REJECTED A LOT OF THESE MORE PROGRESSIVE WHO ALSO CALLED PROGRESSIVE AGENDA OF THE GOVERNOR AND THE LEGISLATURE .

WE REALLY NEED TO BRING SOME MORE BALANCE AND COMMON SENSE TO THE POLICIES GOING FORWARD.

>> DO YOU THINK MURPHY IS GOING TO MOVE TOWARD THE CENTER NOW?

>> I DOUBT IT.

I DON'T THINK IT IS IN HIS DNA.

BUT, THE REALITY IS I HAVE A FEELING THAT IF HE GETS TOO FAR OUT, WE ARE GOING TO PUSH BACK.

HARD.

AND I BELIEVE THERE MIGHT EVEN COME A TIME WHERE SOME OF THE DEMOCRATS MAY WANT TO CONSIDER THAT ALSO FOR THE SAKE OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

WE CAN'T KEEP SPENDING AT THE LEVELS WE ARE.

THE BUDGET IS UP 34% IN THREE YEARS.

YOU KNOW, 11, $12 BILLION INCREASES IN SPENDING.

AND WE STILL CAN'T PROPERLY FUND SCHOOLS AND TAKE CARE OF THE ISSUES OF PROPERTY TAX AND PUT MONEY BACK TO THE MUNICIPALITIES.

FOR PROPERTY TAX RELIEF.

RED BILLS SAY LISTEN, WE HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE TEXT PERIOD.

AN ANOMALY HAS BEEN CUT FROM THE LEVY.

THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS WE COULD BE DOING TO HELP OFF OUR TAXPAYERS.

WE HAVE DONE NOTHING WITH SOME OF THE GREATEST REVENUE INCREASES IN THE HISTORY OF THE STATE.

>> THE ASSEMBLY MINORITY LEADER ELECT, JOHN, THANKS FOR BEING WITH US.

>> GOOD TO BE HERE, MIKE.

GOOD TO SEE YOU.

>> MONTHS AFTER HURRICANE IDA DEVASTATED NEW JERSEY, FLOOD VICTIMS ARE GETTING A LITTLE MORE TIME TO SEEK FEDERAL AID.

FEMA ANNOUNCED TODAY THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR RELIEF HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO JANUARY 5th.

FOR HUNDREDS OF RENTERS IS PLACED BY THE STORM, FEDERAL HEALTH ONLY GOES SO FAR.

FAMILIES FROM WEST ORANGE TO PASSAIC HAVE RELIED ON LOCAL OFFICIALS TO PAY FOR HOTEL ROOMS AS THEY TRY TO PIECE THEIR LIVES BACK TOGETHER.

AS THE HOLIDAYS NEAR, THAT HELP APPEARS LIKELY TO END.

JOANNA REPORTS.

>> IT HAS BEEN VERY DIFFICULT.

I'M AN EMOTIONAL BASKET CASE EVERY DAY.

BECAUSE I HAVE TWO LITTLE GIRLS TO WORRY ABOUT.

>> CHRISTINA SAYS THE STRESS THESE LAST FEW MONTHS HAS BEEN UNBEARABLE.

HAVING TO MOVE FROM HOTEL TO HOTEL AFTER LOSING HER HOME DURING TROPICAL STORM IDA.

>> MY 10-YEAR-OLD SAYS WE WILL HAVE A CHRISTMAS TREE.

I LOOKED AT HER AND SAID I'M NOT SURE.

I DON'T KNOW.

>> SHE'S ONE OF 45 FAMILIES THAT HAD TO EVACUATE AN APARTMENT BUILDING THAT WAS STRUCTURALLY CONDEMNED AFTER THE STORM.

THE MUNICIPALITY HAS BEEN PAYING TO HOUSE MANY OF THESE FAMILIES AND LOCAL HOTELS.

BUT TOLD HIM THE FUNDING WOULD RUN OUT THIS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4th.

THEY HAVE JUST EXTENDED TO TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7th.

>> I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A FUNDING ISSUE.

BUT, AGAIN, IT IS NOT THEIR FAULT.

THEY SHOULDN'T BEGIN AS MUCH TIME AS THEY NEED.

THEY ARE NOT, AND, IS NOT LIKE WE'RE JUST SITTING AROUND, YOU KNOW, DOING NOTHING.

THEY ARE ACTIVELY SEEKING A PLACE TO LIVE.

>> IT IS NOT JUST A PROBLEM IN WEST ORANGE FOR PEOPLE AROUND THE STATE ARE FACING HOMELESSNESS AS THEIR TEMPORARY HOUSING RUNS OUT.

LIKE ELIZABETH WERE AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS WERE DAMAGED.

>> EVEN WITH THE APARTMENTS THAT THEY ARE PLACING OF THE TENANTS IN NOW, THEY ARE NOT OUR APARTMENT.

THERE ARE OUR TEMPORARY APARTMENT.

USING, WE DON'T KNOW, COME BY NEXT YEAR, WHICH IS JANUARY, YOU DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT IS THE NEXT MOVE.

SO, YOU'RE JUST LIVING DAY BY DAY AND BECAUSE YOU CAN JUST GET CALLED AT ANY MOMENT LIKE OKAY, YOUR TEMPORARY APARTMENT IS UP.

>> EVEN THOSE NOT IN A HOUSING ARE STRUGGLING TO FIND SOMETHING THEY CAN AFFORD.

>> FOR THEM TO FIND A NEW APARTMENT, IT IS NOT AS EASY FOR THEM TO FIND IT AT WHAT THEY WERE PAYING BEFORE.

>> LAURA HAS BEEN CONNECTING THE MANY DISPLACED FAMILIES IN HIS CITY WITH SERVICES BEFORE TIME RUNS OUT.

AND THEY ALSO FIND THEMSELVES HOMELESS.

BUT, HE RECOGNIZES ALL THE CHALLENGES THAT LIE IN THE WAY OF REHOUSING THOSE RESIDENCE.

>> SOME APARTMENTS WENT FROM $600 A MONTH TO GOING NOW AND LOOKING AT THE MARKET AND FINDING THAT FOR THE SIMILAR AMOUNT OF BEDROOMS YOU KNOW HAVE TO PAY MORE THAN DOUBLE.

13, 14 IN SOME CASES 1600.

WE DON'T HAVE APARTMENTS HERE.

WHAT WE CAN DO IS PROVIDE YOU WITH RENTAL ASSISTANCE.

BUT, YOU STILL HAVE TO FIND THE APARTMENT.

WE CAN REACH OUT TO DEVELOPERS.

WE CAN REACH OUT TO PROPERTY OWNERS.

AND SEE IF THEY HAVE APARTMENTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE.

THE TRUTH IS THE MARKET IS VERY COMPETITIVE NOW.

>> HE SAYS EVEN THOUGH HE AND OTHER MAYORS WANTED TO DO MORE TO HELP, MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT IS NOT STRUCTURED TO BE A LONG- TERM SOLUTION.

AND ALL THOSE MILLIONS OF FEDERAL DOLLARS AND UP BEING MUCH SMALLER AMOUNTS BY THE TIME IT REACHES A MUNICIPALITY.

>> GOVERNMENT IS ATTENDED TO BE A SAFETY NET.

TO ASSIST WITH IMMEDIATE SITUATIONS.

BUT, ALSO, THERE ARE THOSE WHO NEED TO BE PUSHED INTO THE DIRECTION OF HELPING THEMSELVES BECAUSE GOVERNMENT IS NOT INTENDED TO BE A SAFETY NET, NOT A PERMANENT HAMMOCK.

>> SHE SAYS SHE IS NOT ONE WHO NEEDS A PUSH, SHE JUST NEEDS A LITTLE MORE TIME.

AND ASKED WEST ORANGE TO GIVE HER UNTIL AT LEAST DECEMBER 16th TO GET THE REMAINDER OF HER BELONGINGS AND TO PAY FOR HER TEMPORARY HOUSING.

>> I JUST ASKED THE TOWN, BASED ON RESPONSE ABILITY, I ASKED THEM TO AT LEAST GET US THROUGH TO THE DEADLINES ON A CASE-BY- CASE BASIS.

THE FAMILIES HAVE NOT FOUND A PLACE.

TO JUST KNOW THAT WE ARE LOOKING .

WE APPRECIATE EVERYTHING THEY HAVE DONE THUS FAR.

FROM THE BOTTOM OF OUR HEARTS, WE APPRECIATE IT BECAUSE WE KNOW THAT OTHER TOWNS DON'T DO THINGS LIKE THIS.

AND JUST TO GET US THROUGH.

>> THROUGH AT LEAST THIS HOLIDAY SEASON THAT IS SUPPOSED TO BE A TIME OF PEACE AND JOY.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM JOANNA.

>> IN TONIGHT SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS REPORT, MORE RELIEF IS ON THE WAY FOR NEW JERSEY FAMILIES.

GOVERNOR MURPHY HAS SIGNED A BILL THAT EXPANDS THE CHILD TAX CREDIT.

NEW JERSEY ALREADY HAS A CHILD TAX CREDIT PROGRAM.

BUT, UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION, FAMILIES EARNING AS MUCH AS $150,000 COULD CLAIM A SHARE OF THE TAX CREDIT.

AN INCREASE FROM THE CURRENT $60,000 ANNUAL SALARY CAP.

THE EXPANDED PROGRAM IS EXPECTED TO BENEFIT 80,000 MORE NEW JERSEY FAMILIES AND WILL COST OF THE STATE OVER $76 MILLION THIS YEAR.

NOW, HERE IS A CHECK ON WALL STREET TRADING HEADING INTO THE WEEKEND.

MAKE SURE YOU TUNE INTO NJ BUSINESS MEET WITH RHONDA.

THIS WEEKEND, SHE PUTS RETAIL IN FOCUS AS WE ENTER THE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON.

RHONDA EXPLORES THE GROWING SUPPLY CHAIN AND STAFFING CHALLENGES AND TAKES A LOOK AT HOW CHANGING SHOPPER HABITS IS IMPACTING HOW STORES OPERATE.

CHECK IT OUT ON NJ PBS SATURDAYS AT 5:00 AND SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9:30.

>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF NEW JERSEY'S BUSINESS HALL OF FAME.

A VIRTUAL EVENT ON DECEMBER 9th AT 6:00.

MORE INFORMATION ONLINE AT JA NJ JET BOARD.

AND BY NEW JERSEY BUSINESS MAGAZINE.

THE MAGAZINE OF THE NEW JERSEY BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION.

REPORTING TO EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE LEADERS IN ALL 21 COUNTIES OF THE GARDEN STATE SINCE 1954.

>> A NEW REPORT RELEASED THIS WEEK SUGGESTS MORE U.S. CHILDREN HAVE AUTISM THAN PREVIOUSLY THOUGHT.

THE DATA COLLECTED IN 2018 BY RESEARCHERS AT THE CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION FOUND THAT ONE IN 44 EIGHT-YEAR- OLDS HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM.

HERE IN NEW JERSEY, THE RATE IS EVEN HIGHER.

ONE IN 35 EIGHT-YEAR-OLDS HAVE AUTISM.

AMONG THE HIGHEST IN THE NATION.

I SPOKE WITH ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF PEDIATRICS AT RUTGERS NEW JERSEY MEDICAL SCHOOL.

WALTER IS A HER RODNEY ABOUT WHY NEW JERSEY PREVALENCE OF AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER CONTINUES TO EXCEED AND OUTPACE OTHER STATES.

WALTER, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

SO, WHY TO INCREASE AND WHY IS NEW JERSEY THE HIGHEST?

>> YEAH.

INCREASE IS A MYSTERY.

WE HAVE BEEN MONITORING AUTISM FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 YEARS.

EACH TIME WE LOOK AT INCREASES, TO BE HONEST WITH YOU, INCREASES EVERYWHERE.

AND ALL THE SURVEILLANCE SITES.

YET, WE DON'T KNOW WHY THAT IS.

BUT I DO THINK IT IS HIGHER IN NEW JERSEY BECAUSE THE SURVEILLANCE METHOD IS BASED ON REVEALING AND ANALYZING INFORMATION FROM SCHOOL AND HEALTH RECORDS.

AND NEW JERSEY IS KNOWN FOR AN EXCEPTIONAL PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM AND FOR HIGH-QUALITY CLINICAL AND DEVELOPABLE SERVICES.

>> WALTER, IS THERE PART OF THE STATE THAT IS DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED?

>> YEAH.

THAT IS AN INTERESTING QUESTION.

FOR A LONG TIME, WE ONLY PROVIDED INFORMATION ABOUT THE AVERAGE FOR OUR REGION, WHICH WAS FOR COUNTIES.

BUT, OF LATE, IN A PAPER I SAW PUBLISHED LAST MONTH WE SAW THAT WHEN WE LOOKED, THERE WERE SOME DIFFERENCES IN THAT AMONG THE FOUR COUNTIES, IN WHICH WE DO SURVEILLANCE, OCEAN COUNTY HAD THE HIGHER RATE OR THE HIGHER PREVALENCE OF AUTISM.

>> ADJUSTING.

NOW, ARE THERE ENOUGH SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE STATE?

>> YEAH.

ON THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO REALIZE IS THAT WE ARE NOT JUST COUNTING IN ORDER TO HAVE A GOOD NUMBER OF COMPLETE NUMBER.

THIS ESTIMATE SHOULD BE INFORMING RESOURCES THAT IS HELPS SUPPORT AND CARE TO CHILDREN WITH AUTISM.

THROUGH THE SCHOOL SYSTEMS AND THROUGH THE CLINICAL SERVICES.

ALL OF THESE PLACES ARE DOING THE BEST THEY CAN.

BUT, DEFINITELY, MANY MANY MORE RESOURCES ARE NEEDED BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN AFFECTED IS GREAT.

>> WHEN YOU SAY RESOURCES, WHAT SPECIFICALLY ARE YOU TALKING ABOUT?

>> RESOURCES, TO ME, MEANS MORE TEACHERS TRAINED AND EDUCATED WORK WITH CHILDREN WHO HAVE AUTISM.

MORE PROFESSIONALS, THE THERAPISTS THAT TOOTH INTERVENTIONS THAT ARE NEEDED.

MORE FOR DOCTORS WHO ARE GETTING TRAINED SO THAT THEY CAN RECOGNIZE AUTISM AND MAKE CORRECT RECOMMENDATIONS AND PROVIDE TREATMENT.

SO, THE RESOURCES FOR TRAINING, EDUCATION, AND INFORMATION ABOUT AUTISM.

>> FINALLY, WALTER, ARE WE GETTING ANY CLOSER TO KNOWING WHAT CAUSES AUTISM?

>> YEAH.

IN MY OPINION I DEFINITELY HOPE SO.

BUT, IT IS HARD TO KNOW.

MANY PEOPLE HAVE LOOKED INTENSIVELY AND SO FAR, THE QUESTION, REALLY THE ANSWER HAS ELUDED US.

HOPEFULLY, SOMEONE WILL GET LUCKY IN THE NEAR TERM AND WE WILL BE ABLE TO UNDERSTAND WHAT TRIGGERS AUTISM AND MAYBE HOW TO PREVENT CASES OF AUTISM.

>> WALTER, EXCELLENT REPORT.

A LOT OF GOOD INFORMATION.

THANK YOU, ONCE AGAIN, FOR JOINING US.

>> THANK YOU.

THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>> FINALLY TONIGHT, SHINING LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS IN JERSEY CITY.

GOVERNOR MURPHY, ATTENDING A MENORAH LIGHTING HOSTED BY THE ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE AND THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF NORTHERN NEW JERSEY AMONG OTHER GROUPS.

THE LIGHTING ON THE FIFTH NIGHT OF HANUKKAH SERVED AS A MEMORIAL FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE NEW JERSEY CITY KOSHER GROCERY STORE SHOOTING TWO YEARS AGO.

THE WIDOWS OF JERSEY CITY DETECTIVE JOSEPH SEALS IN A GROCERY STORE WORKER WERE ALSO IN ATTENDANCE.

ORGANIZERS WITH THE SHINE A LIGHT CAMPAIGN USED THE EVENT TO ALSO RAISE AWARENESS ABOUT ANTI-SEMITISM DURING HANUKKAH WEEK.

THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT.

IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE BIG POLITICAL HEADLINES THIS WEEK, TUNING TO REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE WITH SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, DAVID CRUZ.

SATURDAY AT 6:00 AND SUNDAY AT 10:00.

YOU CAN ALSO CATCH DAVID'S INTERVIEW WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH COMMISSIONER, JUDITH.

ABOUT CONCERNS OVER THE OMICRON VARIANT ON CHAT BOX AT 6:30 SATURDAY NIGHT AND SUNDAY MORNING AT 10:30.

I AM RAVEN.

THANK YOU FOR WATCHING AND HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND.