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

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADE FOR EVERY CHILD.

>>> RWJ BARNABAS.

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.

>>> THAT EVENING AT THE KEEPER JOINING US ON THIS MONDAY NIGHT.

I'M JOANNA GAGIS.

ON THE SECOND DAY OF THE JANUARY 6 COMMITTEE HEARINGS THE FOCUS WAS ON THE BIG LIE.

THE ALLEGATION THAT THE 2020 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION WAS STOLEN FROM PRESIDENT TRUMP.

A KEY WITNESS TODAY WAS FORMER TRUMP CAMPAIGN MANAGER BILL STEPNEY AND THE FOUR WORKING FOR TRUMP WAS FORMER NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE'S CAMPAIGN MANAGER.

CHRISTIE OUSTED HIM DURING THE BRIDGEGATE SCANDAL EVEN THOUGH HE DENIED BEING INVOLVED IN THE GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE LANE CLOSURE PLOT.

EMAILS AND TEXT LATER SHOWED HE DID KNOW ABOUT THE PLAN BEFORE IT HAPPENED.

BUT TODAY HE WAS NOT ABLE TO TESTIFY IN PERSON BECAUSE HIS WIFE WENT INTO LABOR.

INSTEAD HIS VIDEO DEPOSITION WAS PLAYED WHERE HE CLEARLY STATES HE DID NOT SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT'S CLAIMS ON ELECTION NIGHT THAT THERE WAS WIDESPREAD ELECTION FRAUD.

SAYING INSTEAD HE RECOMMENDED THE PRESIDENT SAY THIS.

>> I THINK WE ARE IN GOOD POSITION.

WE WILL HAVE MORE TO SAY ABOUT THIS THE NEXT OR THE NEXT WHATEVER WE HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY.

>> DID ANYBODY A PART OF THAT CONVERSATION DISAGREE WITH YOUR MESSAGE?

>> YES>> WHO WAS THAT?

>> THE PRESIDENT DISCREET WITH THAT.

I DON'T RECALL THE PARTICULAR WORDS.

HE THOUGHT I WAS WRONG.

HE TOLD ME SO.

AND THAT THEY WERE GOING TO HE WAS GOING TO GO IN A DIFFERENT DIRECTION.

>>> THIS IS A FRAUD.

ON THE AMERICAN PUBLIC.

THIS IS AN EMBARRASSMENT TO OUR COUNTRY.

WE WERE GETTING READY TO WIN THIS ELECTION, FRANKLY WE DID WIN THIS ELECTION.

>>> THE HEARINGS TODAY DOCUMENTED TESTIMONY FROM SEVERAL AND TRUMP'S INTRACEREBRAL WHO ALSO DENOUNCED THE BIG LIE THAT THE ELECTION WAS SOMEHOW STOLEN.

THE VERY CLAIMS CHANTED BY RIOTERS WHO DESCENDED ON THE CAPITAL BUILDING ON JANUARY 6.

ONE OF NEW JERSEY'S CONGRESSMEN WAS ON THE CHAMBER FLOOR THAT DAY AS THE MOB ATTACKED.

HE JOINS ME NOW.

>> CONGRESS MEANT YOU HEARD THE ANGRY MOB HANGING ON THE CHAMBER DOOR.

WHAT IS IT LIKE FOR YOU WATCHING THESE VIDEOS PLAY OUT WATCHING THE HEARINGS PLAY OUT WITH NEVER BEFORE SEEN FOOTAGE OF JUST HOW VIOLENT THAT DAY WAS?

>> I WAS SITTING ON THE FLOOR AND OBVIOUSLY THERE WAS NOISE OUTSIDE.

WHEN THEY BROKE THE WINDOWS.

AND THE SECURITY STARTED BARRICADING THE DOORS.

INSECURITY CAME IN AND TOOK -- AWAY AND TOLD US THEY WERE CARRYING SECURITY HAS BEEN BREACHED AND WE HAVE TO GET YOU OUT OF HERE.

AND THEN THEY CAME IN FOR -- AND TOOK THE REST OF THE LEADERSHIP OUT.

>> YOU SAID ON THAT DAY THAT PRESIDENT TRUMP SHOULD GO TO JAIL FOR HIS PART IN IT.

NOW THAT THESE HEARINGS ARE PLAYING OUT, DO YOU BELIEVE THEY ARE MAKING THE CASE AT LEAST SO FAR TO MAKE THAT HAPPEN?

>> STILL BELIEVE HE SHOULD GO TO JAIL FOR WHAT HE DID.

I THINK WE ARE DOING A GOOD JOB OF MAKING THE ARGUMENT THAT HE SHOULD BE GOING TO JAIL.

THAT IS JUST MY FEELING.

I MEAN THE MAN IS A PATHETIC LIAR.

HE LIED ABOUT EVERYTHING.

AND OBVIOUSLY EVERYTHING WITH TRUMP THERE WAS A MONETARY GAIN BY DOING ALL THESE LIES.

>> HOW DAMNING IS IT THAT SO MANY FROM HIS INNER CIRCLE ARE TESTIFYING THAT THEY DID NOT SUPPORT THIS STOLEN ELECTION CLAIM?

>> IT IS VERY DAMNING.

THEY TOLD HIM THE TRUTH.

HE WOULD NOT ACCEPT IT.

HE WANTED TO STAY IN POWER.

THEN HE REALIZED HE COULD USE IT FOR HIS OWN FOR MAKING MONEY.

WHICH THEY DID.

BY SENDING OUT ALL THESE REQUESTS FOR MONEY.

I THINK THAT TRUMP LIKE BEHAVIOR.

>> THE HEARING CLOSE WITH THEM SAYING IT WENT FROM THE BIG LIE TO THE BIG RIPOFF.

IF THIS COMMITTEE IS ABLE TO MAKE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE STOLEN ELECTION CLAIMS AND THE VIOLENCE THAT HAPPENED AT THE CAPITAL, DO YOU BELIEVE THAT ATTORNEY GENERAL MAREK CARLIN SHOULD BRING CHARGES AGAINST FORMER PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I THINK HE SHOULD BRING CHARGES AGAINST THE PRESIDENT.

WHEN YOU LOOK AT THOSE TAPES AND YOU HEAR EVERYBODY TALKING ABOUT HOW THE PRESIDENT INCITED A RIOT BASICALLY, HE SAID THEY WERE GOING TO MEET YOU AT THE CAPITAL.

EVERYBODY STARTED WALKING OVER.

I MEAN, NOT DOING ANYTHING ABOUT IT.

NOT CALLING THE NATIONAL GUARD OR ANYTHING.

HE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEATH OF THOSE PEOPLE AND WHAT HAPPENED HERE ON THE SIXTH.

>> YOU BELIEVE HE SHOULD YOU BELIEVE HE WILL?

>> THAT IS A GOOD QUESTION.

ALL THE POINTS TO THE FACT HE IS RESPONSIBLE.

ALL THE EVIDENCE.

SO I THINK HE WILL.

>> CONGRESSMEN THANK YOU FOR YOUR PERSPECTIVE.

>>> THANK YOU.

>>> THERE WERE 11 NATIONALLY'S ACROSS THE COUNTRY THIS WEEKEND THAT KILLED 10 PEOPLE AND INJURED MORE THAN 40.

YESTERDAY A GROUP OF 20 SENATORS AND REPUBLICANS AND 10 DEMOCRATS REACHED AN AGREEMENT ON A GUN SAFETY PACKAGE THAT WOULD ADDRESS THE GUN VIOLENCE IN A NUMBER OF WAYS.

INCLUDING ALLOWING STATES A RED FLAG LAW THAT WOULD REMOVE GUNS FROM POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PEOPLE EXPAND BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR GUN BUYERS UNDER 21 AND INVEST IN MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES AND INCREASED SCHOOL SAFETY ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

SENIOR CORRESPONDED BLEND RENDA HAS MORE ON WHAT THESE REFORMS COULD MEAN FOR NEW JERSEY.

>> THAT SENTIMENT MOTIVATED MARCHERS FROM OCEAN CITY NEW JERSEY TO WASHINGTON DC AND ACROSS THE NATION SATURDAY.

WHERE THOUSANDS RALLIED TO END GUN VIOLENCE.

GALVANIZED BY THE MASSACRE IN TEXAS AND THE UNENDING ASSAULT OF MASS SHOOTINGS IN AMERICA THE GRASSROOTS MOVEMENT DEMANDED REFORMS.

>>.

MANY PARENTS MY HEART WAS RIPPED TO SHREDS AT THE NEWS OF TEXAS.

>> STEPHANIE MARSHALL THE OCEAN CITY MARGIN CALLED UPON CONGRESS TO PASS A CHECKLIST OF MEASURES EVEN AS A GROUP OF U.S.

SENATORS HASHED OUT A MODEST BIPARTISAN AGREEMENT BACK BY THE MINIMUM 10 REPUBLICANS REQUIRED TO BREAK A FILIBUSTER AND 10 DEMOCRATS INCLUDING JERSEYS CORY BOOKER.

>> WE ARE HERE TODAY TO END GUN VIOLENCE, TO EXPAND BACKGROUND CHECKS.

ENCOURAGED BUYBACK PROGRAMS.

THE BAN HIGH-CAPACITY ASSAULT RIFLES WEAPONS OF WAR.

>> THE 20 SENATORS PROPOSAL DOES NOT GO ANYWHERE NEAR THAT FAR.

IT INCLUDES GIVING AUTHORITIES EXTRA TIME TO PERFORM BACKGROUND CHECKS AND CHECK JUVENILE MENTAL HEALTH RECORDS ON GUN BUYERS UNDER THE AGE OF 21.

EXTENDING THE PROHIBITION OF GUN SALES TO PROTECT VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARE NOT MARRIED TO ABUSERS.

THE SO-CALLED BOYFRIEND LOOPHOLE.

OFFERING FEDERAL FUNDING TO HELP STATES ENACT RED FLAG LAWS AND BOOST THE SAFETY AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND SCHOOLS.

AND TOUGHENING FEDERAL LAWS AGAINST GUN TRAFFICKING.

STUDENT LAWRENCE ORGANIZED THE HACKENSACK RALLY AND ADMITS THE TENTATIVE -- >> CAN GO A LOT FURTHER.

I THINK IT IS A GREAT FIRST STEP.

IT GIVES ME A LOT OF HOPE WE DID NOT NECESSARILY SEE OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.

PEOPLE ARE GETTING SHOT EVERY SINGLE DAY.

110 PEOPLE GETTING SHOT EVERY SINGLE DAY IN THIS COUNTRY AND DYING.

>> THIS IS THE FIRST MEANINGFUL PROGRESS IN A GENERATION.

WE CAN'T LET THE PERFECT BE ENEMY OF THE GOOD.

SEVERAL OF THE IDEAS NOTED IN THIS TENTATIVE AGREEMENT HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO SAVE LIVES.

>> RUTGERS ANALYST MICHAEL PRAISED ITEMS LIKE CLOSING THE BOYFRIEND LOOPHOLE AND FOCUSING ON BUYERS UNDER 21.

WHAT HE IS CONCERNED ABOUT HOW MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING IS BEING PRESENTED.

>> WHEN REPAIRED WITH A FIREARM PACKAGE ARE WE FURTHERING THE NARRATIVE THAT MENTAL ILLNESS IS TO BLAME FOR GUN VIOLENCE WHEN WE KNOW THAT IS NOT THE CASE -- >> WHILE DISAGREEMENTS ONLY A NARROW FIRST STEP IT IS A RECOGNITION THAT THE ABILITY OF THE GUN LOBBY TO BLOCK ANY AND ALL COMMON SENSE GUN SAFETY LAWS BY ITS MERE PRESENCE IS WANING.

AND THAT REFORM IS POSSIBLE.

THE BIPARTISAN SENATE COMPROMISE MEANWHILE IS AN AGREEMENT IN PRINCIPLE AND WHILE SENATE MINORITY LEADER McCONNELL PRAISED THE DIALOGUE HE DID NOT PROMISE SUPPORT.

DEMOCRATS FELT OPTIMISTIC THOUGH.

>> THIS AGREEMENT HAS A REAL CHANCE OF ADVANCING IN THE SENATE.

NOW IS IT EVERYTHING I WOULD HAVE HOPED FOR?

IT CERTAINLY IS NOT.

BUT WE HAVE AN OBLIGATION AND A RESPONSIBILITY TO DO WHAT WE CAN TO PREVENT EVEN ONE MORE DEATH FROM GUN VIOLENCE.

>> I GUESS IT GIVES BOTH SIDES THE ABILITY TO SAY THEY GOT SOMETHING DONE.

WHEN THEY ARE RUNNING FOR REELECTION.

BUT REALLY IT'S GOT TO BE A PROMISE OF MORE TO COME ON THE DEMOCRATIC SIDE AT LEAST.

IT HAS TO BE A PROMISE OF MORE TO COME.

ON THE REPUBLICAN SIDE IT IS GOING TO WIND UP BEING WE DID NOT TAKE ANY GUN OWNERS RIGHT AWAY.

>> THE DEVIL IS IN THE LEGISLATIVE LANGUAGE DETAILS.

THE CONGRESS IS EAGER TO ACT WITH PUBLIC PRESSURE BUILDING AND MIDTERM ELECTIONS LOOMING.

>>> OFF-DUTY POLICE OFFICERS WERE CLEAR TO USE CANNABIS WITHOUT FACING DISCIPLINARY ACTION IF YOU MONTHS AGO.

ALTHOUGH SOME MUNICIPALITIES HAVE PUT THEIR OWN BANDS IN PLACE.

BUT NOW FIREFIGHTERS ARE WONDERING WHERE THEY STAND IN THE WORLD OF LEGAL WEED.

TED SPOKE TO A FEW WHO SAY USING CANNABIS HAS ITS BENEFITS BUT ALSO POTENTIAL PITFALLS FOR THOSE RESCUERS WHO CHOOSE TO PARTAKE.

>> NOW THAT RECREATIONAL CANNABIS IS LEGAL IN NEW JERSEY, THIS THAT MEAN FIREFIGHTERS AND EMTS CAN SMOKE UP WHILE OFF-DUTY?

THEY ARE NOT TERRIBLY SURE.

>> THE BIGGEST PROBLEM WE HAVE IS THE LAW IS NOT CLEAR ON HOW IT AFFECTS A CAREER FIREFIGHTER.

DOES IT VOID ANY OF OUR BENEFITS SHOULD SOMETHING HAPPEN?

FORGET THERE'S A MISHAP.

>> STEVE WORKS IN ELIZABETH'S FIRE DEPARTMENT AND HE IS THE PRESIDENT OF THE LARGEST FIREFIGHTER UNION IN THE STATE.

HE IS WORRIED A POSITIVE DRUG TEST FROM ILLEGAL DRUG COULD VOID WORKERS COMP CLAIMS.

CANNABIS LAW DOES NOT ADDRESS THIS.

>> I CAN'T TELL MY MEMBERS DON'T DO SOMETHING WHEN IT IS LEGAL.

I ALSO CAN WARN THEM AS THE UNION PRESIDENT THERE ARE SOME VERY GRAY AREAS AND WE DON'T HAVE ALL THE ANSWERS YET AS TO WHAT RAMIFICATIONS COULD COME FROM THIS.

>> THAT INCLUDES THE USE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

WHICH HAS BEEN A BIG HELP FOR SUMMER FIRST RESPONDERS.

>> I WAS VERY LIFE OF THE PARTY TYPE PERSON.

SLOWLY BUT SURELY I NOTICED THAT THAT WAS NO LONGER THE ISSUE WITH ME.

I ALWAYS WANTED TO BE HOME.

I DID NOT WANT TO GO OUT.

I JUST WANTED TO BE ON THE TRUCK FOR MY SHIFT AND COME BACK HOME AND SLEEP AND REPEAT.

>> HE WORKED AT OCEAN COUNTY FOR 14 YEARS.

THE WORK WAS REWARDING BUT STRESSFUL.

HE SAID CANNABIS HELPED HIM KICK A DRUG HABIT AND LOSE 100 POUNDS.

>> FROM THE VERY FIRST NIGHT THAT I EVER SMOKED I NEVER TOUCHED AMBIEN AGAIN.

I GOT MY SLEEP UNDER CONTROL.

I ALWAYS HAVE RENDERS FLASHBACKS AND NIGHT TERRORS.

THERE'S A LOT OF VETERANS AND FIRST RESPONDERS I'VE WORKED WITH WHO NO LONGER EVEN TOUCH ALCOHOL.

THEY JUST USED THIS PLANT RESPONSIBLE PLEASE >> LAWMAKERS ARE NOT SO OPTIMISTIC.

STATE SENATOR BOB SINGER HAS INTRODUCED A BILL IN TRENTON THAT WOULD BAN CERTAIN WORKERS FROM USING CANNABIS.

INCLUDING PEOPLE WHO OPERATE HEAVY MACHINERY OR WEAPONS OR PEOPLE WHO WOULD PUT THE PUBLIC AT SERIOUS RISK BY USING.

IN A STATEMENT TO NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS HE SAID THERE ARE NUMEROUS FIELDS WHERE WORKING WHILE IMPAIRED DUE TO CANNABIS OR OTHER DRUGS CAN RESULT IN REAL DANGER TO THE PUBLIC THE EMPLOYEE AND OTHERS.

ASSEMBLYWOMAN ANNETTE HAS INTRODUCED A SEPARATE BILL THAT WOULD BAN CANNABIS USE BY ANYONE INVOLVED IN LAW ENFORCEMENT.

>> MUNICIPALITIES DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT LIABILITIES.

PROSECUTORS AND COURTS DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT THINGS BEING OVERTURNED.

POLICE OFFICERS CONSTANTLY DEALING LIKE MY CAREER COULD BE ON THE LINE BECAUSE I WENT ON VACATION FOUR WEEKS AGO OR THREE WEEKS AGO WITH MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND I HAD A GOOD TIME.

>> WITH THE INABILITY TO DETERMINE IMPAIRED AND AS WE CANNOT GET A CLEAR ANSWER.

>> IF THERE WAS A BREATHALYZER, WITH THAT AFFECT HOW THIS BILL WAS DRAFTED?

>> OF COURSE.

WE WOULD NOT BE HAVING THIS CONVERSATION.

>> JENSEN HAS HEARD THAT ARGUMENT BEFORE AND HE DOES NOT SEE IT THAT WAY.

WHAT ABOUT THE GUYS THE MEN AND WOMEN THAT ARE SITTING THERE THAT HAVE TO MARINATE IN THAT SITUATION FOR 6 TO 12 HOURS AT A TIME?

CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT THAT DOES TO PEOPLE'S HEALTH?

I READ ABOUT WHAT THESE POLITICIANS ARE SAYING ABOUT ENDANGERING PUBLIC SAFETY BECAUSE THEY MIGHT HAVE THIS IN THEIR SYSTEM.

IT IS MORE DANGEROUS TO HAVE SOMEBODY IN A POSITION WHERE THEIR MENTAL HEALTH IS NOT CORRECT.

>> THE BILL DOES NOT BAN CANNABIS USE AMONG FIREFIGHTERS.

BUT SHE SAID SHE WOULD SUPPORT A BILL THAT DOES.

>>> NEW JERSEY NOW HAS A PATH FORWARD IN ITS ATTEMPT TO BECOME AN EARLY PRIMARY STATE AND PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.

THE DEMOCRATIC NATIONAL COMMITTEE GAVE NEW JERSEY THE GREEN LIGHT TO PRESENT A FORMAL PROPOSAL FOR THE MOVE.

NEW JERSEY HAS MADE THE CASE THAT THE DIVERSITY OF THE STATE BETTER REFLECTS THE DIVERSITY OF THE NATION IN THE EARLY VOTING PROCESS AND COULD IMPACT THE PRESS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES WHO END UP SUCCEEDING IN THE PRIMARIES.

BUT GETTING PEOPLE OUT TO VOTE IN PRIMARIES ESPECIALLY CONGRESSIONAL PRIMARIES LIKE LAST WEEK REMAINS A CHALLENGE.

SENIOR RIGHTS ARE DUG INTO THE NUMBERS TO SEE WHO ENDS UP TURNING OUT TO PICK OUR CONGRESSIONAL LEADERS.

COLLEEN THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHO ENDED UP TURNING OUT LAST WEEK?

>> IT LOOKS RIGHT NOW AS WE'VE HAD ABOUT 700 707,000 FOLKS.

THAT WILL GO UP A LITTLE BIT JUST AS THE FINAL BALLOTS COME IN AND ANY SMALL NUMBER OF PROVISIONAL BALLOTS ARE COUNTED.

THAT IS FAR FAR FEWER THAN THE 6.5 MILLION REGISTERED VOTERS WE HAVE.

IT REALLY LOOK LIKE THEY WERE THE DIEHARD DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS WHO CAME OUT.

>> DOES IT LOOK LIKE THIS IS PEOPLE ON THE FRINGES WORTH ARE THESE MORE YOUR PARTY FAITHFUL'S 1st >> IT WAS A COMBINATION.

WE SAW SOME PRETTY GOOD NUMBERS FOR MIKE CRISPY IN THE FOURTH DISTRICT.

IAN SMITH IN THE THIRD DISTRICT.

THOSE ARE BOTH THEY WERE FAR RIGHT CANDIDATES.

SO YOU DEFINITELY HAVE SOME REPUBLICANS WHO ARE ON THAT SPECTRUM COME OUT.

OTHERWISE I THINK IT WAS A LOT OF THE PARTY FAITHFUL.

MORE OF THE PARTY FAITHFUL COME OUT.

WE DID HAVE THE ESTABLISHMENT CANDIDATE REALLY WIN IN ALMOST EVERY DISTRICT.

>> AS YOU KNOW THERE IS A LAWSUIT RIGHT NOW TO DO AWAY WITH THE PARTY LINE THAT PEOPLE SAY GIVE CERTAIN CANDIDATES AN UNFAIR ADVANTAGE.

GIVEN WHAT WE HAVE SEEN NOW ABOUT WHO TURNED OUT TO VOTE DO YOU THINK THAT LAWSUIT IF IT SUCCEEDS COULD HAVE A BIG IMPACT IN CHANGING THIS PRIMARY PROCESS?

>> A LOT OF ADVOCATES THINK THAT IS THE CASE.

IT CERTAINLY MIGHT HAPPEN IF PEOPLE ACTUALLY FEEL THAT THEIR VOTE IS GOING TO COUNT.

LIKE IT MAKES A DIFFERENCE.

I THINK THERE'S GOING TO HAVE TO BE MORE ADVERTISING OF THAT.

WE HAVE HEARD FROM FOLKS WHO HAVE SAID THEY DID NOT KNOW IT WAS A PRIMARY.

THERE IS NOT A LOT OF ADVERTISING IN ADVANCE.

YOU NEED TO MAYBE INCREASE THE PUBLIC'S AWARENESS OF THE ELECTION AS WELL AS THEN --YOU CAN VOTE FOR ANY CANDIDATE.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO FOLLOW THIS LINE.

THEN MAYBE WE WOULD GET MORE PEOPLE OUT.

>> HOW DOES NEW JERSEY COMPARE WHEN YOU LOOK AT OTHER STATES IN TERMS OF EFFECTIVELY GETTING PEOPLE OUT TO VOTE FOR PRIMARIES?

>> IT IS A PROBLEM ACROSS THE NATION.

NEW JERSEY HAS THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM IN PART BECAUSE OF THAT PARTY LINE.

BECAUSE IT SEEMS TO EXCLUDE PEOPLE FROM HAVING A REAL SAY WHEN MOST PEOPLE ARE JUST GOING DOWN THIS LINE.

CHOOSING THE CANDIDATES THE ESTABLISHMENT BACK.

THEY HAVE ALSO BEEN STATES WE HAVE DONE OTHER THINGS LIKE CHOICE VOTING.

WHICH UNSELD HAS INCREASED TURNOUT IN PLACES IN NEW YORK CITY HADDAD.

FOR THE LAST MERRILL ELECTION IF YOU STATES DO THAT.

THERE ARE SOME THINGS OF THE STATES ARE TRYING THAT NEW JERSEY MIGHT WANT TO TRY TO INCREASE TURNOUT.

>> ALWAYS GOOD TO LOOK BACK AND REFLECT AND SEE HOW WE CAN DO BETTER AS A STATE.

THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>>> CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS ARE HEATING UP FOR UNION WORKERS IN ATLANTIC CITY.

RHONDA SHAFFER HAS THOSE DETAILS PLUS ALL OF TONIGHT'S BUSINESS HEADLINES.

WHAT IS ON THE HORIZON AS THESE TALKS BETWEEN THE CASINOS AND UNION PLAY OUT?

>> WE WILL KNOW WHETHER ATLANTIC CITY CASINO WORKERS MAY WALK OFF THE JOB.

THE WORKERS WILL VOTE THIS WEEK ON WHETHER TO AUTHORIZE UNION LEADERSHIP TO CALL A STRIKE.

UNITE HERE LOCAL 54 SAYS CASINO WORKERS WILL CAST THEIR BALLOTS ON WEDNESDAY.

BALLOTS WILL BE COUNTED THAT EVENING.

THE CASINOS CONTRACTS WITH THE LOCAL 54 EXPIRED ON MAY 31st AND BOTH SIDES HAVE BEEN HOLDING TALKS.

THE UNION IS DEMANDING HIGHER WAGES FOR ITS WORKERS SAYING THE INDUSTRIES GAMING REVENUES AND PROFITS HAVE NOW SURPASSED PRE-PANDEMIC LEVELS BUT WAGES HAVE NOT KEPT PACE.

>>> RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA SALES WILL BEGIN THIS WEEK AT THREE MORE DISPENSARIES.

GARDEN STATE DISPENSARY LOCATIONS IN WOODBRIDGE EATONTOWN AND UNION TOWNSHIP WILL START SELLING MARIJUANA THIS WEDNESDAY ACCORDING TO ITS PARENT COMPANY.

THE GARDEN STATE DISPENSARY LOCATIONS BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES SELLING RECREATIONAL CANNABIS TO 16.

>>> IN NEW YORK TODAY BASKETBALL LEGEND SHAQUILLE O'NEAL JOINT --GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY ALONG WITH OTHERS FOR A TOPPING OFF CEREMONY FOUR 777 McCARTER.

A NEW 33 STORY 370 UNIT APARTMENT BUILDING IN THE CITY.

IT IS THE LARGEST MIXED INCOME PROJECT IN NEW JERSEY.

>> MY FAVORITE PERSON HERE TODAY HE SAID I WAS THE MAN.

I'M GOING TO THROW IT BACK AT HIM.

MAYOR YOU ARE THE MAN.

I'VE BEEN TRYING TO DO STUFF LIKE THIS SINCE 1992.

MY WHOLE PROFESSIONAL LIFE.

WE MET WITH A COUPLE PEOPLE AND WE COULD NEVER GET IT DONE.

8 YEARS AGO WE WALKED INTO YOUR OFFICE AND TOLD YOU OUR VISION.

YOU LIKED OUR VISION.

WE ARE ON BUILDING NUMBER THREE.

I WOULD LIKE TO THANK YOU AND YOUR STAFF FOR ALWAYS SUPPORTING MYSELF.

>> HIP STOCKS AND CRYPTO CURRENCIES TODAY.

HE WAS A LOOK AT THE FINAL NUMBERS FROM WALL STREET.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY.

WORKING FOR ECONOMIC PROSPERITY BY UNITING BUSINESS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS FOR MORE THAN 150 YEARS.

MEMBERSHIP AND EVEN INFORMATION ONLINE AT CHAMBER SNJ.COM.

>>> NEW JERSEY HAS LONG BEEN ONE OF THE WORST IN THE NATION FOR MATERNAL AND INFANT DEATHS.

WOMEN OF COLOR AND THEIR BABIES ARE SIGNIFICANTLY MORE LIKELY TO DIE AFTER DELIVERY THAN WHITE WOMEN AND BABIES.

FIRST LADY TAMMY MURPHY HAS MADE IMPROVING THESE OUTCOMES A MAJOR FOCUS OF HER 10 YEAR AND IN THE REPORT FROM THE HEALTHCARE QUALITY INSTITUTE SHOWS THAT MIDWIVES CAN HAVE A HUGE IMPACT MELISSA ROSE COOPER TAKES A LOOK AT HOW THESE TRAINED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS CAN EMPOWER THEIR PATIENTS TO HELP ENSURE A SAFER MORE NATURAL CHILDBIRTH.

>> WHEN I FIRST BECAME PREGNANT WITH MY FIRST SON OLIVER IN IT WAS SUMMER OF 2019.

WE VERY QUICKLY REALIZED WERE GOING TO HAVE AN ISSUE WITH PEOPLE WITH PRACTITIONERS WITH OB/GYN LABELING ME AS HIGH RISK.

I WAS IN MY OWN EXPERIENCE, PERFECTLY HEALTHY AND STRONG AND FELT GREAT AND READY TO CARRY A PREGNANCY.

BUT BECAUSE OF MY WEIGHT AND THE MEDICATION I WAS ON I WAS GIVEN THIS HIGH RISK CATEGORY.

>> MARY WANTED TO AVOID HAVING ANY SERIOUS INTERVENTIONS DURING HER PREGNANCY.

SO SHE SOUGHT OUT THE HELP OF A MIDWIFE.

A LICENSE INDEPENDENT PRIMARY HEALTH CARE PROVIDER SPECIALLY TRAINED TO CARE FOR BIRTHING CHILDREN.

THREE YEARS LATER SHE IS NOW A MOTHER OF TWO HEALTHY BOYS.

SHE CREDITS MIDWIFERY FOR PLAYING A HUGE ROLE IN GETTING HER THROUGH BOTH BIRTHS.

SPRATT THERE WAS A LOT MORE EMPHASIS ON BREATHING TECHNIQUES.

>> AND NATURAL PAIN MANAGEMENT.

MOVING AROUND THE SPACE AND OWNING THE SPACE IN A WAY I WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO IF I HAD BEEN LIKE TIED TO A BED.

IN A TRADITIONAL KIND OF DELIVERY SETTING WITH AN OB/GYN.

>> INTIMATE CARE PLAN THAT ALLOWED HER TO HAVE A NATURAL BIRTH.

THIS THE KIND OF UNIQUE EXPERIENCE MANY OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE BEEN PRACTICING FOR HUNDREDS OF YEARS AND DATA SHOWS COULD BENEFIT MORE FAMILIES HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

>> WEATHER AND AT HOME BIRTH OR THE HOSPITAL OR BIRTHING CENTER.

>>> WHAT WE FOUND IN COUNTRIES WHERE MIDWIFERY IS THE PRIMARY MODEL OF CARE, PARTICULARLY EUROPEAN COUNTRIES OUTCOMES ARE MUCH BETTER.

BECAUSE THE MOM IS PUT AT THE FOCUS.

>> THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAID POLICY CENTER AT THE NEW JERSEY HEALTHCARE QUALITY INSTITUTE.

SHE RECENTLY AUTHORED A REPORT LITTERING BETTER CARE MIDWIFERY PRACTICE IN NEW JERSEY, HIGHLIGHTING HOW HAVING A MIDWIFE CAN ALLEVIATE THE GROWING MATERNAL HEALTH CRISIS IN NEW JERSEY.

BY IMPROVING CARE AND REDUCING RACIAL DISPARITIES.

BLACK WOMEN IN NEW JERSEY ARE SEVEN TIMES MORE LIKELY TO EXPERIENCE A PREGNANCY RELATED DEATHS.

THAN WHITE WOMEN.

>> WHEN MIDWIVES ARE SUPPORTING THOSE INDIVIDUALS, THEIR QUALITY OF CARE TURNS OUT BETTER.

THERE IS LESS RISK OF LOW BIRTH RATE DELIVERIES.

LESS INTERVENTIONS DURING DELIVERY INCLUDING C-SECTIONS AND EPISIOTOMY'S.

>> THERE CALLING ON THE STATE TO EASE SOME OF THE EXISTING BARRIERS FOR THIS LONGTIME PRACTICE.

IN 2019 ONLY ABOUT 10% OF BIRTHS WERE ATTENDED BY MIDWIVES.

AND EVEN THOUGH ADVOCATES SAY MIDWIVES PROVIDE THE SAME CARE AS A DOCTOR DURING PREGNANCY, MEDICAID PAYS THEM 95% OF AN OB/GYN RATE.

A COVERING TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE THAT YOUR PROPOSAL CALLS FOR MEDICAID TO COVER 100% OF MIDWIFERY CAUSE.

THOUGH HIS PROPOSAL STILL NEEDS LEGISLATIVE APPROVAL.

>> STUDY SHOWS STATES THAT HAVE THE MOST RESTRICTIVE PRACTICE FOR NURSE MIDWIVES.

LESS INDEPENDENT PRACTICE OR RESTRICTED SCOPES OF PRACTICE, THAT THE STATES SCORE WORSE ON CRITICAL MATERNAL AND INFANT HEALTH INDICATORS LIKE C- SECTIONS AND PRETERM BIRTH RATE AND MORTALITY.

STATES WITH REGULATIONS THAT SUPPORT INDEPENDENT PRACTICE HAVE MORE MIDWIVES RATER WORKFORCE AND GREATER PROPORTIONS OF -- >>> NEW JERSEY IS MAKING PUSH TO IMPROVE OUTCOMES FOR MOTHERS AND THEIR BABIES WHEN IT COMES TO GETTING THEIR APPROPRIATE TREATMENT THEY NEED.

MIDWIFERY ADVOCATES SAY THE PRACTICE IS A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE.

THEY HOPE WILL BE ABLE TO HELP EVEN MORE FAMILIES.

>>> THAT DOES IT FOR US THIS EVENING.

HEADED OVER TO NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS THAT WORK AND CHECK US OUT ON OUR SOCIAL PLATFORMS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON THE GARDEN STATE.

FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM THANKS FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT.

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

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

SOME NJM INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN SERVING POLICYHOLDERS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

JUST WHO ARE NJM POLICYHOLDERS?

THE SOCIAL SERVICE AND NONPROFIT PIONEERS WHO LEND A HELPING HAND.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS.

THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PROVIDE OUR SKILLED LABOR.

AND OUR HOMEGROWN CHAMPIONS.

THE PEOPLE WHO MAKE OUR STATE A GREAT PLACE TO CALL HOME.

>>> NJM, WE'VE GOT NEW JERSEY COVERED.

>>> IF YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH HAS TWO EASY WAYS TO DO IT FROM ANYWHERE.

YOU CAN SEE AN URGENT CARE PROVIDER 24/7 ON ANY DEVICE WITH OUR TELE-MED APP OR USE OUR WEBSITE TO BOOK A VIRTUAL VISIT WITH A RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH MEDICAL GROUP PROVIDER OR SPECIALIST.

EVEN AS A NEW PATIENT.

YOU HAVE TAKEN EVERY PRECAUTION AND SO HAVE WE.

SO DON'T DELAY YOUR CARE ANY LONGER.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

>>> 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, TO DREAM, TO ACHIEVE.

A CHANCE TO BE KNOWN AND TO BE AN AMERICAN.

MY NAME IS JULIA -- I'M PROUD TO BE.