>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADE FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH , LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

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

♪ >>> THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BREANA VANNOZZI .

>>> GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I'M BREANA VANNOZZI.

WITH LESS THAN A WEEK BEFORE PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN TAKES OFFICE, HE UNVEILED A $1.9 TRILLION PANDEMIC RESCUE PACKAGE.

IT INCLUDES MORE DIRECT STIMULUS CHECKS, HELP FOR THE UNEMPLOYED, AND MONEY TO RAMP UP VACCINE ROLLOUT AND TESTING.

GOVERNOR MURPHY WAS OPTIMISTIC TODAY ABOUT INCREASING NEW JERSEY'S VACCINE SUPPLY AFTER BIDEN TAKES OFFICE.

THIS MORNING, HE TOURED THE FOURTH OF SIX PLANNED A VACCINE MEGA SITES, THIS ONE AND EDISON PEER GET IS A KEY PART OF DISTRIBUTION AS VACCINE APPOINTMENTS SURGE IN THE WAKE OF EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY, AND HAS ANOTHER 5400 NEWLY DIAGNOSED CASES REPORTED.

MORE THAN 550,000 TOTAL, WITH 67 MORE DEATHS, AND MORE THAN 20,000 TOTAL LIVES LOST.

HOSPITALIZATION NUMBERS REMAIN STABLE AT JUST OVER 3500.

A GOOD SIGN 2 WEEKS POST HOLIDAY .

THE STATE IS STILL FACING CRITICISM FOR THE PACE OF THE VACCINE ROLLOUT.

MORE THAN 310,000 DOSES ADMINISTERED AS OF TODAY, INCLUDING MORE THAN 37,002ND DOSE IS.

GOVERNMENT LEADERS CONTEND THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS CAUSING THE BOTTLENECK IN SHIPMENTS.

NEW JERSEY GETS ABOUT 100,000 DOSES PER WEEK, FALLING SHORT OF THE DEMAND PEER GETTING TO THAT, THERE IS A LOT OF CONFUSION AND FRUSTRATION OVER HOW TO REGISTER AND SECURE AN APPOINTMENT.

BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> WELL DONE.

>> Reporter: PEOPLE CHEERED AT THE FIRST SHOT GIVEN THIS MORNING AT THE LATEST COVID VACCINATION MEGA SITE AND EDISON PEER GET IS ONE OF SIX STATEWIDE THAT CAN OFFER MORE THAN 2000 SHOTS PER DAY, BUT NEW APPOINTMENT SLOTS ARE GETTING SNAPPED UP THE MOMENT THEY OPEN.

MANY CANNOT NAVIGATE THE ONLINE PROCESS.

>> I AM LIVING IN A COMMUNITY WHERE THE AVERAGE AGE IS 78 YEARS OLD, AND THE ANXIETY LEVELS ARE OFF THE CHARTS.

>> Reporter: GEORGE SAYS WHEN THE STATE EXPANDED AT VACCINATION ELIGIBILITY TO INCLUDE PEOPLE AGE 65 AND UP, PLUS THOSE 16 TO 64 WITH CERTAIN MEDICAL CONDITIONS, PEOPLE SWAPPED VACCINATION PORTALS.

PREREGISTRATION IS NOT AN ACTUAL APPOINTMENT.

>> IF THE SITE SAYS IT IS A VACCINATION SCHEDULING SITE, MY EXPECTATION IS THAT SOMEBODY WILL SCHEDULE ME.

OKAY?

THAT IS WHAT THE PROBLEM IS PEER >> IT CREATED INCREDIBLE PANIC BECAUSE PEOPLE JUST COULD NOT GET THROUGH.

>> Reporter: ELLEN STEINBERG WITH THE SENIOR CITIZENS COUNCIL SAYS SHE GOT AN APPOINTMENT WITH SUMMIT RADICAL, BUT THAT PROVIDER LATER WARNED CLIENTS THAT HAD NO MORE SLOTS, AND THAT THE SHEER VOLUME OF CALLS WAS INTERFERING WITH PATIENT CARE.

>> IT IS SO IMPORTANT THAT THERE IS SOMETHING IN PLACE THAT CAN TAKE CARE OF THOSE PEOPLE THAT DO NOT HAVE INTERNET.

>> Reporter: TODAY, STATE OFFICIALS PROMISED A CALL CENTER WOULD BE UP AND RUNNING SOON, AND ADMITTED THE REGISTRATION PROCESS ISN'T GREAT.

>> IF THERE IS NOT AN INTERFACED SITE, YOU WILL BE DIRECTED TO A LINK, OR INFORMATION ON THE SIDE CLOSEST TO YOU, AND YOU CAN CALL.

A LITTLE CLUNKIER THAN WE WOULD LIKE.

>> Reporter: THE HEALTH COMMISSIONER JUDY PERSICHILLI SAID THAT NEW JERSEY NEEDS FOUR TIMES THE NUMBER OF DOSES THEY CURRENTLY RECEIVE EVERY WEEK TO MEET DEMAND.

NEW JERSEY HAS GOTTEN MORE THAN 670,000 DOSES SO FAR, AND HAS ADMINISTERED ABOUT 46% OF IT.

THE GOVERNOR REACTED TO NEWS REPORTS THAT THE FEDERAL VACCINE STOCKPILE IS BASICALLY EMPTY.

>> IF IT IS TRUE THEY HAVE ALREADY BLOWN THROUGH THE STRATEGIC RESERVE, THAT IS A PILE OF DOSES THAT ALL STATES, INCLUDING OURS, OR COUNTING ON TO HAVE A RAMP UP INTO A DIFFERENT PLACE.

>> THIS IS DESIGNED.

WE CAN DO UP TO 3000 PEOPLE PER DAY.

>> Reporter: NICKEL MAREN SAYS PEOPLE MOVE SWIFTLY THROUGH THE LINES HERE IN TEANECK WHERE THE TOWN AND HOSPITAL COLLABORATED ON A VACCINATION SITE AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER GYMNASIUM.

CHRISTINE GOT AN APPOINTMENT 2 DAYS AGO.

>> THAT WAS AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE.

I KNOW MANY OF MY FRIENDS HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO BE VACCINATED.

>> WE DESIGN SOFTWARE SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS.

WE ONLY OPEN UP THE SLOTS FOR THE VACCINE THAT WE HAVE.

WE FOUND THE OTHER DAY, THAT IF WE OPEN THOSE THOUGHTS UP, WE WILL FILL ABOUT 700 SLOTS IN LESS THAN 30 MINUTES.

>> Reporter: PEOPLE ALSO KNOW THE VACCINE IS IN SHORT SUPPLY.

THE CENTER IS SLATED TO VACCINATE ABOUT 1000 PEOPLE TODAY, BUT AFTERWARDS THEY WILL BE OUT OF VACCINE, AND THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO MAKE MORE APPOINTMENTS UNTIL THEY GET FRESH SHIPMENTS.

ANXIETY PUSH THEM TO DRIVE THAN 50 MILES TO GET A SHOT.

>> Reporter: YOUR FROM MUNRO TOWNSHIP?

>> YES.

>> Reporter: YOU CAME ALL THE WAY UP HERE?

>> YES.

>> Reporter: VACCINE SHORTAGES AND TIGHT APPOINTMENTS HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO CONTROVERSIES OVER WHO SHOULD GET PRIORITY.

JERSEYS EXPANDED ELIGIBILITY GROUP INCLUDE PEOPLE WHO SMOKE.

MANY PEOPLE FIND THAT UNFAIR, BUT EXPERTS NOTE -- >> IF WE WANT TO KEEP THE NUMBER OF HOSPITALIZATIONS DOWN, WE NEED TO VACCINATE PEOPLE WHO ARE MOST LIKELY TO BE HOSPITALIZED.

THAT INCLUDES SMOKERS.

>> Reporter: I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN.

NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THE STATE'S TOP LAW ENFORCEMENT LEADERS INSIST THERE IS NO SPECIFIC OR CREDIBLE THREAT AS THEY PREPARE FOR POSSIBLY ARMED PROTESTS IN TRENTON THIS SUNDAY.

TODAY, THE HEAD OF STATE POLICE SAID AGENCIES ARE ON HIGH ALERT , AND COMMUNICATING AGGRESSIVELY WITH THEIR PARTNERS.

53 STATE TROOPERS ARE DEPLOYING MONDAY TO HELP WITH SECURITY IN WASHINGTON, D.C.

LEADING UP TO INAUGURATION DAY.

JOINING MORE THAN 570 MEMBERS OF NEW JERSEY'S NATIONAL GUARD.

THE GOVERNOR TODAY ASKING RESIDENTS TO LAY LOW THIS WEEKEND, AND ANNOUNCING ALL STATE OFFICES WILL GO REMOTE ON JANUARY 20th OUT OF AN ABUNDANCE OF CAUTION DURING PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN'S INAUGURATION.

THE MAYOR OF NEW JERSEY'S CAPITAL CITY SAYS THAT TRENTON IS PREPARING FOR THE WORST, AND HOPING FOR THE BEST.

HE JOINS ME NOW.

>> Reporter: TAKE YOU FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.

I KNOW FOR SECURITY PURPOSES YOU CANNOT SHARE SPECIFICS, BUT WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT PREPARATIONS UNDERWAY FOR PLANNED PROTESTS THIS WEEKEND?

>> IN LIGHT OF THE EVENTS THAT HAPPENED IN THE U.S. CAPITAL LAST WEEK, WE HAVE ASKED FOR ALL HANDS TO BE ON DECK THIS SUNDAY, AND THROUGH THE INAUGURATION OF OUR NEXT DULY ELECTED PRESIDENT, JOE BIDEN.

WE ARE WORKING WITH LOCAL POLICE, COUNTY POLICE, STATE POLICE, AND EVEN THE F VI TO MAKE SURE THAT THINGS ARE PEACEABLY TAKEN CARE OF DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS IN TRENTON.

>> Reporter: ARE OFFICERS DEPLOYING FROM THOSE OTHER AGENCIES TO YOUR CITY THIS WEEKEND, AND THROUGHOUT THE WEEK?

>> WE WILL HAVE PARTICIPATION FROM ALL LEVELS OF GOVERNMENT.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR PERSONS AND PROPERTY ARE PROTECTED IN THE CAPITAL CITY, AND THAT ANY PROTESTS THAT DO OCCUR ARE TRULY PEACEFUL, AND NOT VIOLENT.

>> Reporter: CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ANY DETAILS?

I KNOW THAT OUTSIDE OF THE STATE HOUSE AREA ON THE WEEKENDS, THERE HAVE BEEN SOME PEACEFUL PROTESTS.

CAN YOU SHARE WITH US ANY DETAILS ABOUT WHAT EXACTLY YOU ARE PLANNING, CROWD CONTROL, ITEMS LIKE THAT?

>> WE WILL HAVE THE STREETS CLOSED AROUND THE STATE HOUSE.

WE WILL ALSO HAVE NEIGHBORHOOD POLICING.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT IF ANYBODY DOES COME INTO TOWN, THAT THEY WILL REMAIN PEACEFUL.

YOU KNOW, THEY CAN MAKE ANY STATEMENTS THEY WANT, AS LONG AS THEY RECOGNIZE THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE REAL PERSON THAT WON THE ELECTION WILL BE INAUGURATED ON JANUARY 20th.

>> Reporter: ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT YOUR CITY WORKERS, ABOUT YOUR BUILDINGS, AND DO YOU HAVE THE MANPOWER?

WE KNOW THAT THIS PANDEMIC HAS NOT LET UP.

CERTAINLY PEOPLE ARE ON OUT AND IN QUARANTINE AND RECOVERING.

>> WE WILL HAVE MEMBERS OF OUR OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT OUT IN FORCE ON SUNDAY.

WE WILL ALSO MAKE SURE THAT COVID PROTOCOL IN PLACE.

WE ARE ABLE TO TACKLE ANY ISSUE THAT MAY ARISE, WHETHER IT BE SECURITY OR COVID.

WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT THE RESIDENCE AND THE CITIZENS OF TRENTON ARE SAFE, AND THAT THEY DON'T FEEL THREATENED IN ANY WAY.

>> Reporter: IN LIGHT OF WHAT HAPPENED, DO YOU SEE A NEED -- OF COURSE THERE ARE METAL DETECTORS AND SECURITY TO GET INTO YOUR BUILDING AND YOUR OFFICE.

DO YOU SEE A NEED TO RAISE THAT TO ANOTHER LEVEL AFTER WATCHING WHAT HAPPENED IN DC?

>> IT IS UNFORTUNATE.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, PEOPLE WHO CLAIM TO HAVE READ THE CONSTITUTION SHOULD ACTUALLY ABIDE BY IT AND RESPECTS THE RESULTS OF THE MOST SCRUTINIZED ELECTION IN HISTORY.

WE FEEL THAT THERE IS STILL A PLACE FOR PROTESTS, BUT IT SHOULD BE DONE PEACEFULLY.

IF ANYONE WANTS TO GO OUTSIDE OF THOSE BOUNDS, WE HAVE LAW ENFORCEMENT PERSONNEL THAT WILL EFFECTIVELY DEAL WITH IT.

>> Reporter: WE WISH YOU THE BEST OF LUCK THIS WEEKEND AND THE WEEKS AHEAD.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>> THANKS.

>>> IT IS TOUGH TO KEEP TRACK OF THE CLOSURES THAT STATE MOTOR VEHICLE AGENCIES.

THREE LOCATIONS OPENED TODAY, BUT SEVEN REMAINED CLOSE STATEWIDE, DUE TO EMPLOYEES TESTING POSITIVE FOR THE CORONAVIRUS.

THEY HAVE CAUSED MASSIVE BACKLOGS, DELAYING BUSINESS AND HOLDING UP THE ROLLOUT OF A PROMISED PROGRAM, LICENSES FOR UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS.

TODAY ADVOCATES PUSHED BACK DURING A SPECIAL MEETING, DEMANDING ACTION NOW.

MICHAEL HILL REPORTS.

>> Reporter: IN A UNANIMOUS VOTE IN A VIRTUAL MEETING, THE NEW JERSEY MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION BOARD HAS APPROVED ISSUING DRIVER'S LICENSES TO THE STATES ROUGHLY 450,000 ELIGIBLE UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS.

>> THIS IMPORTANT ACTION THAT WE TOOK TODAY IS ABOUT ACCESS TO BASIC NEEDS, WHETHER WE ARE TALKING ABOUT EMPLOYMENT, HEALTHCARE, EDUCATION, FOOD, AND QUALITY OF LIFE.

>> WE ARE HAPPY WITH THIS VOTE, BUT WE NEED THIS DRIVERS LICENSE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

MANY LIKE ME HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR 26 YEARS FOR THIS LICENSE.

>> Reporter: STARTING MAY 1st, UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS LIVING IN NEW JERSEY FOR 6 MONTHS AND LONGER CAN BEGIN GETTING DRIVER'S LICENSES, IF THEY CAN SHOW SIX POINTS OF IDENTIFICATION, INCLUDING FOR THE FIRST TIME A DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS IDENTIFICATION CARD.

NOW UP FOR DEBATE IS A SEPARATE AMENDMENT, THAT WOULD ALLOW IMMIGRANTS TO SIGN AN AFFIDAVIT ATTESTING TO THEIR INELIGIBILITY FOR A SOCIAL SECURITY CARD, INSTEAD OF HAVING TO GO TO THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE TO GET A LETTER.

>> THIS IS REALLY SIGNIFICANT FOR UPTAKE OF THE NEW LICENSING PROGRAM.

WE WERE CONTINUOUSLY HEARING FROM COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAT THEY WOULD NOT OBTAIN A LICENSE IF IT MEANT THEY HAD TO INTERACT WITH THE FEDERAL AGENCY.

>> Reporter: THIS WEEK, IMMIGRANT ADVOCATES RALLIED OUTSIDE OF AN OFFICE, DEMANDING DRIVER'S LICENSES NOW.

THE SAME COVID-19 VIRUS THAT HAS IMMIGRANTS WISHING THEY COULD DRIVE THEMSELVES TO ESSENTIAL JOBS, AND AVOID PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION, HAS SHUTTERED THE OFFICES AND HAMPERED PLANS TO START THE PROGRAM ON JANUARY 1st, 13 MONTHS AFTER GOVERNOR MURPHY SIGNED A STATUS NEUTRAL LICENSING BILL INTO LAW.

>> I JOINED THE FOLKS OUTSIDE, PLEADING WITH THIS TO BECOME A REALITY.

IT IS THE RIGHT THINGS TO DO FOR THE FOLKS ARE RIGHT NOW DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO THE ABILITY TO GET A LICENSE, BUT THIS WAS A POINT THAT HAS BEEN MADE A LOT OVER THE PAST, AT THIS POINT, YEARS.

IT IS ALSO SMART FOR THE REST OF US.

EVERY STATE THAT HAS DONE THIS HAS SAFER ROADS.

WITH A HEAVY HEART, I WISH IT WERE SOONER.

>> FOR THE PAST YEAR WE HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THE REGULATIONS THAT OUR COMMUNITY WON BACK IN DECEMBER 2019.

I AM A FIRST-YEAR COLLEGE STUDENT, AND MY SCHOOL IS ALMOST 30 MINUTES AWAY FROM MY HOUSE.

TAKING AND UBER COSTS ABOUT $60.

>> Reporter: RELIEF WILL COME ON MAY 1st, BUT FOR SOME IT SHOULD NOT, AND ALL.

>> I DON'T THINK IT'S A GOOD POLICY TO REWARD INDIVIDUALS WHO COME OF THE FIRST THING THEY DID ON ENTERING OUR COUNTRY, IS BREAK THE LAW OF OUR COUNTRY.

THEN YOU ARE REWARDING THEM BY ALLOWING THEM TO OBTAIN A DRIVERS LICENSE.

>> FROM A TRAFFIC SAFETY STANDPOINT, WE ARE HOPEFUL THAT THESE REGULATIONS AND AMENDMENTS WILL SERVE TO IMPROVE THE SAFETY OF OUR ROADS.

>> Reporter: ADVOCATES HOPE A PUBLIC INFORMATION CAMPAIGN WILL FOLLOW THE BOARDS VOTE AND HELP IMMIGRANTS AVOID PREDATORY SCAMS FOR UNNECESSARY APPOINTMENTS, AS NEW JERSEY BECOMES THE 15th STATE TO GRANT DRIVER'S LICENSES TO RESIDENCE WITHOUT LEGAL STATUS.

MICHAEL HILL, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS .

>>> RESTAURANT OWNERS ARE FIGHTING FOR THEIR LIVELIHOODS, STRUGGLING TO GET THROUGH THIS PANDEMIC, AND THE LONG WINTER MONTHS HAMSTRINGING THEIR ABILITY TO SERVE PATRONS OUTDOORS.

THIS WEEK, LAWMAKERS APPROVED A PACKAGE OF BILLS AND THAT EASING RESTRICTIONS AND WAVING PERMIT FEES FOR EXPANDING THAT SERVICE.

IT COMES AFTER THE GOVERNOR VETOED A PREVIOUS VERSION I MET A LAWSUIT OVER THE CORONAVIRUS.

CAN THE NEW LEGISLATION GET HIS SUPPORT?

LEAH MISHKIN HAS THE STORY.

'S TARMAC DURING THE WARMER MONTHS, WE WERE DOING SOME GREAT BUSINESS.

THE WINTERS A WHOLE DIFFERENT STORY.

>> Reporter: EXTENDED LOCKDOWNS.

AND/OR CAPACITY RESTRICTIONS.

SOCIAL DISTANCING.

NOW THE WEATHER.

THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY HAS FACED AN ONSLAUGHT OF CHALLENGES.

SOME OWNERS SAY THEY WERE IN A GOOD SPOT HEADING INTO THE WINTER, THANKS TO OUTDOOR DINING IN THE SUMMER AND FALL.

>> I JUST FEEL SO HORRIBLE FOR ALL OF THE OPERATORS THROUGHOUT OF THE STATE THEY DID NOT HAVE THE SPACE TO GO OUTSIDE, WHO HAVE NOT BEEN IN BUSINESS FOR A LONG TIME, WHO DON'T ON THEIR BUILDINGS AND ARE PAYING RENT TO LANDLORDS WHO ARE UNWILLING TO NEGOTIATE.

THEY ARE LOOKING AT A CLIFF, AND I JUST, YOU KNOW, MY HEART BREAKS FOR THEM.

>> LET'S PROVIDE SOME CERTAINTY TO SOME 40,000 SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS.

>> Reporter: SENATOR PAUL'S OUR LOW SPONSORED A BILL THAT WOULD ALLOW RESTAURANTS TO KEEP THEIR OUTDOOR SETUPS, INCLUDING PATIOS AND DECKS BOTH COVERED AND UNCOVERED, YARDS, WALKWAYS, AND PARKING LOTS, OR A PORTION THEREOF.

IT WOULD ALSO ALLOW THE OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS TO USE PUBLIC SIDEWALKS, AS DEFINED IN THE BILL, UNTIL NOVEMBER 30, 2022.

>> THIS WILL HOPEFULLY HELP THEM SAY LET US LIVE THROUGH THE WINTER, SPRING IS AROUND THE CORNER.

VACCINES ARE AROUND THE CORNER.

WE WILL BE ABLE TO ADD ALL OF THIS ADDITIONAL CAPACITY OUTSIDE FOR THE NEXT 2 YEARS, RECOUP THE LOSSES FROM THE PANDEMIC.

>> EVERYBODY BENT OVER BACKWARDS FOR THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY LAST JUNE TO ALLOW US TO OPEN UP OUTDOOR SPACES.

TREMENDOUSLY WELL RECEIVED BY OUR GUESTS.

WHILE THE BUYER OPERATORS.

EVERYTHING THEY DID GRANTED US EXPIRES AT THE END OF MARCH.

THIS BILL SAYS, HEY, WE AREN'T SURE WHAT IS AHEAD, BUT FOR THE NEXT 2 YEARS, PLAN ON EXPANDING YOUR OPERATION OUTSIDE, LIKE THAT IS COMFORTING.

>> Reporter: IT PASSED BOTH HOUSES OF LEGISLATURE UNANIMOUSLY.

>> THE GOVERNOR OUT RIGHT VETOED IT, WHICH DID NOT SIT WELL WITH ME.

>> Reporter: THE SENATOR SAYS AMONG OTHER REASONS, THE GOVERNOR WANTED ALCOHOL BEVERAGE CONTROL IN THE LOOP, AND WANTED LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES TO DECIDE ON POSSIBLE PERMITS AND FEES.

>> THE HEADLINES AROUND THIS, WE VETOED OUTDOOR DINING.

THAT IS THE LAST THING FROM THE TRUTH.

WE ENCOURAGED OUTDOOR DINING.

HAVING SAID THAT, YOU CAN'T TAKE AWAY AUTHORITY FROM MUNICIPALITIES.

YOU CAN'T TAKE ABCs AUTHORITY AWAY.

>> Reporter: THE BILL WAS CHANGE AND AGAIN PASSED THE LEGISLATURE AND AWAITS THE GOVERNOR'S SIGNATURE.

>> WE ARE IN GOOD DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM AND WE WILL END UP IN A GOOD PLACE.

>> WE WERE VERY ADAMANT HERE ABOUT NOT CREATING A LOT OF BUREAUCRACY AND RED TAPE.

IF THAT'S WHAT WE NEEDED TO GET DONE, SO BE IT.

THEY WILL FILE IT WITH THE ABC.

THEY WILL THEN IN TURN NOTIFY THE LOCAL CLERK, AND THE LOCAL CLERK AND ZONING OFFICIALS WILL WORK WITH THE RESTAURANT.

I'M GOING TO CAUTION ALL OF THE MUNICIPALITIES IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, LET'S NOT COME UP WITH EXCESSIVE FEES.

>> Reporter: HIS GREAT- GRANDMOTHER STARTED HIS FAMILY'S FIRST RESTAURANT IN 1935.

HE WISHES EVERY FAMILY AND THEIR BUSINESS THE SAME LENGTH OF SUCCESS, AND BELIEVES THIS BILL ALLOWS RESTAURANTS TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE.

I'M LEAH MISHKIN FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS .

>>> THE PRESIDENT-ELECT LAYS OUT A SWEEPING ECONOMIC AND PANDEMIC AID PACKAGE.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS DETAILS ON WHAT IS IN IT FOR YOU IN TODAY'S TOP BUSINESS NEWS.

>> Reporter: PRESIDENT-ELECT JOE BIDEN'S NEW STIMULUS PROPOSAL INCLUDES MORE FINANCIAL HELP FOR UNEMPLOYED WORKERS, BUSINESSES AND STATE GOVERNMENTS, AND ANOTHER STIMULUS CHECK FOR YOU.

$350 BILLION WOULD BE SET ASIDE FOR STATE AND LOCAL GOVERNMENTS, AND THAT WOULD BE USED TO HELP FRONT-LINE WORKERS.

THERE WOULD ALSO BE MORE MONEY FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT.

BIDEN WANTS TO PROVIDE ANOTHER $15 BILLION IN GRANTS FOR SMALL BUSINESSES.

THE PACKAGE ALSO PROPOSES ANOTHER $1400 STIMULUS CHECK FOR AMERICANS, AND THE PRESIDENT-ELECT WANTS TO BOOST SUPPLEMENTAL FEDERAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS TO $400 PER WEEK THROUGH SEPTEMBER.

UNDER THE CURRENT PROGRAM, UNEMPLOYED WORKERS ARE GETTING AN EXTRA $300 PER WEEK, AND THAT WILL EXPIRE IN MID-MARCH.

SOME NEW JERSEYANS ARE STILL WAITING FOR THOSE EXTRA BENEFITS .

THE STATE LABOR DEPARTMENT IS SAYING IT HOPES TO PROCESS THE PAYMENTS OVER THE WEEKEND, AFTER AN UNFORESEEN COMPLICATION DELAYED THINGS.

GOVERNOR MURPHY SAID TODAY THAT IT MEANS ELIGIBLE CLAIMANTS SHOULD RECEIVE THE FUNDING ON TUESDAY.

THE STATE IS LAUNCHING A NEW DIVERSITY INITIATIVE THAT FOCUSES ON THE STATE CONTRACTING PROCESS.

THE TREASURER SAYS THAT HER DEPARTMENT IS UNDERTAKING A STUDY TO DETERMINE WHETHER BUSINESSES OWNED BY WOMEN, MINORITIES, VETERANS, ARE GETTING FAIR ACCESS TO STATE CONTRACTS.

>> WE PROCURE BILLIONS AS A STATE IN SERVICES AND GOODS.

WE JUST WANT TO MAKE SURE, AND THIS IS BEEN A GOVERNOR MURPHY PRIORITY SINCE COMING INTO OFFICE, WE WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR PROCUREMENT PROCESSES AS EQUITABLE AS POSSIBLE.

>> Reporter: ELSEWHERE NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES HAVE BEEN SAYING THAT THEY ARE OVERBURDENED WITH RULES AND REGULATIONS, BUT THAT MIGHT BE CHANGING.

A BILLET FENCING IN THE STATE HAS WOULD SET UP A COMMISSION TO LOOK AT WHETHER ANY STATE RULES OR REGULATIONS ARE INEFFICIENT OR TOO BURDENSOME FOR BUSINESSES AND WORKERS.

NOW HERE IS A CHECK ON THE WALL STREET TRADING DAY.

I'M RHONDA SCHAFFLER , AND THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> THIS WEEKEND, JOIN RHONDA SCHAFFLER ON NJ BUSINESS BEAT AS SHE TAKES A DEEPER LOOK AT THE STATES GROWING CLEAN ENERGY INDUSTRY, AND ASKS THE EXPERTS HOW IT COULD PROPEL THE STRUGGLING ECONOMY AND JOBS MARKET.

WATCH IT ON OUR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL SATURDAY MORNINGS AT 10:00 A.M. >>> THE STATE WANTS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT TO PAY UP FOR YEARS OF CONTAMINATING OUR DRINKING WATER SUPPLY DUE TO TOXIC CHEMICALS USED BY THE U.S. MILITARY.

IN A LAWSUIT FILED LATE THURSDAY, ATTORNEY GENERAL GURBIR GREWAL AND THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ARGUED A SPECIAL FOAM USED TO FIGHT FIRES AT MILITARY BASES IN NEW JERSEY CONTAIN HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS COMMONLY USED FOR NONSTICK COOKWARE AND FLAME RESISTANT FURNITURE.

ACCORDING TO THE CDC, THOSE CHEMICALS ARE LINKED TO DISEASES LIKE CANCER AND IMMUNE SYSTEM DISORDERS.

THE COMPLAINT FOCUSES ON JOINT BASE McGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST IN BURLINGTON AND OCEAN COUNTIES, WHERE MULTIPLE PRIVATE DRINKING WATER WELLS HAVE TESTED FAR ABOVE STATE STANDARDS FOR THE CONTAMINANTS.

>>> EARLIER THIS WEEK, SENATE MAJORITY LEADER LORETTA WEINBERG ANNOUNCED THAT SHE IS RETIRING AT THE END OF HER TERM.

THE 85-YEAR-OLD DEMOCRAT HAS BEEN CONSIDERED A KEYSTONE IN TRENTON POLITICS, SPENDING HER CAREER ADVANCING PROGRESSIVE POLICIES FOR WOMEN AND MINORITIES.

SPEAKING TRUTH TO POWER, AS SHE WOULD OFTEN'S SAY.

PRAISE FOR HER WORK IT HAS POURED OUT FROM COLLEAGUES ON BOTH SIDE OF THE AISLE.

GOVERNOR MURPHY CALLED HER THE MOST CONSEQUENTIAL LEGISLATURE IN STATE HISTORY.

THE SENATOR, A SOFT PROCLAIMED SPICY JEWISH GRANDMOTHER, SPOKE ONE-ON-ONE TODAY WITH NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS CORRESPONDENCE DAVID CRUZ .

>> Reporter: YOU WERE A PICK FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR IN 2009.

WOULD YOU EVER HAVE WANTED TO BE GOVERNOR?

>> YOU KNOW, I TELL PEOPLE, I REALLY NEVER PLANNED ANY OF MY SO-CALLED CAREER CAREER STEPS IN POLITICS.

I USUALLY TELL THIS TO YOUNG WOMEN.

THE ONLY THING I ENCOURAGE IS WHEN A DOOR OPENS, DON'T BE AFRAID TO STEP THROUGH IT.

SOMETIMES, IF IT IS JUST A JAR, DON'T BE AFRAID TO PUSH IT A LITTLE BIT AND THEN STEP FORWARD.

SO, NO, I DID NOT HAVE ASPIRATIONS TO BE GOVERNOR.

I WAS THRILLED AND HAD A GREAT TIME RUNNING FOR LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.

AS I SAID TO PEOPLE, I ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF IT EXCEPT THE LOSING PART.

AND ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF IT WAS THAT NIGHT WHEN MY GRANDSON CALLED ME AND SAID, BUT NANA, YOU CAME IN SECOND.

I GOT A GOOD LAUGH OUT OF THAT.

>> Reporter: WHO DID YOU HAVE THE MOST FUN WORKING WITHIN THE LEGISLATURE?

>> THE MOST FUN WORKING WITHIN THE LEGISLATURE -- I HAVE TO THINK -- >> Reporter: OR CONVERSELY, WHO DID YOU HAVE THE LEAST AMOUNT OF FUN WORKING WITH QUACKS >> SOMEBODY ASKED ME AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE, WHO WAS YOUR MOST RELIABLE ALLY AND YOUR MOST IRRITATING ALLY?

I HAD TO STOP FOR A MOMENT TO THINK, BUT I SAID STEVE SWEENEY FILLED BOTH ROLES.

SO, YOU KNOW, STEVE, WHO GETS ALIGNED SO OFTEN, SOME OF IT WELL EARNED, IF IT WEREN'T FOR HIM AS SENATE PRESIDENT, I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO PAST EARNED SICK LEAVE, OR MARRIAGE EQUALITY, WHEN HE STOOD ON THE FLOOR OF THE SENATE AND APOLOGIZE FOR HIS PRIOR ACTIONS.

HER WOMEN'S HEALTH, OR SOME OF THE THINGS YOU OUTLINED.

HE NOT ONLY MADE SURE WE POSTED THEM, BUT HE MADE SURE WE HAD 21 VOTES FOR THEM, AND HE HAS BEEN A GREAT ALLY.

>> Reporter: YOU ARE STEPPING AWAY IT PROBABLY THE MOST POLARIZED TIME IN OUR HISTORY.

WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF CONCERN FOR THE COUNTRY, AND THE DEMOCRACY?

>> WELL, I SHARE THE DEEP CONCERNS THAT I THINK WE ALL DO ABOUT THE FUTURE OF OUR COUNTRY .

WATCHING EVERY DAY MORE VIDEO OF WHAT TOOK PLACE IN THE CAPITAL IS POSITIVELY FRIGHTENING, AND I HOPE WE DON'T GET SENSITIZED TO IT BY SEEING IT SO OFTEN.

I WILL LOOK WITH TREPIDATION TO GET THROUGH THE SWEARING IN OF THE NEW PRESIDENT.

I THINK JOE BIDEN IS THE PERFECT PERSON FOR THIS TIME.

HE IS EXPERIENCED.

HE IS ENCOMPASSING.

HE WANTS TO BRING THE COUNTRY TOGETHER.

WE HAVE A LOT OF HARD WORK AHEAD OF US.

I THINK OUR GOVERNOR, MURPHY, HAS BEEN THE PERFECT PERSON TO SEE US THROUGH THIS COVID EPIDEMIC, AND I AM HOPING THAT BY THE TIME I REALLY WALK OUT OF THE SENATE CHAMBERS, OFFICIALLY GIVING UP MY DESK, THAT WE WILL BE IN A VERY DIFFERENT PLACE IN THE UNITED STATES, AS WELL AS THE NEW JERSEY.

>> Reporter: SHE IS RETIRING, BUT NOT GOING ANYWHERE.

SENATE MAJORITY LEADER LORETTA WEINBERG, THANK YOU SO MUCH AND SEE YOU SOON.

>> THANK YOU .

>>> IF YOU MISSED ANY BIG STORIES THIS WEEK, YOU CAN CATCH THE REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE WITH DAVID CRUZ SATURDAY AT 6:00 P.M. AND SUNDAY AT 10:00 A.M. ON NJTV , ALONG WITH CHAT BOX SATURDAY AT 6:00 P.M. AND SUNDAY AT 10:30 A.M. THAT DOES IT FOR US THIS WEEK, BUT HEAD OVER TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG WHERE WE WILL CONTINUE COVERING THE STORIES AFFECTING THE STATE ALL WEEKEND LONG.

I'M BREANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

HAVE A GREAT AND SAFE WEEKEND.

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

PSE&G , WE MAKE THINGS WORK FOR COMMUNITIES.

AND HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY , AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

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