FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY -- EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT 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.

>>> FROM NJ PBS THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

I'M JOANNA GAGIS.

A GROUP OF 10 DEMOCRATS AND 10 REPUBLICANS CAME TOGETHER THIS PAST WEEKEND TO DO SOMETHING THAT HASN'T BEEN DONE IN ABOUT THREE DECADES.

NOT EVEN AFTER THE SANDY HOOK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SHOOTING 10 YEARS AGO.

THEY AGREED ON A PACKAGE OF GUN SAFETY BILLS THAT AIM TO REDUCE THE MASS SHOOTINGS THAT OCCUR DAILY.

IN THIS COUNTRY.

THE AGREEMENT INCLUDES EXPANSION OF RED FLAG LAWS IN STATES WHERE GUNS ARE TAKEN AWAY FROM DANGEROUS PEOPLE.

INCREASED BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PEOPLE UNDER 21 WHO WANT TO PURCHASE A GUN.

INVESTMENTS IN MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AND INCREASED SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES.

NEW JERSEY'S U.S.

SENATOR CORY BOOKER HELPED TO NEGOTIATE THE DEAL.

HE IS WITH ME NOW TO TALK ABOUT IT.

SENATOR DISAGREEMENT IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN A VERY LONG TIME.

WHAT DID IT TAKE TO REACH AGREEMENT ON THINGS LIKE CLOSING THE BOYFRIEND LOOPHOLE OR INCREASING BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 21?

>> SHOULD WE PASS IT IT WOULD BE THE MOST SIGNIFICANT GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION PASSED IN THE 30 YEARS.

IT HAS BEEN A LONG JOURNEY TO GET HERE.

WITH A LOT OF WORK ON INDIVIDUAL PROVISIONS WE HAVE BEEN PUSHING THESE SINCE I GOT TO THE UNITED STATES SENATE WITH COLLEAGUES OF MINE LIKE CHRIS MURPHY.

HE AND I HAVE DONE EVERYTHING FROM A FILIBUSTER ON THE SENATE FLOOR.

A LOT OF WORKING AND ORGANIZING AND A LOT OF OUTSIDE GROUPS ALL ACROSS THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY FROM GROUPS LIKE MOM'S DEMAND ACTION HAVE BEEN RALLYING AND ORGANIZING.

SO HERE WE ARE AT THE POINT WHERE WE CAN MAKE A REAL SOLID STEP FORWARD IN MAKING OUR COUNTRY SAFER.

NOWHERE NEAR WHERE WE NEED TO GO BUT THIS IS A SOLID STRIKE FOR WORK WHEN A JOURNEY OF ATTENDING THIS EPIDEMIC VIOLENCE OF GUNS IN OUR COUNTRY.

>> YOU SAID NOT ALL WAS INCLUDED IN THERE.

THE PRESIDENT SAID CERTAINLY THIS IS NOT THIS DOESN'T ACCOMPLISH EVERYTHING HE WANTED TO SEE BUT IT IS A START.

I'M CURIOUS WHAT YOU PUSHED FOR THE DID NOT MAKE IT INTO THE AGREEMENT.

>> I'M HAPPY TO HAVE A LOT OF FINGERPRINTS OVER THIS BILL ESPECIALLY WITH THINGS LIKE RESOURCES FOR SOMETHING CALLED COMMUNITY VIOLENCE INTERRUPTION.

WHICH I KNOW FROM CAMDEN GETTING RESOURCES AND COMMUNITIES TO DO EVIDENCE- BASED PROGRAMS THAT HELP TO DIVERT PEOPLE FROM VIOLENT ACTION INTO CONSTRUCTION ACTION.

IT REALLY DOES WORK.

THE THINGS THAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING TO DO IN THIS BILL IN THE FUTURE IS THINGS LIKE ON LICENSING.

YOU NEED A LICENSE TO EVEN CUT HERE -- WHY DON'T YOU NEED A LICENSE TO BUY A WEAPON OF WAR?

AND IT IS SOMETHING THAT IS SUPPORTED OVERWHELMINGLY BY AMERICANS AND FRANKLY IN STATES LIKE CONNECTICUT AND THEY DID IT A LOWER GUN VIOLENCE RATE OF 40%.

OF COURSE THINGS LIKE AN ASSAULT WEAPON BAN AND MORE COMPREHENSIVE UNIVERSAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.

THESE ARE THINGS SUPPORTED OVERWHELMINGLY BY REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS AND WE SHOULD GET THEM DONE IN THE FUTURE.

>> WHEN WE LOOK AT THE INCREASED BACKGROUND CHECKS FOR INDIVIDUALS UNDER 21 WILL THAT INCLUDE SOCIAL MEDIA?

HAS THAT BEEN FLESHED OUT YET WAS NEXT WE ARE STILL WRITING THAT SECTION OUT.

>>> I AM HOPEFUL IT WILL BE COMPREHENSIVE IN THE SENSE OF CHECKING WITH SCHOOLS AND POLICE DEPARTMENTS LOCALLY TO SEE WHAT IS GOING ON.

THIS IS GOING TO MAKE RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR STATES TO DO THIS TO DO THEIR MORE ISSUES LIKE RED FLAG LAWS THAT WILL CAPTURE A LOT OF THESE THINGS THAT WHERE PEOPLE MAY HAVE MADE THREATS ON THE INTERNET.

BUT THE BACKGROUND CHECK PERIOD FOR KIDS IS GOING TO CHECK SPECIFICALLY SOME OF THEIR RECORDS WITH LOCAL POLICE AND SCHOOLS.

>> WE KNOW SO MANY MASS SHOOTINGS ARE CARRIED OUT BY PEOPLE UNDER 21.

WHAT IS THE CONTINUED OPPOSITION FROM THE GOP PUSHING BACK ON RAISING THE PURCHASING AGE LIMIT?

>>> THAT WAS A TOUGH THING WE DID NOT GAIN AT THE NEGOTIATION TABLE THIS TIME.

THEY DO NOT WANT TO ADD NEW GUN RESTRICTIONS IN THAT MANNER AND WHAT DREW THE LINE AT RAISING THE AGE WITH WHICH TO BUY THESE HORRIFIC WEAPONS.

SO WE DID NOT GET THAT OFF THE TABLE.

THIS INCREASED BACKGROUND CHECK PERIOD COULD HELP US TO PUT A COOLING OFF PERIOD THAT COULD PREVENT SOME OF THE THINGS LIKE WE SAW IN UVALDE AND BUFFALO.

>>> OBVIOUSLY THE DETAILS DON'T NEED TO BE WRITTEN OUT AS YOU SAID.

HOW CONFIDENT ARE YOU THAT YOU WILL HAVE THE 60 VOTES NEEDED IN THE SENATE AND THEN BE ABLE TO MOVE THIS THROUGH THE HOUSE?

>>> WE STARTED WITH 20 OF US.

I WAS ONE OF 10 DEMOCRATS AND THERE IS 10 REPUBLICANS.

THAT IS A PRETTY GOOD START.

THAT GETS US IMMEDIATELY TO 60.

IF THE DEMOCRATS HOLD WHICH I KNOW THEY WILL.

WE'RE GOING TO TRY TO BUILD FROM THERE ACTUALLY AND GET MORE REPUBLICANS.

THAT IS THE WORK WE HAVE BEFORE US.

>>> UNITED STATES SENATOR CORY BOOKER.

THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

>>> THANK YOU VERY MUCH.

>>> NEW JERSEY IS CONSIDERING ITS OWN LEGISLATION TO HOLD GUN MAKERS RESPONSIBLE WHEN WEAPONS ARE USED TO THE DETRIMENT OF OTHERS.

A BILL PASSED THE SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE YESTERDAY THAT WOULD ALLOW NEW JERSEY'S ATTORNEY GENERAL TO BRING LEGAL ACTION AGAINST GUN COMPANIES IN CASES WHERE THOSE GUNS IN DANGER THREATENS TO ENDANGER OR ACTUALLY INJURE ANOTHER PERSON.

ADVOCATES SAY IT WILL HELP STOP THE FLOW OF ILLEGAL GUNS INTO NEW JERSEY.

WHILE NEW JERSEY ALREADY HAS SOME OF THE STRICTEST GUN LAWS IN THE NATION THAT BILL IS JUST ONE AND A PACKAGE OF BILLS THAT GOVERNOR MURPHY IS CALLING ON THE LEGISLATURE TO PASS.

OTHER BILLS INCLUDE A BAN ON 50 CALIBER FIREARMS, ONE REQUIRING THAT GUNS BE STORED IN A GUN SAFE OR LOCKBOX.

A BILL THAT MANDATES GUN SAFETY CLASSES BE COMPLETED FOR A GUN PERMIT IS ISSUED.

AND A BILL REQUIRING GUN OWNERS MOVING HERE REGISTER THEIR FIREARM AND THEIR ID CARD WITHIN 60 DAYS OF MOVING TO THE STATE.

TODAY RAVEN SANTANA ATTENDED AN EVENT WITH STATE LEADERS AND REPORTS ON A NEW TECHNOLOGY CALLED MICRO STAMPING THAT ALLOWS LAW ENFORCEMENT TO TRACE BULLETS BACK TO THE WEAPON THAT DISCHARGE THEM.

>> WE JUST CAME IN.

IT WAS 15 MINUTES.

WHERE SHE COULD HAVE POSSIBLY SEEN THIS HAPPEN IN FRONT OF HER.

I CRIED FOR HER BUT I CRIED FOR ALL THE KIDS WHO HAVE SEEN THIS.

WHO WALKED TO SCHOOL AND HEAR IT.

WHO COME FROM THE HOUSEHOLD THAT HAS BEEN PLAGUED WITH IT.>>> SENATOR TERESSA RUIZ HOLDING BACK TEARS DESCRIBING THE MOMENT SHE FEARED THAT HER FIVE-YEAR-OLD COULD HAVE BEEN CAUGHT IN CROSSFIRE OR WITNESS TO YOUNG MEN BEING DONE DOWN NEAR HER HOME IN NEWARK.

THE CLOSE CALL IN ADDITION TO THE RECENT MASS SHOOTINGS ACROSS THE COUNTRY NOW HAS STATE LAWMAKERS AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CALLING FOR A PASSAGE OF A BILL THAT WOULD REQUIRE MICRO STAMPING TECHNOLOGY FOR NEW SEMI AUTOMATIC PISTOLS SOLD IN THE STATE.

>> A LIVE DEMONSTRATION OF THE CUTTING EDGE FORENSIC TECHNOLOGY USED FOR TRACING BULLET CASINGS TO THE FIREARM IT WAS DISCHARGE FROM WAS GIVEN BY COINVENTOR -- >> MICRO STAMP CONSIST OF EIGHT DIGITS.

AROUND THAT MICRO STAMP IS A GEAR CODE WHICH IS A BINARY CODE THAT HAS THE SAME EIGHT DIGITS.

THE IDEA IS THAT ONE AVERAGE FOUR CARTRIDGES ARE FOUND AT A CRIME SCENE.

WHEN THE FIREARM IS NOT RECOVERED THOSE FOUR CARTRIDGES WHEN IT IS PUT IT TOGETHER BY A FORENSIC PROFESSIONAL CAN EXTRACT THAT CODE GREATER THAN 90% OF THE TIME.

9% OF THE TIME.

THE REALITY IS THAT IT IS JUST LIKE A LICENSE PLATE.>> I RECOGNIZE SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS.

NOBODY IS DENYING THAT.

YOU DON'T HAVE A SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHT TO SHOOT SOMEONE AND GET AWAY WITH IT.

YOU HAVE A RIGHT TO OBSTRUCT LAW ENFORCEMENT INVESTIGATIONS.

>> LAWMAKERS SAY THAT TECHNOLOGY GIVES OFFICERS A NEW UNBIASED TOOL TO HELP SOLVE GUN CRIMES AND APPREHEND SUGARS BEFORE THEY COST MORE HARM.

>> IF WE CAN IDENTIFY BULLETS CASINGS WHERE THEY COME FROM THE GUNS THAT HAVE BEEN USED THAT PUT THESE CASINGS OUT.

THE PEOPLE TO HELP HIM.

THE MANUFACTURER THE PUT THEM ON THE STREET.

IF WE CAN GET ALL OF THESE PEOPLE AND HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE THEN MAYBE WE WILL GET SOME TRACTION ON THIS THE WAY WE NEED TO GET.

>> TECHNOLOGY CAN HOPEFULLY GIVE FAMILIES JUST DISLIKE -- WHO WAS ONE OF A DOZEN MEMBERS FROM THE GROUP MOMS DEMAND ACTION.

WHO RALLIED OUTSIDE SENATE PRESIDENT'S OFFICE DEMANDING HE POSE GUN SAFETY LEGISLATION FOR A VOTE.

A BILL REQUIRING NEW HANDGUNS SOLD IN NEW JERSEY TO HAVE MICRO STAMPING TECHNOLOGY IS ONE OF SEVERAL GOVERNOR MURPHY IS CALLING THE LEGISLATURE TO PASS AS PART OF HIS GUN SAFETY 3.0 PACKAGE.

>> THE LEADING CAUSE OF DEATH FOR CHILDREN AND TEENS.

IN THE U.S. NO OTHER COUNTRY IN THE ENTIRE WORLD NO OTHER HIGH- END PURE COUNTRY EXPERIENCES THIS RIGHT OF GUN VIOLENCE.

WE ARE THE ONLY ONE.

SO WE ARE CALLING ON HIM TO DO EVERYTHING WE CAN IN NEW JERSEY TO STOP THE EPIDEMIC OF GUN VIOLENCE.

>> THE FIGHT IS PERSONAL FOR -- WHO LOST A LOVED ONE TO GUN VIOLENCE IN 2019.

THE VICTIM WAS 23-YEAR-OLD -- SOMEONE SHE CONSIDERED LIKE A SON.

THE COLLEGE STUDENT WAS FOUND SHOT TO DEATH INSIDE A CAR IN NEWARK AFTER HE WENT TO DROP OFF FAMILY MEMBERS.

TILL THIS DAY THEY HAVE NO IDEA WHO WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HIS DEATH.

>> EVEN THOUGH THE GUN VIOLENCE ARCHIVE SAYS FOR A MORE EQUAL SMASHING IT IS ONE.

BECAUSE WHEN YOU TAKE PEOPLE LIKE -- YOU TAKE SONS.

YOU TAKE BROTHERS.

YOU TAKE FATHERS.

YOU ARE CAUSING MASS DESTRUCTION TO THE FAMILY.

I HAVE A MASSIVE HOLE IN MY HEART.

>> THERE ARE HAPPY TO SEE THIS AND IS STARTING TO MOVE ON A FRAMEWORK FOR THE PACKAGE.

THEY SAY THERE IS SO MUCH MORE THAT CAN BE DONE.

CURRENTLY ONLY TWO STATES IN THE COUNTRY CALIFORNIA AND NEW YORK THE PAST MICRO STAMPING LAWS.

ADVOCATES NOW HOPE NEW JERSEY BECOMES THE THIRD.>>> MORE THAN 300 NURSES IN NEWARK WERE BACK ON THE PICKET LINE THIS WEEK IN A STRIKE THAT IS NOW STRETCHED INTO WEEK FOUR.

THE ST. MICHAEL'S MEDICAL CENTER NURSING TEAM HAS REJECTED A CONTRACT OFFER FROM CALIFORNIA BASED EMPLOYER PRIME HEALTHCARE SERVICES.

THE NURSES ARE CALLING FOR HIGHER WAGES, BETTER HEALTH BENEFITS AND AN END TO FLOATING.

WHERE THERE ARE ASSIGNED TO A NURSING UNIT THEY ARE NOT EVEN TRAINED FOR.

MELISSA TAKES A LOOK AT WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO GET THESE NURSES BACK TO WORK AT A TIME WHEN NURSING SHORTAGES ARE PLAGUING THE STATE AND NATION.

>> JUST BE FAIR.

LET US FEEL VALUED.

>> FELICIA HAS BEEN WORKING AND IT X-RAY TECHNICIAN AT ST. MICHAEL'S MEDICAL CENTER IN NEWARK FOR YEARS.

SHE SAID SHE AND HER COLLEAGUES ARE NOT GETTING PAID THE MONEY THEY DESERVE.

>> WE WERE HERE THE LAST TWO YEARS WORKING DURING COVID.

HELPING PEOPLE OUT.

EVEN PEOPLE -- PEOPLE PPE.

NOW YOU'RE GOING TO TELL US WE ARE NOT WORTH IT.

THAT NOW OUR LIVES TO MATTER.

>> THEY BEEN PICKETING EVERY DAY IN FRONT OF THE HOSPITAL PUTTING THEIR FRUSTRATIONS ON FULL DISPLAY.

>> I HAVE NO INCOME.

THIS IS WHAT I HAVE.

I SHOULD NOT HAVE TO GO SOMEPLACE ELSE TO MAKE UP FOR WHAT I DON'T HAVE HERE.

MY DAUGHTER IS A TEACHER.

SHE IS HELPING ME OUT WHICH DOESN'T MAKE SENSE.

SO THIS IS RIDICULOUS.

WE'VE BEEN HERE TOO LONG AND IT HAS BEEN DISRESPECTFUL.

THEY ARE DISRESPECTING US.

>> NURSES AND TECHNICIANS AT THE HOSPITAL INITIALLY WENT ON STRIKE AFTER CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE HOSPITAL FAILED.

IN THE FOURTH WEEK ALL 350 WORKERS WHO HAVE BEEN JOINING THE LINE SAY ALL THEY WANT IS TO BE TREATED FAIRLY.

>> WE ARE HOPING FOR GOOD HEALTHCARE INSURANCE.

THE BEST PLANT THEY CAN COME UP WITH.

THE BEST ONE.

NOT JUST SOMETHING THEY WANT TO THROW AT US.

WE ARE ALSO HOPING TO GET A PAY INCREASE.

WAGE WISE AND WE ALSO HOPE TO INCREASE OUR PENSION FUND.

DO SOMETHING TO MAKE US BETTER WORKERS AND WE DESERVE IT.

ALL THE THINGS WE GET.

>> THAT ONLY ARE NURSES AND TECHNICIANS GETTING BETTER BENEFITS AND MAKING MUCH MORE AND OTHER AREA HOSPITALS, PRIME HEALTHCARE WHICH OWNS ST. MICHAEL'S IS PAYING ALMOST 3 TIMES MORE TO TEMPORARY WORKERS BROUGHT INTO THE HOSPITAL DURING THE STRIKE.

SO THEY FELT THEY HAD NO OTHER CHOICE BUT TO TURN DOWN THE DEAL THAT WAS OFFERED TO THEM.

>> THE WAGE WEREN'T ANYWHERE NEAR MARKET RATE.

HERE WE ARE COMING OUT OF THE PANDEMIC THAT HAS LASTED FOR 2 1/2 YEARS.

YOU HAVE SEVERAL HUNDRED OF OUR MEMBERS HAVE PUT THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE EVERY DAY.

ONE THING TO POINT OUT THAT MANAGEMENT CONVENIENTLY FORGETS IS THAT THERE IS A NURSING SHORTAGE.

THIS ON TOP OF A NURSING SHORTAGE OBVIOUSLY YOU WANT A HAPPY WORKFORCE.

YOU WANT THEM TO WANT TO COME TO WORK.

THEY ALSO WANT A FAIR WAGE.

THEY WANT GOOD HEALTH BENEFITS AND THEY WANT A SAFE WORKING ATMOSPHERE.

>>> RIGHT NOW THEY ARE PAYING TRAVEL NURSES 115 OR $150 AN HOUR.

WE ARE NOT ASKING FOR THAT.

WE JUST WANT TO BE -- SOMETHING THAT IS RIGHT.

WE HAVE TERRIBLE HEALTHCARE.

THEY OFFERED US TERRIBLE HEALTHCARE.

AND -- THE PAY WAGES IT IS LIKE A SLAP IN THE FACE.

I MEAN COME ON.

2.2, WHAT IS THAT?

THAT IS LIKE PENNIES ADDED TO YOUR PAYCHECK.

THAT IS NOTHING.

WE GOT SUCKER PUNCH.

>> HOSPITAL MAINTAINS THE OFFER WAS FAIR AND DESPITE WORK IS BEING ON STRIKE THERE HAS BEEN NO SHORTAGE IN CARE.

>> THE HOSPITAL HAS REMAINED OPEN FROM DAY ONE OF THE STRIKE.

IT IS STILL OPEN TO THIS DAY.

WE'VE HIRED REPLACEMENT WORKERS.

REPLACEMENT NURSES AND OTHER MEDICAL STAFF.

THEY HAVE SETTLED IN NOW.

WE ARE GETTING GREAT REPORTS BACK FROM OUR PATIENTS.

THEY ARE CONTINUING TO PROVIDE SAFE CARE FOR OUR PATIENTS.

>> REPRESENTATIVES FROM ST. MICHAEL SAY THEY'RE WILLING TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATIONS.

AS FOR NOW NURSES AND TECHNICIANS REMAIN ON STRIKE BUT THEY ARE HOPING THEIR DEMANDS WILL BE HEARD SOON SO THEY CAN FINALLY GET BACK TO HELPING PATIENTS.>>> PARTY SEASON IS ALREADY IN FULL SWING AT THE JERSEY SHORE.

BUT TWO TOWNS ARE TAKING ACTION TO STOP WHAT ARE CALLED POP-UP PARTIES.

THESE ARE UNLICENSED EVENTS THAT ARE OFTEN PLANNED UNANNOUNCED ONLINE WHERE PEOPLE SHOW UP ON THE BEACH WITH ALCOHOL AND WEED.

MANY ENDED WITH VANDALISM PROPERTY DAMAGE AND ARREST.

LAST WEEK THE CITY OF LONG BRANCH FILED A REQUEST FOR A TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AGAINST SIX ORGANIZES OF A SO- CALLED POP-UP PARTY.

ONE OF THEM THAT DREW ROUGHLY 5000 PEOPLE.

IT IS ASKING THE COURT TO STOP THESE INDIVIDUALS FROM PROMOTING ANY EVENTS WITHOUT A PERMIT.

AND POINT PLEASANT BEACH IS SEEKING AN INJUNCTION ABOUT TWO OF THOSE ORGANIZES FOR ADVERTISING A PARTY IN THAT SHORT TOWN.

THE COST OF THESE MUNICIPALITIES FOR POLICE AND CLEANUP CAN BE UPWARDS OF $20,000.

>>> EVERY SUMMER JERSEY SHORE BUSINESSES FACE THE SAME PROBLEM.

HOW TO STAFF TEMPORARY JOB POSITIONS WHEN THERE SIMPLY AREN'T ENOUGH RESIDENTS TO FILL THEM.

ONE SOLUTION IS THE J ONE VISA PROGRAM IT WORK PERMIT THAT ALLOWS FOREIGN STUDENTS TO WORK HERE IN AMERICA.

SOME 5000 STUDENTS COME A YEAR BUT THE PROGRAM SCREECHED TO A HALT DURING THE PANDEMIC.

IT IS FINALLY BACK UP AND RUNNING THIS YEAR BUT WILL THERE BE ENOUGH TO FILL THE NEEDS OF NEW JERSEY'S REBOUNDING TOURISM INDUSTRY?

TED GOLDBERG HAS THE STORY.

>> CERTAINLY HAS AN EFFECT ON ITS EMPLOYEES.>> I'VE BEEN HERE JUST FOR 2 WEEKS.

BUT THEY ALREADY LOVE THIS COUNTRY.

AND I LOVE --'S IS ONE OF ABOUT 550 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS WORKING AT MURRAY'S ON AJ ONE VISA.

IT IS A PROGRAM THAT IS PROVIDING WILDWOOD WITH MORE THAN 1000 SEASONAL WORKERS FOR THE SUMMER.

>> IT ALLOWS US TO REALLY FILL OUR ROSTER AND TO MAKE SURE WE CAN HAVE EVERYTHING OPEN FOR OUR GUESS THAT WE CAN MEET THE SCHEDULED HOURS THAT WE HAD PLANNED AND THAT WE CAN HAVE THEIR VISIT BE SMOOTH INSTEAD OF WAITING IN LINES AND NOT BEING ABLE TO SERVICE THEM.

>> WHEN YOU HAVE LARGE AMUSEMENT PARKS AND BOARDWALKS LARGE HOTELS, RESORT AREAS.

-- NEEDS TO HIRE.

IN LARGE NUMBERS.

>> LEADERS HAVE TRIED TO GET LOCALS TO FILL THE JOBS.

BUT THERE AREN'T ENOUGH OF THEM.

HIGH SCHOOL KIDS START SUMMER TOO LATE AND COLLEGE KIDS IN THE SUMMER TOO EARLY.>> MANY AMERICANS HAVE SUMMER ACTIVITIES EITHER THEY ARE TRAINING FOR THEIR SPORTS.

OR THEY ARE ENHANCING THEIR EDUCATION.

THEY HAVE OTHER ACTIVITIES THAT THEY ARE INVOLVED IN.

THEY ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO WORK.

WE HAVE TRIED WITH MAJOR CAMPAIGNS.

TRYING TO RECRUIT WORKERS.

>> THE LAST TWO SUMMERS MURRAY'S STRUGGLED TO KEEP EVERYTHING OPEN WITH FAR FEWER J ONE WORKERS.

NOW THEY ARE BACK TO PRE- PANDEMIC LEVELS OF STAFFING.

WITH ONE THIRD OF THEIR SEASONAL JOBS GOING TO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.

>> AS COVID NUMBERS WITH SPIKE THE EMBASSIES WOULD HAVE TO ADHERE TO THE LOCAL REGULATIONS SHUTDOWNS ETC.

AND THEN EMBASSY STAFFING WE HAD AN ADMINISTRATION'S CHANGE.

PEOPLE LEAVE DURING THAT PERIOD OF TIME AND DID NOT HAVE ENOUGH STAFFING AT THE EMBASSIES TO HAVE ALL OF THE INTERVIEWS NECESSARY FOR THE KIDS TO GET THEIR VISAS.

>> STUDENTS SAY THEY HAVE PLENTY OF REASONS TO SIGN UP FOR THE PROGRAM.

>> PARTICIPATING IN THIS PROGRAM IS LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY.

THAT EVERYONE SHOULD TAKE IT.

I WANTED TO EXPERIENCE AMERICAN CULTURE.

I WANTED TO EXPLORE AMERICAN LANDSCAPES BEAUTIFUL NATURE.

AND OF COURSE MAKE A LOT OF NEW FRIENDS.

>> I LOVE THE CHANGE OF SCENERY.

THE CHANGE FOR A BIT.

OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS OF COVID AT HOME.

BEING HERE FOR THE NEXT COUPLE MONTHS IS REALLY NICE.

A REAL NICE CHANGE.

>> I WAS WISHING -- AMERICA IT WAS MY DREAM TO VISIT AMERICA.

I THINK THAT WAS PUSHING ME TO APPLY.

TWICE.

I WOULD LIKE TO BE -- MY COUNTRY -- I DON'T HAVE A CHANCE.

>>> THE STUDENTS MIGHT NEED A FEW REINFORCEMENTS AS THE SUMMER SEASON GETS UNDERWAY.

>> IT IS SLIGHTLY IMPROVED BUT STILL A SERIOUS OR SHORTAGE.

LOOKING FOR SEASONAL EMPLOYEES.

-- THE SHORE HAS -- TIME TO RAMP UP WE ALWAYS RELIED ON STUDENTS FOR WORKERS THAT CAN DEDICATE THEIR SUMMER SEASON.

SCHOOL SCHEDULES AND WORK SCHEDULES.

NOT BEING AS ROUTINE AS IT HAS BEEN IN THE PAST WE CERTAINLY PROVIDED A CHALLENGE.

>> NEW JERSEY IS EXPECTING 4600 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS TO WORK THIS SUMMER.

ACCORDING TO THE DEPARTMENT OF STATE'S LATEST NUMBERS.>>> GETTING A REAL ID JUST GOT REAL EASY.

WELL EASIER ANYWAY.

NOW THAT YOU NO LONGER HAVE TO SHOW A PAPER COPY OF YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD WHEN APPLYING FOR THE ID.

THE CHANGE TAKES EFFECT IN NEW JERSEY AFTER A RECENT CHANGE TO FEDERAL LAW.

THAT ALLOWS YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER TO BE CONFIRMED ELECTRONICALLY THROUGH THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION.

IT APPLIES TO ANYONE SEEKING A STANDARD DRIVERS LICENSE A NON- DRIVER ID OR THE REAL ID.

WHY SHOULD YOU GET A REAL ID?

STARTING IN MAY OF 2023 ANYONE OVER THE AGE OF 18 FLYING A DOMESTIC FLIGHT WOULD NEED TO SHOW A PASSPORT IF THEY DON'T ALREADY HAVE THE REAL ID.

THAT CHANGE CAME OUT OF THE 9/11 COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS.

SOME COVID RELIEF FUNDS HELP MANY DURING THE PANDEMIC BUT THEY HAVE NOW CREATED A HEADACHE FOR CONGRESS.

>>> RHONDA SCHEFFLER HAS THE DETAILS PLUS ALL OF TONIGHT'S BUSINESS HEADLINES.

WHAT ARE THE CONCERNS AROUND SOME OF THE CHECKS THAT WERE SENT OUT?

>>> WITH THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BEGAN DISTRIBUTING BILLIONS OF DOLLARS IN PANDEMIC RELIEF TO STRUGGLING BUSINESSES IN THE MIST OF COVID 19, IT WAS A LIFELINE FOR MANY.

AND FOR OTHERS IT WAS AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMIT FRAUD.

TODAY A CONGRESSIONAL PANEL BEGAN EXAMINING THE PAYOUTS IN ONE PROGRAM FOLLOWING A REPORT THAT AS MUCH AS 20% OF TAXPAYER MONEY MAY HAVE GONE TO FRAUDSTERS.

THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL REPORTS PEOPLE USED STOLEN IDENTITIES TO RECEIVE FUNDS IN THE ECONOMIC INJURY DISASTER LOAN PROGRAM.

AND CONGRESSIONAL INVESTIGATORS FOUND THE SUM 1.6 MILLION APPLICATIONS FOR LOANS MAY HAVE BEEN APPROVED WITHOUT EVEN BEING EVALUATED.

ACCORDING TO TESTIMONY TODAY FROM THE SBA'S INSPECTOR GENERAL -- HE ALSO EXPECTS A NEW WAVE OF FRAUD TO BE DISCOVERED IN PPP LOANS.

>>> ALREADY OVER 66,000 LOANS HAVE DEFAULTED.

WHERE SBA PAID A 100% GUARANTEED TO THE LENDERS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3.7 BILLION.

AN ADDITIONAL NUMBER 1.2 MILLION PPP ARMORERS HAVE NOT REQUESTED LOAN FORGIVENESS.

ONE A PROGRAM DESIGNED TO FORGIVE THEIR DEBT.

NEEDLESS TO SAY THESE ARE HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS LOANS REQUIRE FOCUS AND SCRUTINY.

>> WHILE INVESTIGATIONS ARE ONGOING FEDERAL PROSECUTORS HAVE CHARGED NEARLY 1500 PEOPLE WITH CRIMES RELATED TO FRAUD.

AGAINST THE GOVERNMENT.

OVER BUSINESS LOANS AND ENHANCED UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE PROGRAMS.

WHEN THE PANDEMIC LED TO MASSIVE LAYOFFS NEW JERSEY'S UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TRUST FUND WAS DRAINED OF MONEY.

AND THE STATES SMALL BUSINESSES NEED TO PAY HIGHER PAYROLL TAXES TO REPLENISH IT.

BUT TODAY THE ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE PASSED LEGISLATION THAT WOULD SUPPORT TAX CREDITS TO BUSINESSES IN ORDER TO OFFSET SOME OF THAT TAX INCREASE.

THE BILL WAS SUPPORTED BY THE CHRISTOPHER -- >> THIS BILL FOCUSING ON WHATEVER UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE TAX INCREASE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE FACING IS BASICALLY GOING TO WIPE AWAY TWO THIRDS OF IT WITH THIS TAX CREDIT E-PASS COMMITTEE.

THAT IS A BIG DEAL.

>>> AMID DECADES HIGH INFLATION NUMBERS AND EXTREME VOLATILITY ON WALL STREET AS OF LATE THE FEDERAL RESERVE TODAY BEGAN A TWO-DAY MEETING TO DECIDE WHETHER OR NOT TO RAISE INTEREST RATES.

THE FED WILL ANNOUNCE HIS DECISION TOMORROW AND AGGRESSIVE MOVE IS EXPECTED.

HERE NOW IS A LOOK AT HOW THE STOCK MARKET CLOSE TODAY.

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

>>> FDA ADVISES MET TODAY TO DISCUSS MODERNA'S COVID 19 VACCINE FOR KIDS AGE 6 TO 17.

THAT AGE GROUP UNTIL NOW HAS ONLY HAD THE PFIZER VACCINE OPTION.

MODERNA WAS HELD UP OVER CONCERNS OF A SIDE EFFECT CALLED MYOCARDITIS THAT CAUSES INFLAMMATION AROUND THE HEART.

MOSTLY IN TEEN BOYS AND YOUNG MEN.

THE PANEL DECIDED TO APPROVE MODERNA SHOT AFTER CONCLUDING THAT TWO DOSES WERE EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING ILLNESS AMONG THE AGE GROUP.

IT REMAINS TO BE SEEN HOW MUCH DEMAND WILL EVEN EXIST FOR THE SHOT IN NEW JERSEY THOUGH.

SINCE LESS THAN 40% OF KIDS AGE 5 TO 11 ARE VACCINATED AND ONLY TWO THIRDS OF KIDS AGE 12 TO 17 GOT THE SHOT.

THE SAME PANEL WILL MEET TOMORROW TO CONSIDER WHETHER TO APPROVE BOTH MODERNA AND PFIZER SHOT FOR OUR YOUNGEST KIDS.

THOSE AGE 6 MONTHS TO FOUR YEARS FOR PFIZER.

SIX MONTHS TO FIVE YEARS FOR MODERNA.

THE STATE IS POISED FOR APPROVAL OF THE SHOT FOR THIS YOUNGEST GROUP.

GOVERNOR MURPHY PREORDERED 51,000 DOSES OF THE VACCINE FOR KIDS UNDER FIVE.

MEANWHILE THE NUMBER OF NEW COVID CASES REPORTED TODAY IS MORE THAN 2120 MORE DEATHS.

AFTER INCREASING THE SPRING IT APPEARS THE NUMBERS ARE STARTING TO DECLINE.

>>> BEFORE WE LEAVE YOU TONIGHT STUDENTS AND PATTERSON ARE GROWING MUCH MORE THAN A GARDEN AT THE ALONSO MOODY ACADEMY.

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE GARDENING NONPROFIT CITY GRAIN.

STUDENTS HAVE CREATED THE GARDEN NAMED AFTER ALONSO MOODY'S WIFE.

MORE THAN 80 STUDENTS HAVE WORKED IN THE GARDEN SINCE MARCH.

PLANTING THINGS LIKE STRAWBERRIES LETTUCE EGGPLANT BASIL WATERMELON AND A HOST OF OTHER VEGETABLES AND HERBS.

THE PROGRAM IS RUN THROUGH CITY GRAINS SCHOOL GROUNDS PROGRAM.

THAT GOES BEYOND THE CLASSROOM TO GIVE STUDENTS AN EXPERIENTIAL TYPE OF LEARNING.

THAT ALIGNS WITH THE MISSION OF THE ALONSO MOODY ACADEMY THAT HAS A LARGE AT RISK STUDENT BODY AND WORKS TO PROVIDE EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES OUTSIDE THE TYPICAL CLASSROOM SETTING TO HELP THEM GROW.

THESE PATTERSON STUDENTS NOW GET TO ENJOY THE FRUITS OF THEIR LABOR WITH THIS FIRST HARVEST.

>>> THAT DOES IT FOR US THIS EVENING BUT HEAD OVER TO NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.ORG AND CHECK US OUT ON SOCIAL PLATFORMS FOR ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON THE GARDEN STATE.

I'M JOANNA GAGIS FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM TAKE YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT AND WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

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

AND HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>>> 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 BELONG AND TO BE AN AMERICAN.

MY NAME IS JULIA -- AND I'M PROUD TO BE AN AND JEA MEMBER.

>>>