>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY, NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, 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.

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

>>> GOOD EVENING AND THANKS FOR JOINING US THIS THURSDAY NIGHT.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

BRINGING NEW JERSEY OUT OF THE PROHIBITION ERA, ONE OF THE KEY PROPOSALS GOVERNOR MURPHY WILL ROLL OUT IN HIS ANNUAL BUDGET ADDRESS NEXT WEEK AND WILL INCLUDE UPDATES TO THE UPDATED LIQUOR LICENSE LAWS WHICH ARE LIMITED TO ONE PERMIT FOR EVERY 3000 RESIDENTS IN A TOWN.

RESTAURANT OWNERS PAY DEARLY, SOMETIMES UP TO SEVEN FIGURES FOR A LICENSE.

THE GOVERNOR SADIE SYSTEM UNFAIRLY SHUTS OUT BUSINESS OWNERS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THE COST BUT FOR ANYONE WHO HAS ALREADY SHELLED OUT THE CASH, THIS DEBATE IS NOT UP FOR DISCUSSION.

BRENDA FLANAGAN WAS WITH GOVERNOR MURPHY TODAY AS HE TRIED TO SHORE UP SUPPORT.

>> IT IS CRUCIAL BECAUSE WE LOST A LOT OF DINERS COMING IN AND IT DOESN'T SEEM LIKE THEY ARE REALLY COMING BACK.

>> Reporter: THE OWNER OF THIS RESTAURANT BADLY WANTS A LIQUOR LICENSE TO BOOST HIS REVENUES WHICH THE PANDEMIC CUT IN HALF.

HE FIGURES SERVING COLD BEER AND WINE COULD RESCUE THE EATERY, BUT THIS TINY TOWN OF 2700 HAS GOT NO LIQUOR LICENSES LEFT TO SELL UNDER JERSEY'S LAWS WHICH CAP LICENSES AT 1 PER 3000 RESIDENTS.

>> DON'T EVEN TRY.

>> THE COUNTY IS FULL OF SMALL COMMUNITIES.

WE ARE ALL SMALL TOWNS WITH SMALL POPULATIONS AND WE ARE LOCKED OUT OF THE LIQUOR LICENSES.

>> Reporter: CLINTON'S MAYOR JOINED AROUND THE TABLE WHERE GOVERNOR MURPHY AGAIN DEMOTED HIS PLANS TO UPDATE JERZY'S LIQUOR LAWS WHICH DATE BACK TO PROHIBITION.

THE PROPOSAL WOULD PHASE OUT THE LICENSE CAP OVER FIVE YEARS AND PRICE NEW LICENSES ON AN AFFORDABLE SLIDING-SCALE.

DEPENDING ON LOCATION, JERSEY LIQUOR LICENSES CAN COST MORE THAN $1 MILLION PER POP.

IF YOU CAN GET ONE.

>> MY TOWN HAS HAD TWO LICENSES AND I PUT A BID FOR $600,000 FOR A LICENSE AND IT HAS BEEN CRICKETS FOR SIX MONTHS.

>> THE FACT SOME OF OUR LIQUOR LAWS ARE FROM THE PROHIBITION ERA AND THAT IS ARTIFICIALLY KEEPING OUT NEW MARKET ENTRANTS, I THINK THERE IS A DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT ON ASPIRING MINORITY ENTREPRENEURS AND SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS.

>> Reporter: THE PLAN WOULD UPDATE REGULATIONS THAT RESTRICT BREWERIES, WINERIES, AND DISTILLERIES FROM HOSTING EVENTS AND SERVING MEALS.

>> HAVING THE ABILITY TO SERVE FOOD JUST MAKES SENSE TO ME.

>> THIS IS NOT EASY.

THERE IS NO MAGIC AS TO WHY WE DIDN'T DO THIS IN THE '40s.

THAT WOULD BE MY RESPONSE.

THIS IS 80 OR 90 YEARS OVERDUE.

>> Reporter: THE PUSH GOT AN ICY RECEPTION FROM THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY WHICH FEARS FLOODING THE MARKETPLACE WITH NEW LICENSES CAN HURT ESTABLISHED BUSINESSES.

>> WE UNDERSTAND THERE IS A NEED FOR LICENSES.

WE FEEL THERE IS A WAY OF DOING THAT THAT IS A MORE FAIR WAY AT PRESERVING THE FAIR MARKET VALUE THAN THE LICENSES ARE CURRENTLY.

>> Reporter: THEY DON'T LIKE THE IDEA OF USING TAX CREDITS TO REIMBURSE LICENSE OWNERS, BUT ONE WHO BOUGHT A LICENSE YEARS AGO WELCOMES THE REFORM.

>> MORE COMPETITION WILL BRING MORE PEOPLE INTO THE TOWNS AND LEAVE THE SELFISH PART ON THE SIDE.

WE WILL WORK TOGETHER AS A FAMILY.

>> Reporter: HE SAYS THERE IS PLENTY FOR EVERYBODY.

IN CLINTON, BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> GOVERNOR MURPHY WILL DELIVER HIS BUDGET ADDRESS ON TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28th IN TRENTON.

JOIN US RIGHT HERE ON NJ PBS AND ON OUR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

OUR TEAM WILL BE LIVE WITH ALL OF THE REPORTING AND ANALYSIS AS HE LAYS OUT HIS FINANCIAL PLANS FOR THE STATE.

>>> ONE OF THE TWO MEN WHO CARRIED OUT A BIZARRE MURDER FOR HIRE PLOT ANY POLITICAL OPERATIVE HAS BEEN SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS IN FEDERAL PRISON.

FEDERAL JUDGE VASQUEZ SENTENCED AFRICA FOR HIS ROLE IN THE MURDER OF MICHAEL ALTIERI WHICH THE JUDGE CALLED ONE OF THE MOST UNUSUAL AND HEINOUS CRIMES HE HAS EVER ENCOUNTERED.

POLITICAL CONSULTANT SEAN CATTELL HIRED A LONGTIME CRIMINAL TO CARRY OUT THE MURDER, BUT HE BROUGHT IN AFRICA TO HELP.

THE MEMBER OFFERED $15,000 FOR THE HIT JOB AND TODAY A POSSIBLE MOTIVE IN THE PLOT WAS REVEALED.

HE BELIEVED HE WAS STEALING FROM HIM.

ALL THREE MEN HAVE PLEADED GUILTY TO THEIR ROLES IN THE MURDER.

AFRICA IS ALREADY SERVING A PRISON SENTENCE FOR AN ARMED ROBBERY AND THE MURDER SENTENCE WILL BE SERVED SIMULTANEOUSLY.

THE REMAINING TWO MEN WILL BE SENTENCED NEXT MONTH.

>>> PRISON ISN'T THE PLACE FOR SIX MEN WHO WORK FIRED AND CONVICTED AFTER AN INVESTIGATION FOUND THEY WERE TARGETING AND STEALING FROM PATTERSON RESIDENTS.

NOW THE CITY WANTS TO RECOUP ABOUT HALF A MILLION DOLLARS PAID TO THE COPS WHILE THEY WERE SUSPENDED.

THE MAYOR TODAY SAYING THIS IS AN UNPRECEDENTED MOVE FOR PATTERSON BECAUSE POLICE CONTRACTS REQUIRE COPS TO STAY ON THE PAYROLL WITH BENEFITS WHILE CRIMINAL CASES PLAY OUT.

IN OTHER TOWNS, OFFICERS ARE OFTEN SUSPENDED WITHOUT PAY WHEN CHARGED WITH A CRIME.

FIVE OF THE SIX POLICE OFFICERS ARE CURRENTLY IN FEDERAL PRISON.

AN FBI PROBE TARGETING THEM RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS FOR TWO OTHER COPS IN 2018.

SIMILAR ACTION COULD BE TAKEN AGAINST THEM AND STILL TWO OTHER PATTERSON OFFICERS HAVE CRIMINAL CHARGES PENDING.

>> THIS ACTION TODAY IS ANOTHER STEP TOWARD OUR PRIORITIES AND WE ARE REBUILDING TRUST BETWEEN THE COMMUNITY AND THE PEOPLE THEY SERVE, AS WELL AS THE TRUST BETWEEN FELLOW OFFICERS.

>> THIS WEEK, COURTS IN SIX COUNTIES ENTERED UNPRECEDENTED TERRITORY SUSPENDING ALMOST ALL CIVIL AND MATRIMONIAL TRIALS BECAUSE THERE AREN'T ENOUGH JUDGES TO PRESIDE OVER THE CASES.

LAWMAKERS TODAY MET TO BEGIN CHIPPING AWAY AT THE PROBLEM, BUT ATTORNEYS SAY IT IS TOO LITTLE, TOO LATE.

BE JUDICIAL VACANCIES ARE DENYING RESIDENTS THEIR DAY IN COURT.

TED GOLDBERG REPORTS.

>> Reporter: NO MATTER HOW THEY PHRASE IT, NEW JERSEY LAWYERS ARE FURIOUS ABOUT THE JUDICIAL VACANCIES.

>> IT IS AN EMBARRASSMENT FOR OUR STATE, TO HAVE THAT HAPPEN.

THE LEGISLATURE IN THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH SHOULD BE ASHAMED.

>> Reporter: THE STATE HAS 69 VACANCIES IN THE SUPERIOR COURT, STOPPING TRIALS IN SEVERAL COUNTIES AROUND THE STATE.

ATTORNEYS SAY THE STATE GOVERNMENT IS LEAVING THEIR CLIENTS IN A BIND BY NOT NOMINATING AND CONFIRMING MORE JUDGES IN A TIMELY MANNER.

>> MANY INDIVIDUALS MAY NOT BE ABLE TO WORK.

THEY MAY NOT HAVE THE INCOME BECAUSE OF THE INJURIES THEY HAVE SUFFERED.

THEY MAY HAVE SIGNIFICANT MEDICAL BILLS.

>> THIS AFFECTS LITIGANTS ACROSS THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

IN THE MATRIMONIAL FIELD, SOMETIMES PARTIES CAN'T GET DIVORCED.

>> Reporter: THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO THIS MAN.

HIS DIVORCE BEGAN IN APRIL OF 2021 AND HE IS STILL WAITING ON A TRIAL DATE.

>> IT IS ABSOLUTELY FRUSTRATING, RIGHT?

>> HE HAS BEEN PAYING SUPPORT FOR GOING ON TWO YEARS OF A FOUR YEAR MARRIAGE.

BY THE TIME THIS CASE IS DONE, HE MAY BE PAYING SUPPORT MORE THAN THEY WERE MARRIED.

>> Reporter: THE LAWYERS SAY THIS DIVORCE SHOULD HAVE TAKEN SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR, SINCE THERE ARE NO CHILDREN OR SIGNIFICANT ASSETS AT STAKE.

>> WE ARE DEALING WITH SOMEONE ON THE OTHER SIDE WITH ABSOLUTELY NO INTENTION TO SETTLE.

>> Reporter: LISA RETIRED FROM THE SUPREME COURT LAST YEAR AND HER SPOT HASN'T BEEN FILLED.

RETIRED JUDGES LIKE HER CAN OFFER A TEMPORARY SOLUTION.

>> THERE ARE MANY RETIRED SUPERIOR COURT JUDGE IS, LIKE MYSELF, WHO ARE DOING MEDIATIONS AND ARBITRATIONS.

I CAN WORK WITH THE PARTIES HERE I CAN PREDICT WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IF THEY WENT TO COURT AND TRY TO BRING THE PARTIES TOGETHER TO A SOLUTION THEY CAN LIVE WITH.

>> WE DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU CAN'T GO THROUGH CERTAIN TYPES OF PROCEDURES BECAUSE WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH CAPACITY.

>> Reporter: GOVERNOR MURPHY SAYS HE IS WORKING ON IT.

LIKE OTHER STATE LEADERS, HE SAYS THE STATE'S VETTING PROCESS IS PARTIALLY TO DELAY GETTING JUDGES CONFIRMED.

>> YOU NEED TO WORK WITH FOLKS TO GET THE NAMES.

THEY HAVE TO BE VETTED, NOMINATED, AND GO THROUGH THE SENATE PROCESS.

WE HAVE AN OUTSTANDING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE SENATE.

>> I THINK THEY TRIED TO BE AS THOROUGH AS POSSIBLE, BOTH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND THE COMMITTEE.

I THINK COVID OVER THE YEARS, NOT USING COVID AS AN EXCUSE HIM IS ALSO TIED IN.

>> Reporter: TODAY THE STATE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE FINALLY HEARD FROM NOMINEES AND JUDGES WHO COULD BE REAPPOINTED TO THE SUPERIOR COURT.

>> I THANK GOD BECAUSE THERE WERE DAYS DURING THE PANDEMIC WHEN I DID NOT THINK THIS DAY WOULD COME, SO I AM GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL AND HONORED TO BE HERE.

THE LAST SIX AND A HALF YEARS HAVE BEEN THE MOST REWARDING OF MY LIFE.

>> Reporter: THE FULL SENATE WILL GIVE A HEARING ON MONDAY AND HE EXPECTS TO FILL 8 OF THE 69 VACANCIES.

A SMALL STEP ON THE PATH OF GETTING NEW JERSEY'S PENDING CASES BACK ON THE DOCKET.

IN TRENTON, I AM TED GOLDBERG, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> AT THE STATEHOUSE, ADDRESSING THE YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS.

RECENT REPORTS FOUND 10% OF NEW JERSEY'S CHILDREN HAVE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC.

A CDC STUDY REVEALED TEEN GIRLS IN PARTICULAR ARE EXPERIENCING RECORD HIGH LEVELS OF SADNESS, VIOLENCE, AND TRAUMA.

BILLS MOVING THROUGH TRENTON THAT POLICYMAKERS HOPE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

RAVEN SANTANA HAS THE STORY.

>> IT ENVISION SOMETHING DIFFERENT.

>> Reporter: THIS ADVOCATE IS ONE OF ABOUT A DOZEN PEOPLE WHO TESTIFIED IN FRONT OF THE EDUCATION COMMITTEE, DESCRIBING HIS OWN STRUGGLES AS A CHILD WITH NO ONE TO TURN TO.

>> JUST A 2-YEAR-OLD CHILD AND THERE WAS NO ONE THERE FOR SUPPORT.

TO SAY THAT IN 2023, THERE IS A CHANCE THAT COULD STILL HAPPEN -- >> CHILDREN'S VOICES ARE NOT BEING HEARD.

WE NEED TO START LISTENING AND PROVIDE SOME KIND OF ACTION THAT WILL PROVIDE THEM WITH MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES SOONER RATHER THAN LATER.

>> Reporter: INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF BILLS IS SPONSORED BY THE SENATOR TO REQUIRE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO PROVIDE INSTRUCTION AND ANOTHER THAT REQUIRES THE CREATION OF ANOTHER NEW THE JERSEY USE SUICIDE ADVISORY COUNCIL.

>> UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT MEANS TO STUDENTS.

>> ALL OF THIS IS TO LOOK AT WHAT WE ARE DOING, TO FORMULATE A REPORT ON BEST PRACTICES.

WHAT ARE WE DOING AND WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?

IN ONE COMMITTEE, I DON'T THINK WE WILL DRAW DOWN OR GET TO AN ANSWER.

IT IS AN UNFORTUNATE THING.

ONE THING WE NEED TO WRAP OURSELVES AROUND HIS CREATING POLICY THAT CREATES THAT ARTIFICIAL INFRASTRUCTURE FOR CONFIDENCE AND SUPPORT AND LOVE IS TO ALSO REMIND ALL OF OUR YOUTH THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING OUT FOR THEM AND IF THEY ARE IN NEED, THESE ARE THE STEPS THEY CAN REACH OUT TO AND GET.

>> Reporter: OPPONENTS TESTIFIED SAYING RESOURCES ARE NOT WHERE THE FUNDING SHOULD GO.

>> IN OUR SOCIETY FOR HUNDREDS IF NOT THOUSANDS OF YEARS, PEOPLE HAVE TURNED TO THEIR CHURCHES, SYNAGOGUES, MOSQUES IN TIMES OF GRIEF.

TO SAY A GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE CAN FILL THAT GAP WITH A GRIEF PROGRAM, I THINK IT IS VERY DISTURBING.

>> Reporter: PARENT AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER TESTIFIED IN SUPPORT OF MORE GRIEF COUNSELING FOR STUDENTS.

SHE STRESSED TO OPPONENTS THAT FAITH WAS NOT ENOUGH TO HELP HER FAMILY AFTER THE LOSS OF HER SON THAT UNEXPECTEDLY DROWNED IN JULY.

>> MY SON PASSED AWAY UNEXPECTEDLY IN JULY.

HE DROWNED.

SEVERAL OF MY FAMILY MEMBERS WERE THERE.

MY DAUGHTER IS CURRENTLY HAVING DIFFICULTY DEALING WITH IT.

SOMETIMES IT BECOMES BEHAVIORAL ISSUES.

SOMETIMES IT BECOMES EXTREME SADNESS.

OTHER TIMES YOU LOOK AT HER AND YOU WOULD THINK, HEY, YOU WOULD NEVER KNOW ANYTHING HAPPENED.

STAFF MEMBERS NEED TO BE AWARE OF WHAT GRIEF EDUCATION IS AND HOW THEY CAN GO ABOUT HELPING CHILDREN TO COPE.

>> Reporter: ADVOCATES I SPOKE TO SAID IT IS IMPORTANT YOUNG CHILDREN ARE GIVEN TIME, NOT JUST RESOURCES, TO COPE WITH GRIEF.

>> TO SEE THE IMPACT IN SCHOOL AND HOW IT IS DISMISSED.

YOU GET A COUPLE OF DAYS, RIGHT?

AT WORK, YOU GET YOUR THREE DAY BEREAVEMENT AND THEN YOU ARE EXPECTED TO COME BACK TO BUSINESS AS USUAL.

A LOT OF THESE CHILDREN ARE SUFFERING FROM SUPPRESSED GRIEF.

>> Reporter: ADVOCATES SAY THEY ARE CONCERNED IF THESE BILLS AREN'T PAST, THERE COULD BE DARK CONSEQUENCES FOR THESE KIDS TO SAFELY COPE WITH GRIEF.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM RAVEN SANTANA.

>> BULLYING HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE RISE OF THOSE MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES.

A DECADE AGO, NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS AND ACTED SOME OF THE TOUGHEST ANTI-BULLYING LAWS IN THE COUNTRY, BUT PARENTS AND STUDENTS A THE RULES DON'T GO FAR ENOUGH, ESPECIALLY IN DISTRICTS WITH LITTLE OVERSIGHT OF ENFORCEMENT.

IT IS A PROBLEM BOTH IN PERSON AND ONLINE THAT HAS LED TO DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES.

OUR MENTAL HEALTH WRITER, BOBBY BREYER, IS HERE NOW TO EXPLAIN.

IT SEEMS LIKE PARENTS, EDUCATORS, STUDENTS ARE STARTING TO TAKE THIS IN THEIR OWN HANDS WITH THE RISE IN BULLYING.

WHAT IS THE LATEST WITH WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THIS STATE TO COMBAT SOME OF THESE REALLY EGREGIOUS EVENTS?

>> YEAH, BRIANA.

WE HAVE A NUMBER OF PARENTS AND ADVOCATES THAT SAY MORE NEEDS TO BE DONE STATEWIDE AND THE LAWS CURRENTLY IN PLACE, SOME OF THE STRICTEST ANTI-BULLYING LAWS IN THE COUNTRY, NEED TO BE IMPLEMENTED TO A GREATER EXTENT.

BULLYING IS WAY TOO PERVASIVE.

ESSENTIALLY WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE LEGISLATURE NOW AS WE SPEAK, MANY ADVOCATE ARE DEMANDING THE STATE LAWMAKERS TO DO A LOT MORE.

STAY LAWMAKERS HAVE REALLY RESPONDED TO THAT IN LARGE NUMBERS BY PROPOSING A SLEW OF BILLS IN FRONT OF THE SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE TODAY RELATED TO YOUTH SUICIDE PREVENTION IN SCHOOLS AS WELL AS GRIEF COUNSELING.

IT WOULD BE A NEW CLASS TAUGHT OR LOOPED INTO THE CURRENT HEALTH CURRICULUM, AS WELL AS DISCUSSING THE NUMBER OF ABSENCES THAT STUDENTS CAN GET DUE TO MENTAL HEALTH REASONS.

LEGISLATURES ARE LOOKING AT THIS ISSUE, BUT STILL A LOT OF PUSHBACK FROM ADVOCATES AND PARENTS IN LIGHT OF THE RECENT TRAGEDY.

>> YEAH.

OF COURSE, A LOT OF THIS IS STEMMING FROM THAT 14-YEAR-OLD WHO COMMITTED SUICIDE IN OCEAN COUNTY AFTER FACING SEVERE BULLYING THAT WAS SPREAD ONLINE, BUT THE LEGISLATURE HAS MADE A GOAL OF THIS IN YEARS PAST.

ARE THEY REALIZING NOW THERE IS TOO MUCH AUTONOMY AND HOW THESE SITUATIONS ARE HANDLED?

>> YOU KNOW, FROM THE LEGISLATURES I'VE SPOKEN WITH, YES, I BELIEVE THEY ARE LOOKING INTO THAT ISSUE, ESPECIALLY AS IT RELATES TO THE REGULATION OF CYBER BULLYING.

THE 2022 AMENDMENT TO THE ANTI-BULLYING BILL OF RIGHTS ACT TRY TO TOUCH UPON THAT, BUT MANY ADVOCATE THAT LAWMAKERS I'VE SPOKEN WITH SAY PARENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS CAN DO MORE TO REGULATE SOCIAL MEDIA AS IT RELATES TO THEIR OWN TEENS IN WHAT THEY ARE POSTING OR CHATTING ABOUT ONLINE.

IT IS CERTAINLY A PERVASIVE ISSUE THAT GOES BEYOND A SCHOOL DAY, BUT EASILY GOES INTO IN SCHOOL MEASURES AS WELL.

>> WHAT DO YOU HEAR FROM BOTH EDUCATORS, THOSE IN THE SCHOOLS, AND THE LAWMAKERS ABOUT THE ROLE OF SOCIAL MEDIA AND WHOSE JOB IT IS ESSENTIALLY TO PROTECT PEOPLE AND REALLY USE YOUTH AND YOUTH FEMALES FROM THESE ACTIVITIES?

>> SCHOOL OFFICIALS HAVE MENTION THE FACT THIS NEEDS TO BE A TEAM EFFORT BETWEEN SCHOOL OFFICIALS, PARENTS, AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS WHO CARE FOR CHILDREN, WHETHER IT IS COACHES, MENTORS, THINGS OF THAT NATURE.

PEOPLE WHO WANT TO SEE THIS ISSUE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY HAVE REALLY SAID THIS NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING THAT EVERYBODY IN THE COMMUNITY IS LOOKING AT, NOT JUST TEACHERS BETWEEN SCHOOL HOURS AND NOT JUST PARENTS WHEN THEY ARE OUT OF SCHOOL.

IT IS SOMETHING THAT STATE OFFICIALS, ADVOCATES, AND SCHOOL LEADERS HAVE SAID NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED QUITE QUICKLY.

>> BOBBY, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THAT REPORTING.

>> THANK YOU, BRIANA.

>> FOR MORE ON THE PUSH TO TACKLE BULLYING, HEAD TO NJTVNEWS.ORG.

>>> IN OUR SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS REPORT TONIGHT, AHEAD OF THE GOVERNOR'S BUDGET ADDRESS, REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS ARE LAYING OUT THEIR FISCAL VISION FOR NEW JERSEY AND IT INCLUDES HELP FOR SCHOOLS AND PROPERTY OWNERS.

SENATE MINORITY LEADER ON WEDNESDAY UNVEILED A PLAN THAT WOULD FULLY FUND A NEW JERSEY SCHOOLS BY USING THE STATE'S SURPLUS ACCOUNT WHICH HAS MORE THAN $6 BILLION IN IT.

REPUBLICANS ARGUE ABOUT 1 TO $2 BILLION OF THAT MONEY WOULD ALLOW NEW JERSEY TO MEET FUNDING OBLIGATIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 2008 WHEN THE FORMULA WAS SENT.

IN RETURN, SCHOOL DISTRICTS WOULD HAVE TO LOWER PROPERTY TAXES DOLLAR FOR DOLLAR.

GOVERNOR MURPHY LAST YEAR INCREASED STATE EDUCATION AID BY MORE THAN $0.5 BILLION, BUT IT DIDN'T COME WITH THE REQUIREMENT TO REDUCE LOCAL PROPERTY TAX LEVIES, LIKE THE GOP PROPOSAL SUGGESTS.

>>> TURNING OUT TO WALL STREET, HERE IS A LOOK AT HOW THE MARKETS CLOSED TODAY.

>> SUPPORT PROVIDED BY THE NEW JERSEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, ANNOUNCING ITS NEW JERSEY BUSINESS SUMMIT AND EXPO MARCH 14th AND 15th IN ATLANTIC CITY.

EVENT DETAILS ONLINE >> AND WE ARE TALKING TO THE CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER ON HOW THEY PLAN TO DRIVE NEW JERSEY TOWARD AN INNOVATION ECONOMY.

WATCHED SATURDAY MORNING AT 10:00 A.M. STREAMING ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

>>> AND FINALLY TONIGHT, IT IS SAFE TO SAY THE GROUNDHOG'S PREDICTION ABOUT SIX MORE WEEKS OF WINTER, THAT WAS MORE THAN A LITTLE OFF.

WE HAVE SEEN UNSEASONABLY WARM TEMPERATURES, VERY LITTLE SNOW, AND EARLIER THIS WEEK, AN EF-2 TORNADO IN MERCER COUNTY.

IT IS MOSTLY LINKED TO A CLIMATE PATTERN, ACCORDING TO WEATHER EXPERT, BUT I HAVE TO NEW JERSEY STATE CLIMATOLOGIST DAVID ROBINSON IF THERE ARE BIGGER FACTORS AT PLAY.

HE JOINS ME NOW AS PART OF OUR ONGOING SERIES, PERIL AND PROMISE, FOCUSING ON THE HUMAN STORIES OF CLIMATE CHANGE.

DAVID, I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN WITH THIS WINTER WEATHER, TO CALL IT AN ODDITY WOULD BE ACCURATE.

I GUESS MY QUESTION IS, WHAT GIVES?

>> THIS IS BEEN ONE WILD WINTER.

A WINTER LIST WINTER.

WE HAVE BEEN WARM.

WE HAVE HAD ENOUGH PRECIPITATION, BUT IT HAS BEEN IN THE FORM OF RAIN BECAUSE IT IS ONE OF THE LEAST SNOWY WINTERS ON RECORD.

THEN GO TOSS IN A COUPLE OF SHORT-LIVED COLD WAVES AND A TORNADO EARLIER THIS WEEK.

YOU KNOW, MIX IT UP AND THROW THE DICE OUT THERE AND SEE WHAT WILL COME UP NEXT.

>> WELL, I HAD TO GO BACK AND CHECK TO SEE HOW RARE A FEBRUARY TORNADO IS.

IT SEEMS LIKE THANKS TO YOUR DATA, WE HAVE HAD A FEW OVER THE LAST 50, 60, 70 SOME ODD YEARS.

WHAT IS THAT INDICATIVE OF?

WE LIKE TO TALK ABOUT THE PLANET WARMING AND HOW THAT IS AFFECTING WEATHER PATTERNS, BUT IS IT?

>> IT IS A WEATHER ODDITY.

BACK TO 1950, WE HAVE NOT SEEN A DECEMBER OR JANUARY TORNADO.

IF THE COUNT IS RIGHT, THIS IS THE FIFTH OF FEBRUARY TORNADO AND BY FAR THE LONGEST TORNADO IN TERMS OF ITS TRACK.

ALMOST 6 MILES.

THE OTHERS WERE HALF A MILE OR LESS.

THIS WAS JUST AN ODDITY.

TORNADOES ARE SO RARE IN NEW JERSEY, THERE IS NO RHYME OR REASON, NO SIGNAL AND HAVING ONE OR NOT HAVING ONE.

IT JUST TELLS US THIS WEEK THERE HAS BEEN AN ATMOSPHERE LOADED WITH ENERGY NOT JUST IN NEW JERSEY, BUT ACROSS THE WHOLE COUNTRY.

>> DOES LACK OF SNOW HAVE ANY FACTOR IN SEEING A TORNADO IN FEBRUARY?

HOW MUCH DOES THAT PLAY INTO IT, IF AT ALL?

>> IT IS INTERESTING BECAUSE THERE WERE THREE TORNADOES IN FEBRUARY IN ONE DAY IN 1973 AND THAT WAS OUR LEAST SNOWY WINTER IN NEW JERSEY IN OVER A CENTURY.

I THINK IT IS MORE COINCIDENCE THAN ANYTHING, ALTHOUGH IT IS INDICATIVE OF HOW WARM IT HAS BEEN THIS WINTER.

MUCH WARMER THAN THE WINTER OF 1973.

WE WILL END WITH ONE OF THE THREE OR FOUR WARMEST WINTERS ON RECORD AFTER THE WARMEST JANUARY AND PROBABLY FIFTH WARMEST FEBRUARY.

DECEMBER WAS ON THE COOL SIDE.

YES, IT IS SOMEWHAT INDICATIVE.

IT HAS BEEN WARM.

THERE HAS BEEN A LACK OF SNOW.

WE HAVE GOTTEN MORE OF A SPRINGLIKE ENERGY PATTERN IN THE ATMOSPHERE LEADING US TO A FEBRUARY TORNADO.

>> IS THIS WHAT WE SHOULD EXPECT FUTURE WINTERS TO LOOK LIKE?

>> IF YOU LOOK AHEAD, THIS IS INDICATIVE OF THE TYPES OF WINTERS WE EXPECT IN THE FUTURE AS THE CLIMATE WARMS, AS NEW JERSEY WARMS.

WE WILL.COM OR SPRINGLIKE AS WE GET TOWARD THE END OF WINTER.

WITH THAT, EXPECT SPRINGLIKE STORMS MORE OFTEN.

>> YEAH, MY ALLERGIES ARE TELLING ME THAT IS SO.

DAVID, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

THAT DOESN'T RUST TONIGHT, BUT DON'T FORGET TO CHECK OUT REPORTER ROUNDTABLE WITH DAVID CRUZ TOMORROW MORNING.

DAVID KICKS OFF THE SHOW WITH REPUBLICAN STATE SENATOR ON THE UPCOMING BUDGET ADDRESS AND THE GOP'S PRIORITIES.

>>> THAN ANALYSIS OF THE BIG POLITICAL STORIES WITH A PANEL OF LOCAL JOURNALISTS.

CATCH IT LIVE AT 10:00 A.M. ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL OR WHEREVER YOU STREAM.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI AND FROM THE ENTIRE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

HAVE A GREAT EVENING AND WE WILL BE BACK HERE TOMORROW.

>>> NJM INSURANCE, SERVING INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

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