>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS IS PROVIDED BY NJM INSURANCE GROUP , SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS .

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

>>> GOOD EVENING.

THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS WEDNESDAY NIGHT, I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

AS U.S. SUPREME COURT JUSTICES APPEAR POISED TO OVERTURN THE ROE VERSUS WADE DECISION, A MAJORITY OF AMERICANS SAY IT SHOULD BE PRESERVED.

A NEW MOM WITH YOU UNIVERSITY POLL OUT TODAY FINDS.

57% OF THOSE SURVEYED WANT TO KEEP THE LANDMARK RULING INTACT, FOLLOWING A LEAKED DRAFT DECISION THAT WAS STRIKE DOWN THE LEGAL RIGHT TO ABORTION.

THE POLL ALSO FINDS THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS NOW HAVE AN UNFAVORABLE VIEW OF THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT.

52% DISAPPROVE WHILE 38% APPROVED.

TWO MONTHS AGO, AMERICANS WERE SPLIT ON THE SAME QUESTION.

MEANWHILE, NEW JERSEY HAS CODIFIED THE RIGHT TO ABORTION.

TODAY, THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION PROPOSED TWO MAJOR CHANGES TO THE LAW.

OUR SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, BRENDA FLANAGAN, IS IN TRENTON WITH THE LATEST.

>> Reporter: ABORTION RIGHTS ARE ENSHRINED IN STATE LAW.

WHO PAYS FOR THE PROCEDURE IS NOT.

FOR MANY PATIENTS, THE COST OF ABORTION HEALTHCARE REMAINS A HURDLE.

TODAY, GOVERNOR MURPHY ANNOUNCED HE IS BACKING A MEASURE TO APPROVE ABORTION ACCESS BY MANDATING THE STATE REGULATED INSURANCE PLANS COVER THE PROCEDURE.

>> YOUR BODY BELONGS TO YOU.

I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO BE MORE CLEAR.

>> Reporter: GOVERNOR MURPHY LAUNCHED THIS ACCESS INITIATIVE IN A ROOM FILLED WALL TO WALL ABORTION RIGHTS ACTIVIST, WITH A LEAK MAJORITY OPINION SUGGESTING THE SUPREME COURT IS POISED TO OVERTURN ROE V. WADE.

MURPHY UNDERSCORED THE KEY ITEM IN A LIST OF MEASURES.

IT MANDATES -- >> INSURANCE PLANS IN NEW JERSEY COVER ABORTION WITH NO COST-SHARING OR OUT-OF-POCKET COST.

THE GOVERNOR'S LIST CODIFIES EXTENDING ABORTION PROVIDERS TO INCLUDE NONPHYSICIANS, LIKE ADVANCED PRACTICE NURSES AND MIDWIVES, PROTECTS MEDICAL PROVIDERS AND PATIENTS WHO RECEIVE ABORTIONS IN NEW JERSEY FROM LEGAL ACTIONS BY STATES THAT I LIKE THE PROCEDURE, IT ESTABLISHES A REPRODUCTIVE ACCESS FUND LIKE NEW YORK'S, TO COVER TRAINING FOR AND PROCEDURES FOR UNINSURED OR UNDERINSURED PATIENTS.

>> NOTHING DEMANDS NOTHING LESS THAN A RATIFICATION OF THE FINANCIAL BARRIERS.

AS THE GOVERNOR MENTIONED, TO OBTAINING CONTRACEPTION AND PRENATAL SERVICES, INCLUDING ABORTION.

>> TODAY'S LEGISLATION IS SO CRITICAL TO OUR COLLECTIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS IN OUR STATE.

NEW JERSEY WILL ENSURE NO MATTER WHAT THE COURTS DECIDE, WE WILL HAVE REAL ACCESS TO ABORTION COVERAGE.

>> MURPHY TRIED TO MANDATE INSURANCE COVERAGE IN THE REAL ORIGINAL FREEDOM EVERY PRODUCTIVE CHOICE ACT.

IT DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH SUPPORT WITH LAWMAKERS ON EITHER SIDE OF THE AISLE.

GARY SHARE ABSTAINED THEN AND TODAY AND REFUSED TO COMMENT ON THIS RENEWED FUNDING EFFORT.

REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLYWOMAN NANCY MUNOZ ABSTAINED BUT SAYS SHE AGONIZES OVER THE ISSUE.

>> GOVERNOR MURPHY IS ALMOST GIDDY ABOUT A ONE-STOP ABORTION PLACE WE GIVE THE COURSE A CHANCE TO ROLL WITH THE STATE INSTEAD OF TRYING TO POLITICIZE IT AND JUMP OUT IN FRONT OF THIS.

>> THE NEW JERSEY ASSOCIATION OF HEALTH PLANS WAS NOT AVAILABLE TO COMMENT.

BUSINESS LEADERS SEE A COVERAGE MANDATE ADDING TO THEIR INSURANCE COSTS.

>> THE NUMBER ONE ISSUE IN COST OF DOING BUSINESS HISTORICALLY FOR OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY IS THE COST OF HEALTH CARE.

THE PREMIUMS CONTINUE TO RISE.

AS A RESULT, EMPLOYEES NEED TO OFFSET THAT.

AND CAUSE EMPLOYEES TO PICK UP MORE COST SHARE.

IS NOT SOMETHING AN EMPLOYER DOES EASILY.

BECAUSE THE COMPANY WANTS TO PROVIDE THE MOST COMPETITIVE PACKAGE THEY CAN.

>> A BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE DRAFTED BY NEXT WEEK.

THE GOVERNOR ADMITS THIS IS STILL A WORK IN PROGRESS AND THEY HAVE TO GROUND UP LEGISLATIVE SUPPORT.

IN TRENTON, I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THE PRESSURE WAS ON FEDERAL LAWMAKERS TODAY AS THE SENATE VOTED ON A BILL TO PROTECT THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO ABORTION ACCESS.

THE VOTE WAS DOOMED TO FAIL FROM THE START.

DEMOCRATS COULDN'T COBBLE TOGETHER THE 60 VOTES NEEDED TO MOVE IT FORWARD IN A 50-50 SPLIT CHAMBER.

PARTISAN DIVIDE IN WASHINGTON IS FURTHER SHOWING, WHILE GETTING EVERY MEMBER STANDS ON THE RECORD, FORCING ELECTED OFFICIALS TO ANSWER TO THE VOTERS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THEIR TIME IN OFFICE.

JOINING US FROM THE HILL IS NEW JERSEY'S SENIOR U.S.

SENATOR, BOB MENENDEZ.

THIS IS NOT THE FIRST TIME THAT THERE HAS BEEN A VOTE ON THIS BILL.

JOE MANCHIN ALL BUT PUT THE NAIL IN THE COFFIN TODAY.

THIS IS MORE ABOUT RALLYING THE BASE THAN THE VOTE ITSELF?

>> FROM MY PERSPECTIVE IT IS ABOUT THE VOTE ITSELF.

IT IS ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT WE ARE GOING TO STATUTORILY ENSURE THAT A WOMEN'S RIGHT TO CHOOSE, WHICH HAS BEEN THE LAW OF THE LAND FOR NEARLY HALF A CENTURY, AS PRESERVED IN THE LIGHT OF THE SUPREME COURT'S POTENTIAL DECISION TO UNDERMINE ROE AND TAKE AWAY 50 YEARS OF PRECEDENT.

THIS IS A MOMENT TO STAND BY THE WOMEN OF AMERICA.

>> WITHOUT THOSE VOTES, IS THERE A WAY TO CEMENT THE FEDERAL ABORTION RIGHTS WITHOUT SCRAPPING THE FILIBUSTER?

>> I THINK IT WILL BE VERY DIFFICULT.

WHAT CAN HAPPEN IS WE HAVE ELECTIONS, THIS NOVEMBER, FOR THE ENTIRE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND FOR A THIRD OF THE UNITED STATES SENATE.

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT IF I WAS A WOMAN WHO CARED ABOUT MY REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH AND MY PRIVACY UNDER THE LAW, AND ALL OF US WHO CARE ABOUT THIS -- BECAUSE ONCE YOU UP AND 50 YEARS OF PRECEDENT AND CASE LAW THAT HAS BEEN DECIDED, AFFIRMED AND REAFFIRMED, THEN ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE TO BE UPROOTED, VOTING RIGHTS, CIVIL RIGHTS, LGBTQ I RIGHTS, IMMIGRANT RIGHTS, YOU NAME IT.

ONCE THE COURT CAN START CHANGING THE LAW AFTER 50 YEARS OF THE LAW BEING ONE WAY AND SAYING WHAT WE HAVE A DIFFERENT VIEW NOW, THEN ANYTHING CAN HAVE A DIFFERENT VIEW.

THIS DECISION, IF IT IS THE FINAL DECISION, UPENDS EVERYTHING.

I WOULD BE ASKING EVERY CANDIDATE FOR CONGRESS IN THIS ELECTION, WHERE DO YOU STAND ON CODIFYING ROE V. WADE AND MAINTAINING MY RIGHT TO PRIVACY IN MY RIGHT TO DETERMINE MY OWN HEALTH DECISIONS BY MYSELF?

>> OF COURSE, GETTING EVERYONE STANDS ON THE RECORD IS ONE PART OF THIS.

ARE YOU CONCERNED, AT ALL, ABOUT THE CHANCE THAT REPUBLICANS COULD POTENTIALLY GET ENOUGH VOTES TO BAN ABORTION NATIONWIDE?

I KNOW MITCH McCONNEL SAID IT DOESN'T APPEAR TO BE THAT WAY.

IS NOT A CONCERN YOU HAVE THOUGH?

>> IF I WAS LISTENING TO MITCH McCONNEL, THE REPUBLICAN LEADER OF THE SENATE, IF THEY BECOME THE MAJORITY, HE PRETTY MUCH CLEARLY SAID THAT A NATIONAL FEDERAL BAN IS SOMETHING THEY WOULD CONSIDER.

WHETHER OR NOT THEY WOULD GET THE VOTES IS ANOTHER QUESTION.

FOR SUCH A THING, YOU WOULD NEED 60 VOTES UNLESS THEY CHANGED THE FILIBUSTER, AND THEY HAVE CHANGED THE FILIBUSTER IN THE PAST ON THE QUESTION OF SUPREME COURT NOMINEES.

THAT IS WHY WE HAVE THE SUPREME COURT WE HAVE TODAY.

>> DOES IT THEN COME DOWN TO EACH PERSON'S VOTE COME NOVEMBER?

WHERE DO WE GO FROM HERE?

>> IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOUR RIGHT TO CHOOSE, IF YOU CARE ABOUT PRESERVING THE ESSENCE OF PRECEDENT IS A LEGAL CONCEPT, SO THAT LAWS THAT HAVE EXISTED FOR YEARS CAN'T BE CHANGED WILLY-NILLY, IF YOU CARE ABOUT VOTING RIGHTS AND CIVIL RIGHTS, IF YOU CARE ABOUT LGBTQ RIGHTS, WHATEVER RIGHTS THAT YOU CHERISH , THE ANSWER IS THAT YOU WANT TO MAKE SURE THAT YOU ARE SUPPORTING A MEMBER OF CONGRESS WHO WANTS TO PRESERVE THOSE RIGHTS.

YES, IT WILL COME DOWN TO EACH VOTER THIS NOVEMBER IN ORDER TO ENSURE THEIR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHTS.

>> SENATOR BOB MENENDEZ, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

I'M SURE WE WILL CATCH UP WITH YOU SOON.

>>> IT WAS A NIGHT FOR THE INCUMBENTS.

VOTERS IN TWO OF THE STATES LARGER CITIES ELECTED TO KEEP THE CURRENT MAYORS AT THE HOME.

IN NEWARK, MAYOR ROSS LAROCCO WON BY A LANDSLIDE, SECURING A THIRD TERM AND THE MAJORITY OF THE VOTE AGAINST HIS SOUL CHALLENGER.

HE WOULDN'T KNOW IT BY HIS VICTORY SPEECH.

HE RAILED AGAINST THE ESSEX COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS, CALLING FOR MEMBERS TO IMMEDIATELY RESIGN, AFTER WHAT HE SAID AMOUNTED TO VOTERS BEING DISENFRANCHISED WHEN POLLING PLACES WERE CHANGED THE DAY BEFORE THE ELECTION.

AND PATTERSON, MAYOR ANDRE SAY A FADED OFF FOR CHALLENGES TO WIN ANOTHER FOUR YEARS IN OFFICE, CALLING IT A VICTORY FOR INTEGRITY.

IT IS A THINLY VEILED REFERENCE TO HIS TWO OPPONENTS FACING ELECTION FRAUD INDICTMENTS.

ACCORDING TO THE MAYOR'S OFFICE, HE IS THE FIRST PERSON IN MORE THAN 30 YEARS TO WIN PATTERSON'S ELECTION WITH MORE THAN 50% OF THE VOTE.

>>> THE DOORS HAVE BEEN OPEN AT THE STATES FIRST DOZEN ILLEGAL RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES FOR THREE WEEKS NOW.

IT COULD BE A LONG TIME BEFORE RESIDENTS SEE MORE BUSINESSES LIKE THEM.

WOULD BE OWNERS SAY THEY ARE STRUGGLING TO BREAK INTO THE MARKET, POINTING TO AN EXPENSIVE AND PROLONGED APPLICATION PROCESS AND THE NEED TO START OUT WITH A LARGE POT OF SEED MONEY.

>> WE ARE LOOKING TO RAISE ABOUT $1.2 MILLION, A CHUNK OF THAT ABOUT $200-$250 MILLION IS SPENT TRYING TO GET TO THE AT APPLICATION PROCESS.

>> CARL BOUTWELL IS APPLYING FOR A LICENSE TO SELL CANNABIS IN NEW JERSEY IS DOING SO TO THE CONDITIONAL LICENSING AGENCY.

EVEN STILL, THE PRICE TAG FOR APPLYING CAN BE HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

>> IT'S A LOT OF MONEY YOU SPENT ON ATTORNEYS REVIEWING YOUR APPLICATION, REVIEWING THE CONTACTS BETWEEN YOU AND POTENTIAL PARTNERS.

THEN THERE IS A LOT OF MONEY YOU SPEND ON LAND-USE ATTORNEYS TO OF IN FRONT OF THE ZONING BOARD IN FRONT OF A MUNICIPALITY AND SPENT HOURS EXPLAINING TO THEM HOW THE BUSINESS WILL BE COMPLIANT WITH THE ORDINANCE.

>> IT REQUIRES THEY SECURE FUNDING WITHOUT ANY GUARANTEES OF A BUSINESS.

>> WHEN YOU SPEAK TO A VENTURE CAPITALIST OR PRIVATE EQUITY INVESTOR AND YOU LOOK AT HIM AND SAY I NEED $1 MILLION FROM APPLICATION, TO GET THIS LICENSE, HE LOOKS AT IT AS WHAT VALUE DO YOU HAVE RIGHT NOW?

IF YOU WANT MY MILLION DOLLARS, I WANT 60%.

YOU ARE TRYING TO STAY IN MINORITY OWNED BUSINESS SO YOU NEED TO TAKE BETWEEN 51%.

ALL THE VALUES AND THE LICENSEE CAN'T GET WITHOUT THE STATES MONEY.

>> THE STATE SAID GETTING MINORITY OWNED BUSINESSES AND OPERATORS INTO THE MARKET PLACES A PRIORITY.

COREY DISHMAN IS APPLYING IS A SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANT.

MEANING HE HAS BEEN ARRESTED MORE THAN ONCE FROM MARIJUANA RELATED CHARGES.

HE, AND HIS PARTNER, CHARLES PENN, ONLY LIBRARY IN NEW JERSEY.

>> I HAVE TWO CHARGES BUT THEY WERE BOTH EXPUNGED.

NOW, THE PROBLEM IS TRYING TO GET THOSE CHARGES SO THAT I CAN PROVED TO THE STATE THAT I WAS ARRESTED ON TWO OCCASIONS.

>> Reporter: UNLIKE BURWELL, WHO IS STILL TRYING TO SECURE FUNDING, DISHMAN AND PENN HAVE AN INVESTOR.

EVEN WITH FINANCIAL BACKING, SECURING A PROPERTY MEANS THEIR GREATEST CHALLENGE.

THEY LOST A BID ON A $750,000 PROPERTY AFTER THEY OFFERED 1,000,004 EIGHT.

>> BIG BUSINESS CAME IN AND OFFERED 1.5 MILLION IN CASH.

AT THAT POINT WE LOST THE PROPERTY AND BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD.

THAT WAS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WHY WE HAD TO PURSUE THE ADDITIONAL LICENSE.

>> Reporter: THEY WERE OUTBID BY AN MSL, A MULTISTATE OPERATOR IN THE CANNABIS MARKETPLACE, THAT HAD AN AMOUNT OF CAPITAL NO SMALL BUSINESS OWNER COULD MATCH.

>> IT IS SOMETHING WE HAVE GONE UP AGAINST IN THIS SPACE AND I FOR SEE IT BEING AN ISSUE.

IN NEW JERSEY, THERE ARE ONLY 12 SPENCER OPEN AND ALL 12 RMS OWES.

FROM THE BEGINNING, WE ARE ALL DISENFRANCHISED IN ANY MARKET WE COME IN.

I DON'T MEAN THAT BY SKIN COLOR, I MEAN THAT BY SOCIO- ECONOMIC STATUS.

>> AS THIS MARKETPLACE ROSE OUT, DO YOU SEE ANYWAY IT RESEMBLES THE INTENTION OF THE STATE IN PROVIDING ACCESS TO FOLKS IN BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES, PEOPLE HAVE BEEN DISENFRANCHISED BY THE WAR ON DRUGS?

>> THEY TRANSITION THINGS ABOUT SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANT ARE GOING TO THE TOP OF THE PILE.

YOU STILL WON'T HAVE TOO MANY PEOPLE ABLE TO GET TO THE TOP OF THE PILE BECAUSE OF ALL THE REQUIREMENTS AND FINANCIAL CAPABILITIES THAT THEY MAY LACK.

>> PAIN IS CALLING FOR GREATER ALIGNMENT BETWEEN MUNICIPALITIES AND THE CRC TO ENSURE SMALL BUSINESSES ARE PRIORITIZED IN THE ROLLOUT OF THIS MARKETPLACE.

>>> AS THE CANNABIS INDUSTRY EMERGES, BUSINESS OWNERS ARE HAMMERING STATE LEADERS TO REFORM NEW JERSEY'S LIQUOR LAWS.

THEY HAVEN'T BEEN UPDATED SINCE THEY WERE ENACTED AT THE END OF PROHIBITION.

AS IT STANDS, THE NUMBER OF AVAILABLE LICENSES IS TIED TO A TOWN'S POPULATION, JUST ONE FOR EVERY 3000 RESIDENTS.

THAT, PLUS THE HIGH COST TO PURCHASE ONE, HAS MADE THE MARKET EXTREMELY COMPETITIVE.

HE COULD BE HURTING THE STATES ECONOMY.

>>> IF NEW JERSEY'S LIQUOR LAWS ANNOY YOU, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

>> IT IS THE MOST ARCHAIC LAW BEHIND UTAH.

I FIND IT A DISGRACEFUL KIND OF EFFORT FROM OUR LEGISLATORS AND STATE REPRESENTATIVES THAT ALLOW THIS TO HAPPEN.

IT IS, IT IS COSTING THE STATE JOBS.

IT IS COSTING THE STATE REVENUE.

IT IS COSTING THE STATE COMMERCIAL AND URBAN RENEWAL.

>> AARON DIAMANT RYAN AND, AND LOCK THEM OVER.

THE PANDEMIC AND INFLATION HAVE SQUEEZED PROFIT MARGINS SINCE HE OPENED SIX YEARS AGO.

I LIQUOR LICENSE WOULD HAVE HELPED BUT IT ALSO WOULD HAVE COST OVER $1 MILLION AND HE COULD NOT GET A LOAN FOR IT.

>> LIQUOR, FOR A RESTAURANT, IS IMPORTANT, NOT JUST FROM A SERVICE PERSPECTIVE, JOBS, AND THIS, BUT ALSO IT HELPS WITH OVERHEAD MARGINS, WITH OVERHEAD COSTS.

AS THIS INFLATION, AS IT KEEPS GOING UP, FOR COSTS, AND THAT STUFF, THE LIQUOR HELPS WITH THOSE WITH ADJUSTING THOSE COSTS.

>> NEW JERSEY IS ONE OF THE MOST RESTRICTIVE STATES IN HANDING OUT LIQUOR LICENSES.

EACH TOWN GETS ONE FOR EVERY 3000 PEOPLE.

MILBURN ONLY HAS A HANDFUL OF EXISTING LICENSES.

MOST OF THEM GOT SCOOPED UP BY THE SHORT HILLS MALL.

AS LOCAL RESTAURANTS STRUGGLE WITH THESE REGULATIONS, BREWERS AND DISTILLERS SAY NEW JERSEY'S REDTAPE TAKES IT TOUGH FOR THEM AS WELL.

>> IT'S NOT ENOUGH TO MAKE GOOD PRODUCT.

THE ECONOMIC REALITY OF THE LICENSE STRUCTURE IN NEW JERSEY THERE ARE PRECIOUS FEW TOP HANDLES AND LITTLE SHELF SPACE AVAILABLE FOR SMALL PRODUCERS.

THE MAJORITY OF THE MINERAL MONEY SPENT GOES TO SUPPLIERS THAT ARE MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS, NOT NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES.

>> THESE ARE SMALL MOM AND POP BUSINESSES.

WE SHOULD BE UNITING WITH THEM AND COLLABORATING WHILE NOT TAKING A HUGE AMOUNT OF THE PIE AWAY FROM ANYBODY.

THAT'S THE PROBLEM ON THE FLOOR.

>> A STATE ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE HEARD FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS ABOUT CHANGES THEY WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN NEW JERSEY'S LIQUOR LAWS, AND WAYS TO HELP CURRENT LICENSE HOLDERS IF THERE IS MORE COMPETITION.

>> MANY USE LICENSES OF SECURITY WHEN SEEKING BANK FINANCING.

ESTABLISHED PRESENCE IN THE INDUSTRY MUST BE ACKNOWLEDGED AND CONSIDERED WHEN DEVELOPING POTENTIAL CHANGES.

>> WHETHER THAT MEANS A GENERALLY LOWER COST, A LARGER UPFRONT PAYMENT FOLLOWED BY SMALLER YEARLY PAYMENTS, ANY MODEL THAT LOWERS THE BARRIER TO ENTRY, SO THERE IS CONFIDENCE TO WANT TO DO BUSINESS IN OUR CENTERS IS DESPERATELY NEEDED.

>> IF NOTHING CHANGES, RESTAURANT TOUR THE WORST.

>> WORLD-CLASS ESTABLISHMENTS THAT LOOKED AT THE ECONOMICS OF HAVING THEIR FIRST RESTAURANT IN THE UNITED STATES HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

BECAUSE OF THE COST OF LIQUOR LICENSE, ULTIMATELY HAVE CHOSEN OTHER STATES.

>> IS LESS CHANCE OF US SEEING A LONG-TERM FUTURE.

TO BE HONEST, IF WE WERE TO LOOK BACK AND CONSIDER DIFFERENT TOWNS AND DIFFERENT STATES, WE PROBABLY WOULD.

>> RYAN AND 50 OTHER RESTAURANT OWNERS HAVE DEVELOPED A BILL THAT WILL ALLOW BEER AND WINE CELLS IN NEW JERSEY..

IT WAS SPONSORED BY STATE SENATOR VAN GOGH POWELL IN OCTOBER 2020 BUT STALLED IN TRENTON.

>>> A BOOST FOR THE STATES CHILDCARE CRISIS.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS DETAILS ON STATE MONEY HEADING TO THE INDUSTRY AND TONIGHT'S TOP BUSINESS HEADLINES.

>> THE PANDEMIC BROUGHT NEW JERSEY'S CHILDCARE ISSUES TO LIGHT.

TODAY, THE STATE ANNOUNCED PLANS TO PROVIDE DAY CARE CENTERS WITH FINANCIAL HEALTH.

THE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY WILL PROVIDE $55 MILLION FOR NEW JERSEY'S CHILDCARE INDUSTRY.

INITIALLY THE EDA WILL TARGET SOME OF THOSE FUNDS FOR A $15 MILLION GRANT PROGRAM, ROLLING OUT THIS SUMMER, WHICH WILL PROVIDE MONEY TO HELP COVER REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE COSTS LICENSED CHILDCARE FACILITIES.

LACK OF CHILDCARE DURING THE PANDEMIC IMPACTED WORKING WOMEN IN NEW JERSEY AND THE EFFECTS LINGER ON.

ACCORDING TO A NEW STUDY FROM THE RUTGERS CENTER FOR WOMEN AND WORK, THE WAY WOMEN WORK NOW IS DIFFERENT THAN BEFORE THE PANDEMIC.

WOMEN HAVE CUT BACK ON THEIR HOURS OR HAVE SWAPPED FULL-TIME JOBS FOR PART-TIME WORK.

DEBORAH LANCASTER, THE CENTER'S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, SAYS MINORITY WOMEN WERE DISPROPORTIONATELY AFFECTED.

>> WE SEE THAT FOR BLACK WOMEN, LATINOS IN PARTICULAR, THEY ARE LOSING WAGES, LOSING INCOME.

IT DOES HAVE A CUMULATIVE EFFECT OVER ONE'S LIFETIME.

>> Reporter: THE REPORT RECOMMENDS THE STATE IMPROVE ACCESS TO CHILDCARE AND MAKE IT MORE AFFORDABLE.

ADDITIONALLY, NEW JERSEY SHOULD ENACT A STATE LEVEL CHILD TAX CREDIT.

NUMBERS SHOW INFLATION REMAINS NEAR 40 YEAR HIGHS.

THE GOVERNMENT SAYS THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, OR CPI, JUMPED 8.3% IN APRIL COMPARED TO A YEAR AGO.

IF FEW TROUBLING TRENDS, FOOD PRICES ARE UP AND AND A HALF PERCENT COMPARED TO A YEAR AGO.

THE COST FOR RENT IS ALSO CLIMBING.

THE PACE OF INFLATION SLOWED SOMEWHAT FROM WHAT WE SAW IN MARCH BUT IT IS STILL OUTPACING ANY GAINS ON WAGES.

THAT IS CREATING HARDSHIPS IN PARTICULAR FOR LOW INCOME WORKERS AND THOSE LIVING ON FIXED INCOMES.

HERE IS A LOOK AT THE CLOSING NUMBERS FROM WALL STREET TODAY.

I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER AND THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT IS PROVIDED BY RIVERVIEW JAZZ, PRESENTING NEW JERSEY CITY JAZZ FESTIVAL JUNE 4th AND 5th.

EVENT DETAILS, INCLUDING PERFORMANCE SCHEDULES AND LOCATION, OR ONLINE AT RIVERVIEW JAZZ.ORG.

>>> DESPERATE PARENTS ARE GOING TO DESPERATE MEASURES TO FIND FORMULA FOR THEIR BABIES.

WITH A NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE TRACKING ON AND GETTING WORSE.

A COMBINATION OF SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES AND A VOLUNTARY RECALL BY A MAJOR MANUFACTURER.

U.S. HOUSE PANEL IS CALLING A HEARING TO INVESTIGATE THE SHORTAGE.

WHAT OUR FAMILIES TO DO IN THE MEANTIME?

RAYMOND SANTANA REPORTS.

>> I DROVE TWO HOURS WEST TO GET FOUR MORE CANS OF FORMULA.

>> Reporter: AS IF IT'S NOT ALREADY HARD BEING A NEW MOM, IMAGINE NOT BEING ABLE TO FEED YOUR BABY, A NIGHTMARE THAT HAS BECOME A REALITY FOR MOMS AFTER A NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE OF BABY FORMULA HAS LEFT SHELLS ACROSS NEW JERSEY EMPTY.

A COMBINATION OF SUPPLY CHAIN ISSUES AND A VOLUNTARY RECALL BY THE COMPANY, ABBOTT NUTRITION, HAS THE BLAME FOR THE SHORTAGE, FORCING PHARMACIES AND OTHER STORES TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF FORMULA CUSTOMERS CAN BUY IN-STORE AND ONLINE.

>> I RECENTLY NOTICED WITHIN THE PAST WEEK OR SO, WHEN I WOULD GO TO WALGREENS, IT WOULD BE LIKE LIMIT TO.

WHEN I WENT TO WEGMANS THE OTHER DAY, IT WAS LIMIT FOR OF ANY TYPE OF FORMULA.

IT IS A LITTLE SCARY TO HAVE LIKE THAT.

FOR SOME PEOPLE, ONE CAN LASTS A DAY OR TWO.

YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN YOU WILL FIND IT AGAIN.

>> NORMALLY IT WILL TAKE US A DAY TO GET.

NOW IT IS TAKING TWO OR THREE DAYS TO OBTAIN HER NOW WE ARE GETTING MULTIPLE CALLS, DO YOU HAVE THIS, PENNY STOCK IT, CAN YOU GET IT?

I'LL PAY WHATEVER TO GET IT.

IT'S NOT A MATTER OF COST, IT'S A MATTER OF OBTAINING A.

IT IS A PANIC SITUATION RIGHT NOW.

IT IS A CRISIS, EVEN AS OF TODAY, AS PARENTS ARE GOING TO THE STORES AND NOT GETTING THE RIGHT FORMULA.

>> MY PEDIATRICIAN DOESN'T EVEN HAVE SAMPLES OF IT.

MY PEDIATRICIAN CAN'T GET IT, THERE'S NO WAY I'M GETTING IT.

>> KAREN STOVALL SAYS SHE IS LOOKING AT ALTERNATIVE WAYS, FACEBOOK GROUPS, TO HELP HER FIND FORMULA FOR HER 7-YEAR-OLD WILLIAM, WHO ALSO SUFFERS FROM OTHER HEALTH CONDITIONS.

>> I HAD TO GO TO A PERSON'S HOUSE THE OTHER DAY AND PICK SOME UP AND THEN MOW HER.

LUCKILY I GOT HIM ON SOMETHING HE HAS BEEN ON FOR MONTHS, HE IS THRIVING AND MEETING ALL OF HIS MILESTONES.

TO THEM HAVE TO CHANGE THAT IS SCARY.

>> DR. SAY THEY ARE CONCERNED PARENTS WHO ARE DESPERATE TO FEED THEIR BABIES COULD BEGIN USING UNSAFE ALTERNATIVES.

>> POWDER FORMULA, IN PARTICULAR, NEEDS TO BE PREPARED EXACTLY ACCORDING TO THE PACKAGE INSTRUCTIONS, WHICH IS ONE SCOOP OF POWDER FOR EVERY 2 OUNCES OF FILTERED OR DISTILLED WATER.

WE DO SEE THAT PARENTS, IN ORDER TO TRY TO STRETCH FORMULA, THEY TRY TO DILUTE THE CONCENTRATION OF THE FORMULA.

THIS CREATES DIGESTIVE ISSUES IN THE INFANT.

THEY CAN HAVE VOMITING, DIARRHEA.

IT ALSO LEADS TO EXCESS WATER IN THE SYSTEM, WHICH CAN LOWER LEVELS, PARTICULARLY THEIR SODIUM.

IS CAN BE HARMFUL BECAUSE IT IS CAN HAVE SEIZURES FROM ELECTROLYTE ABNORMALITIES.

WE ARE WORRIED THAT AS SHORTAGES PERSIST, PEOPLE WILL TRY TO DO THINGS LIKE HOMEMADE FORMULAS, WHICH WE KNOW ARE INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS FOR BABIES.

THEY DON'T PROVIDE THE NUTRIENTS A GROWING INFANT WILL NEED.

WE ARE CAUTIONING OUR FAMILIES THIS IS NOT A TACTIC TO PURSUE ON THEIR OWN.

>> FOR MOMS IN A BIND AND CANNOT FIND THE FORMULA THEY NORMALLY USE, DOCTORS RECOMMEND THAT YOU -- >> GO FOR THE GENERIC FORMULA.

IS AVAILABLE IN THE STORES, IT'S STILL NOT A SHORTAGE, IT IS FDA APPROVED.

THEY HAVE ALL THE MACRONUTRIENTS YOUR BABY NEEDS.

>>> THAT WILL DO IT FOR US THIS EVENING.

BE SURE TO TUNE IN TONIGHT AT 8:00 P.M. ON NJPBS FOR THE PREMIER OF TABLE FOR ALL.

JOIN HOST BUKI ELEGBEDE, ALSO IN NJ SPOTLIGHT AND HIS PRODUCER , AND THIS NEW SERIES EXPLORED HOW FOOD, CULTURE, AND TRADITION INTERSECTING KITCHENS ACROSS NEW JERSEY.

THE SHOW HEADS TO LOCAL RESTAURANTS AND HOME KITCHENS TO TRY NEW CUISINES, MEET THE PEOPLE PREPARING THEM, AND OF COURSE, HERE THE FASCINATING STORIES BEHIND THE RECIPES.

>> I'M BUKI ELEGBEDE, HOST, JOURNALIST, SON OF IMMIGRANTS, AND PART-TIME BAKER.

EVERY DISH HAS A STORY.

THOSE ARE ROOTED IN HERITAGE AND TRADITION.

>> THROUGH FOOD THERE'S MEMORY.

>> I'M TAKING YOU ACROSS NEW JERSEY TO HEAR THE PEOPLE AND GET TO WHAT WE HAVE ALWAYS KNOWN, THAT THERE IS ALWAYS ROOM AT THE TABLE.

THIS IS TABLE FOR ALL.

>> I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI, FOR THE ENTIRE VAPES, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT.

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADE FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH , LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND, OR STEAD, CREATED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE, CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.