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

ARE WJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

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

>>> FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BREANNA FOR NOSY.

>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US THIS MONDAY NIGHT.

LAWMAKERS GOT A PEEK BEHIND THE CURTAIN AT LEAST FINANCIALLY AT THE STATE'S LARGEST TRANSPORTATION AGENCIES, GRILLING THE HEADS OF THE MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION AND NEW JERSEY TRANSIT, CLAIMING THEY LET THE PANDEMIC RUNAWAY WITH PROBLEMS THAT HAVE BEEN BUILDING FOR YEARS.

OUR SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, BRENDA FLANAGAN, REPORTS FROM THE STATE HOUSE.

>> THE BUCK STOPS AT THE TOP.

>> Reporter: REPUBLICAN ASSEMBLYMAN HOW WORDS TORE INTO NEW JERSEY'S COMMISSION CHIEF, INCLUDING AND CUTE ACCUSING HER OF INEPT MANAGEMENT.

OTHERS ON THE ASSEMBLY APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE COMPLAINED THAT DESPITE REFORMS, SOME MOTOR VEHICLE CUSTOMERS WAITED UP TO TWO MONTHS TO GET A NEW LICENSE AND AGENCY STAFF IS TOO OFTEN ABSENT.

>> I HAVE BEEN IN RETAIL MY WHOLE LIFE.

I HAVE BEEN THROWN OUT ON MIGHT LETTER A, S, YOU KNOW WHAT, IF I DID THE JOB HE DID.

>> SHOULDN'T WE TRY TO SERVICE CONSTITUENTS BETTER THAN HAVING TO WAIT?

WHETHER IT IS THE FIRST TIME THEY ARE TRYING TO GET A DRIVERS LICENSE FOR 60 DAYS?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

I ADDRESS THAT THIS IS THE ONE AREA OF THE 20, 30, 40 TRANSACTIONS THAT WE OFFER.

WE HAVE TWO TRANSACTIONS WHERE YOU CAN'T GET IT DONE WITHIN A DAY OR TWO.

>> Reporter: CHIEF ADMINISTRATOR SUE FULTON SAYS THE MOTOR VEHICLE COMMISSION MOVED MOST TRANSACTIONS ONLINE AND PERFORMED A RECORD 12 MILLION OF THEM LAST YEAR.

SHE SAYS SOME IN PERSON TRANSACTIONS TAKE MORE TIME AND THAT MORE PEOPLE STARTED DRIVING USED CARS DURING COVID.

>> FOLKS WHO RELIED ON RIDESHARE'S OR TRANSIT DECIDED I DON'T WANT TO BE IN A SPACE WITH A LOT OF OTHER FOLKS, SO I'M GOING TO GET MY LICENSE AND I'M GOING TO BUY A USED CAR.

EVERY INDIVIDUAL THAT DOES A PRIVATE PURCHASE HAS TO COME IN IN PERSON.

>> Reporter: FULTON NOTED HER AGENCY STAFF IS DOWN TO 65% CAPACITY BECAUSE OF COVID AND OTHER AUTHORIZED ABSENCES, LIKE FAMILY LEAVE.

LAWMAKERS URGED HER TO HIRE MORE PEOPLE, EXPAND AGENCY HOURS, PROVIDE ALL SERVICES AT EVERY OFFICE, AND ASKED THE GOVERNOR FOR PANDEMIC AID MONEY TO PAY FOR IT.

>> IF I WERE YOU, I WOULD NOT BE HAPPY ABOUT HAVING 60 DAYS WAITING FOR ANY TYPE OF TRANSACTION.

I WOULD HAVE GONE DOWN TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE AND REQUESTED IF I CAN HAVE A PORTION OF THIS MONEY TO HIRE MORE STAFF OR PROVIDE OVERTIME, BECAUSE I WANT TO MAKE A DENT IN THIS.

>> Reporter: COVID DROVE MORE PEOPLE TO AVOID TRAINS AND BUSES, UNDERSCORES AND J TRANSIT'S DILEMMA, HE NEEDS MORE RIDERS TO COME BACK FOR THE REVENUE.

IT IS STILL DEALING WITH RELIABILITY ISSUES.

>> TODAY WE SAW THE OVERHEAD LINES ISSUE FOR THE NORTHEAST QUARTER.

WITH RIDERSHIP DOWN, THAT IS A HUGE IMPACT ON COMMUTERS.

IT IS ONE OF THE REASONS WHY WHEN PEOPLE SEE THOSE HEADLINES, THEY DON'T WANT TO COME BACK.

>> Reporter: THE BIGGEST IN JUNE, AND J TRANSIT BUDGET KEEPS ROBBING PETER TO PAY PAUL, TRANSFERRING 362 MILLION FROM ITS CAPITAL BUDGET, AND 82 MILLION FROM THE CLEAN ENERGY FUND TO MAKE ENDS MEET WHILE THE SPENDING PLAN CALLS FOR NO NEW FARE HIKES, IT RELIES ON PANDEMIC AID THAT WILL TAPER OFF BY 2026.

LEAVING THE AGENCY FACING A $550 MILLION DEFICIT.

>> THERE ISN'T THE HEAD OF TRANSIT AGENCY THAT WOULD LIKE MORE OPERATING DOLLARS.

'S I THINK THAT HAS BEEN TRENDING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

>> Reporter: EVERY LAWMAKER PUSHED THE AGENCY TO STOP DRAGGING OF THE PROCESS OF HIRING A NEW CUSTOMER ADVOCATE.

>> THE FOCUS OF THE AGENCY IS TO SERVE CUSTOMER NEEDS.

>> Reporter: TURN IT SAYS IF NJ TRANSIT WANTS TO GET ITS RIDERS BACK, THE TIME TO FILL THE POSITION IS NOW.

I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> IN UKRAINE, A NEW MONTH, BUT NO END IN SIGHT TO THE INVASION BY RUSSIA.

DESPERATE CIVILIANS ARE STILL ATTEMPTING TO EVACUATE THE BOMBED OUT CITY OF MARY WHIPPLE.

100 CIVILIANS WERE ABLE TO ESCAPE THE CITY'S DECEASED STILL PLANT SUNDAY.

WESTERN LEADERS ARE DOUBLING DOWN ON THEIR PLAN TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL AND HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT TO UKRAINE.

HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI VISITED KYIV, NOW THE HIGHEST RANKING U.S. OFFICIAL TO TOUCH DOWN IN THE CAPITAL, AND SAID RUSSIA'S INVASION SHOULD BE PUNISHED BY THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE MILITARY RESPONSE AND THE STRONGEST SANCTIONS.

STATION RULED OUT U.S. MILITARY INTERVENTION.

THE SENATE IS EXPECTED, THIS WEEK, TO TAKE UP THE PRESIDENT'S REQUEST FOR A $33 BILLION AID PACKAGE TO SUPPORT UKRAINE.

>>> GOVERNMENT LEADERS ARE SPLITTING ATTENTION BETWEEN THE CRISIS IN UKRAINE AND THE ONGOING CRISES CREATED HERE AT HOME BY THE PANDEMIC.

ACROSS THE STATE TODAY, MORE THAN 1300 NEW CASES REPORTED, AND ANOTHER TO LIVES CLAIMED BY THE VIRUS.

HOSPITALIZATIONS HAVE BEEN INCREASING IN RECENT WEEKS, THOUGH STILL FAR LOWER THAN THE PEAK THIS WINTER DURING THE OMICRON WAVE.

NEW JERSEY'S THREE LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTERS PLAYED A CRITICAL ROLE DURING THOSE PANDEMIC PEAKS, COORDINATING THE DISTRIBUTION OF EVERYTHING FROM MASKS AND PPE TO LIFE- SAVING VENTILATORS.

NOW, THEY ARE PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE.

LAWMAKERS ARE LOOKING TO SET ASIDE $550 MILLION IN FEDERAL COVID RELIEF AID TO SUPPORT THOSE HOSPITALS.

HEALTHCARE WRITER LILO STANTON IS WITH US NOW FOR MORE ON HOW THEY PLAN TO USE IT.

WHEN IT COMES TO THIS PANDEMIC, WE TALK A LOT ABOUT LEARNING LESSONS FROM THE PAST.

WALK ME THROUGH WHAT YOU DISCOVERED ABOUT HOW THESE TRAUMA CENTERS ARE PLANNING FOR A FUTURE CRISIS.

>> RIGHT.

IT REALLY IS VERY MUCH SHAPED BY WHAT THEY DID DURING THE LAST PANDEMIC.

AS WE KNOW, THIS WAS SOMETHING THAT TESTED OUR HEALTHCARE SYSTEM LIKE NEVER BEFORE, AND NOT JUST ONE HOSPITAL, BUT ALL HOSPITALS, BUT AT DIFFERENT TIMES, BUT IN REGIONS.

THESE THREE STATE DESIGNATED TRAUMA CENTERS, BEING UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL, ROBERT JOHNSON IN NEW BRUNSWICK, AND COOPER UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN CAMDEN, THEY REALLY PLAYED A REGIONAL COORDINATION ROLE.

THEY ARE THE ONES THAT DIRECTED, YOU KNOW, IF ONE FACILITY WAS SHORT ON VENTILATORS, AND SOMEONE HAD EXTRA MASKS, THEY COULD MAKE A SWITCH.

THAT IS THE KIND OF THING THEY DID.

THEY ARE USING THAT KNOWLEDGE TO INFORM WHAT THEY ARE THINKING OF DOING WITH THIS STATE MONEY, I'M SORRY, FEDERAL MONEY THEY ARE LOOKING TO INVEST.

>> IT IS $450 MILLION IN THOSE FEDERAL FUNDS.

THAT IS PRIVATE APPROVED AND SET ASIDE.

FOLKS HAVE GONE TOGETHER AND SAID WE NEED A BIT MORE TO HELP OUT THE INFRASTRUCTURE HERE.

HOW MUCH MORE?

>> IT IS 100 MILLION MORE.

IT WASN'T EXACTLY CLEAR TO ME.

I DIDN'T ASK THE QUESTIONS EARLY ENOUGH IN MY REPORTING TO GET A GOOD ANSWER.

IT WASN'T REALLY CLEAR WHY HACKENSACK MERIDIAN GOT ADDED TO THE PIED.

THERE ARE THREE STATE DESIGNATED TRAUMA CENTERS, BUT THERE ARE FOUR LEVEL I TRAUMA CENTERS.

THERE ARE FOUR FACILITIES THAT CAN DO THAT KIND OF WORK.

JUST HACKENSACK HOSPITAL IN HACKENSACK WASN'T GIVEN THAT JOB DURING THE PANDEMIC BY THE DOH.

THEY STILL SERVED AS A COORDINATING ROLE IN THE REGION.

THEY ALSO HAVE BEEN OFFERED $100 MILLION.

IF LEGISLATORS APPROVE IT, THE TOTAL PACKAGE WOULD BE 550 MILLION.

IT IS ALL FEDERAL FUNDING FROM THE AMERICAN RESCUE FUNDS.

THERE IS A VERY LONG TIMELINE.

THEY HAVE UNTIL 2024 TO APPROVE PLANS AND I THINK IN 2026 TO SPEND IT ALL.

THERE IS TIME HAD.

'S >> TELL US ABOUT SOME OF THOSE PLANS.

YOU HAVE GOT FACILITIES, LIKE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL IN NEWARK, THAT HAVE AGING INFRASTRUCTURE, NOT ENOUGH BEDS, A LOT OF NEED.

>> A LOT OF IT IS INFRASTRUCTURE.

ALMOST@ALL OF THEM ARE LOOKING FOR EXPANDING CAPACITY IN SOME FORM.

ROBERT WOOD WAS TALKING ABOUT CREATING REDUNDANT POWER SOURCES.

COOPER IS TALKING ABOUT PARTNERSHIPS.

THERE ARE A LOT OF DIFFERENT KINDS OF THINGS THEY ARE DISCUSSING.

IT REALLY COMES DOWN TO EXPANDING CAPACITY IN CASE THEY NEED TO SEARCH AND TAKE IN MORE PATIENCE SUDDENLY.

>> THANK YOU, LILO.

>>> ON ITS FACE, THE REDRAWING OF CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICTS IS SOMETHING THAT HAPPENS EVERY 10 YEARS FOLLOWING THE RELEASE OF U.S. CENSUS DATA.

BELOW THE SURFACE, IT CAN BE A KNOCKDOWN DRAG OUT POLITICAL PROCESS, WITH THE IDENTITY AND POLITICAL TILT OF THE DISTRICT AT STAKE.

THAT MEANS CHALLENGES TO THE MAP PROVIDES, EVEN WHEN THE JOB IS OVER.

SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CREWS REPORTS.

>> DRAWING MAPS IS INHERENTLY POLITICAL PROCESS.

IF YOU MOVE ONLINE, IT WILL ADVANTAGE SOMEBODY AND DISADVANTAGE SOMEBODY ELSE.

>> Reporter: IT IS IMPORTANT TO KEEP THAT IN MIND WHEN YOU CONSIDER THIS LATEST CHALLENGE TO THE VERACITY OF THIS DECADES CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING PROCESS.

A STORY IN A NEWS AND POLITICAL GOSSIP WEBSITE CITES UNNAMED SOURCES AT THE PRINCETON GERRYMANDERING PROJECT WHO CLAIMANT'S DIRECTOR, PROFESSOR SAM WANG, MAY HAVE MANIPULATED DATA PROVIDED TO THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION CHAIR, FORMER JUSTICE JOHN WALLACE, TO FAVOR DEMOCRATS.

>> I DON'T KNOW WHAT WENT ON.

I DON'T KNOW WE WILL KNOW WHAT WENT ON UNTIL WE CONVENE AND HAVE AN INVESTIGATION OF OUR OWN.

I HAVE ZERO CONFIDENCE IN PRINCETON UNIVERSITY, GIVING US A FAIR ASSESSMENT OF WHAT HAPPENED.

THEY INVESTED INTEREST IN THE OUTCOME.

JUSTICE WALLACE USED PUBLIC MONEY TO PAY FOR THE GERRYMANDER PROJECT, TO WADE THROUGH BOTH SIDES DATA AND COME UP WITH OPINIONS THAT ARE DESIGNED TO PROTECT THE NEW JERSEY VOTERS, 4.5 MILLION OF THEM.

I THINK THEY DESERVE SOME DETERMINATION AS TO WHETHER OR NOT THOSE FUNDS WERE USED IN AN ALTRUISTIC WAY.

>> Reporter: SENATE REPUBLICAN LEADER STEVE OUR HOPE POINTED TO THE PUBLIC DOLLARS IN A LETTER CALLED FIRST AID INVESTIGATION.

WANG WAS REPORTEDLY PAID A 15,375 DILL DOLLAR CONSULTING FEE BY THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY, HE SAYS IN THE LETTER.

THAT IS A GOOD SERVICEABLE POINT, AGREES MICHAEL.

BEYOND THE POLITICS, HE ADDS, IT IS A VIABLE QUESTION ABOUT THE ROLE OF A GROUP WHOSE PROGRESSIVE LEANINGS ARE NO SECRET.

>> WE CAN'T JUDGE THAT FOR OURSELVES BECAUSE WE CAN'T LOOK AT THE DATA SET THEY PROVIDED.

WEEKEND LOOK AT THE ADVICE THEY PROVIDED AND SAY THIS WAS DONE THE MIDDLE WITH HIS FAVORITE ONE OR THE OTHER.

I AM AT THE POINT WHERE I'M READY TO SAY THE MAP IS NOT VALID IN THE PROCESS IS NONVALID.

CERTAINLY I'M AT THE POINT WHERE I NEED MORE INFORMATION TO DETERMINE THAT.

>> Reporter: PRINCETON RELEASED A STATEMENT THAT DID NOT CONFIRM AN INVESTIGATION BUT ENDED WITH THE FOLLOWING, BASED ON AN INITIAL REVIEW CONDUCTED AFTER THE CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING COMMISSION COMPLETED ITS WORK, THE UNIVERSITY KNOWS OF NO CREDIBLE ALLEGATIONS OF DATA MANIPULATION PERTAINING TO THE WORK PRODUCT DELIVERED TO THE COMMISSION.

THAT IS JUST WHAT REPUBLICANS SAID THEY WERE GOING TO SAY.

THE TRUTH IS THAT DATA HAS NEVER BEEN MADE PUBLIC, SO THAT IS NOTHING NEW.

IT IS NOT A HEAVY LIFT TO RAISE DOUBTS ABOUT THE WORK OF ANY PUBLIC ENTITY, EVEN ONE AS OVERTLY POLITICAL AS THE REDISTRICTING COMMISSION.

DEMOCRATS?

NONE WERE COMMENTING ON THE RECORD TODAY.

SOUR GRAPES, THEY SAY, OFF THE RECORD, KNOWING THAT RIGHT DESPITE REPUBLICAN CALLS FOR OUTRAGE, THE LINES ARE THE LINES AND DEMOCRATS HAVE GOT BIGGER CHALLENGES FACING THEM IN THE MIDTERMS.

'S I AM DAVID CREWS, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> A KEY SAFETY NET FOR FAMILIES LIVING IN EXTREME POVERTY IS SHRINKING AT A TIME WHEN THE NEED IS SURGING.

ACCORDING TO ADVOCATES AND POLICY EXPERTS, FEWER NEW JERSEY FAMILIES ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE STATES MAIN CASH ASSISTANCE PROGRAM BECAUSE OF BUREAUCRATIC BARRIERS BUILT INTO THE SYSTEM, KEEPING VULNERABLE PEOPLE TRAPPED IN A CYCLE OF POVERTY.

RAVEN SANTANA REPORTS.

>> DO YOU HAVE THE RESOURCES?

DO YOU KNOW WHERE TO GO WHEN SOMETHING HAPPENS?

>> IT MAY SEEM LIKE A SIMPLE QUESTION, BUT ALINA McKNIGHT SAYS TRYING TO RECEIVE HELP FOR FROM THE STATES TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR NEEDY FAMILIES PROGRAM MEANS JUMPING THROUGH UNNECESSARY HOOPS AND UNFAIR DEADLINES.

>> I GOT MYSELF A PART-TIME JOB AS A CASHIER.

MY KIDS WERE WAITING FOR ME IN THE STORAGE ROOM.

LONG STORY SHORT, I PULLED THROUGH.

I MADE IT AND GOT MY ASSOCIATES.

I GOT MY BACHELORS DEGREE.

I WAS ABLE TO GET THE FOOD AND CLOTHES I NEEDED FOR THE TIME BEING.

THE REASON WHY IT WAS STILL A STRUGGLE IS BECAUSE I WAS STILL LIVING WITH THE ABUSER.

>> Reporter: UNDER TENANT, LOW INCOME FAMILIES ARE PROVIDED CASH ASSISTANCE AND OTHER SUPPORTIVE SERVICES.

OUT McKNIGHT SAYS SHE BARELY CROSS THE FINISH LINE --THAT'S WHY ADVOCATES, LAWMAKERS AND POLICY EXPERTS GATHERED TO URGE THE PASSAGE OF LEGISLATION THAT WILL EXPAND AND STRENGTHEN THE PROGRAM.

>> BIAS IN THE STRUCTURE OF THE PROGRAM CONTINUE TO LIMIT OPPORTUNITIES AND ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE FOR MANY RESIDENTS.

AS OF FEBRUARY 2022, LESS THAN 10,000, ONLY 9976 FAMILIES, OR PARTICIPATING IN TENNIS.

THAT MEANS THAT TANIS IS SUPPORTING FEWER THAN ONE IN SIX NEW JERSEY FAMILIES IN POVERTY.

>> A FAMILY OF THREE TO QUALIFY FOR THE PROGRAM, THEIR INCOME MUST BE BELOW 11,515 A YEAR.

AND IF THEY QUALIFY FORGE TANIF, THE MONTHLY BENEFITS THEY RECEIVE ARE ONLY $559 A MONTH.

THIS BENEFIT LEVEL IS STILL TOO LOW, DESPITE INCREASES THE STATE LEGISLATOR AND GOVERNOR MADE IN 2019 AND 2020.

>> THE BILLS PULMONARY SPONSORS SAY THE PROGRAM IS NOT SET UP TO HELP RESIDENTS ESCAPE THE CYCLE OF POVERTY, WHICH IS WHY IT NEEDS TO BE IMPROVED.

>> WE ARE SUPPORTING THE INDIVIDUAL ON IT BY SHORTENING THE HOURS, MAKING SURE WE ARE GIVING THAT TIME TO THE PERSON FROM 40 TO 30 HOURS, SO THEY HAVE TIME TO SPEND WITH THE FAMILY, DEDICATE TO THEIR CHILDREN, OR LOOK FOR AN EMPLOYMENT.

WE ARE RAISING THE ELIGIBILITY AND OFFERING PAIN, WHICH IS ONE OF THE MAJOR FOCUSES AND NOT.

>> WHEN THEY DO GET A JOB, SOMETIMES THE KID HAS TO GO TO AFTERCARE.

WHO IS GOING TO PAY FOR AFTERCARE?

WE HAVE TO MAKE SURE THEY GET MORE SERVICES.

BE THEY NEED AN ADDITIONAL SIX MONTHS OF CHILDCARE, WHERE THEY NEED AN ADDITIONAL SIX MONTHS OF SNAP BENEFITS.

>> Reporter: ADVOCATES SAY EASING RESTRICTIONS WILL ALLOW FAMILIES, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH CHILDREN, TO SAVE AND EVENTUALLY BE ABLE TO HAVE PERMANENT SELF-SUFFICIENCY.

>> WE NEED TIME.

HOW IS MY RENTAL ASK ASSISTANCE GOING TO EXPIRE?

WHY DO MY DECISIONS HAVE TO BE BASED ON WHAT ELSE IS OUT THERE?

WHY DOES IT HAVE TO BE THE SCRAPS?

>> THOSE RESOURCES AREN'T THERE FOR THEM ANYMORE.

THERE ARE NO PROGRAMS TO HELP THEM LEARN HOW TO DO A RESUME.

I HAVE CLIENTS THAT CAN'T EVEN SIGN BECAUSE THEY WERE NEVER TAUGHT.

>> Reporter: SENATOR RUIZ SAYS THERE WAS A SMALL VICTORY IN THE LEGISLATIVE SESSION, WHICH MADE THE PROGRAM EASY TO APPLY FOR.

SHE SAYS DUE DILIGENCE IS ON THE LEGISLATOR AND ADMINISTRATION TO GET A BILL THAT CAN BE SIGNED AND PROVIDE COMFORT AND SUPPORT TO THOSE WHO NEED IT THE MOST.

>>> THEY ARE KNOWN AS THE BACKBONE OF THE ECONOMY.

TODAY, ELECTED OFFICIALS PUT THE SPOTLIGHT ON SMALL BUSINESSES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO THE STATE.

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS THE DETAILS, PLUS TONIGHT'S TOP BUSINESS HEADLINES.

RHONDA, WHAT WAS BEHIND TODAY'S EVENT?

>> Reporter: NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK KICKS OFF TODAY.

IN NEWARK, SENATOR BOB MENDEZ, CONGRESSMAN DONALD PAYNE, AND NEWARK MAYOR ROZ BARAKA TOOK A WALKING TOUR OF SOME OF THE CITY'S SMALL COMPANIES.

SENATOR MENENDEZ TOLLETT IS SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESSES, INCLUDING A BILL HE INTRODUCED AS THE SMALL BUSINESS LENDING DISCLOSURE ACT, WHICH INCREASES TRANSPARENCY FOR BUSINESSES WHO SEEK FINANCING.

>> WHEN YOU'RE STRUGGLING, SOMETIMES YOU ARE GOING TO TAKE A LOAN.

YOU NEED TO KNOW EVERYTHING THAT'S IN THAT LOAN AT THE END OF THE DAY SO IT DOESN'T BECOME A DEBT YOU CAN'T GET OUT OF.

>> Reporter: NEW JERSEY SMALL BUSINESSES EMPLOY 1.9 MILLION PEOPLE, NEARLY HALF OF THE STATES EMPLOYEES.

IT SHOULD BE EASIER FOR NEW JERSEYANS TO FILE FOR AN EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS.

THE STATE LABOR DEPARTMENT HAS MADE WHAT IT CAUSED SIGNIFICANT UPDATES TO THE UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE APPLICATION, INCLUDING SIMPLIFYING QUESTIONS.

YOU WILL RECALL WHEN HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF WORKERS LOST THEIR JOBS DUE TO THE PANDEMIC.

SOME SAW THEIR BENEFITS DELAYED, BECAUSE OF MISUNDERSTANDINGS ABOUT CERTAIN QUESTIONS ON THE UNEMPLOYMENT APPLICATION.

OTHER QUESTIONS WILL BE REWORKED IN THE WEEKS AHEAD.

THE CHANGES WILL ALSO ALLOW RESIDENTS TO APPLY FOR BENEFITS USING THEIR MOBILE PHONES.

>>> AN INSURANCE COMPANY IS SETTING UP HEADQUARTERS IN NEW JERSEY.

WORLD INSURANCE ASSOCIATES IS RELOCATING SEVERAL NEW JERSEY AND NEW YORK OFFICES INTO THE NEW LOCATION IN IS LENT.

THE COMPANY SAYS IT HAS HAD EXPONENTIAL GROWTH DURING THE PAST FEW YEARS, IT WAS TIME TO ESTABLISH A NEW HEADQUARTERS.

>>> SO MUCH FOR RELIEF OF THE GAS PUMP, IT IS NOWHERE IN SIGHT.

GAS PRICES ROSE AGAIN OVER THE PAST WEEK ON RENEWED WORRIES ABOUT OIL SUPPLY DUE TO THE WAR IN UKRAINE.

IN NEW JERSEY, REGULAR GAS IS NOW AVERAGING JUST UNDER $4.23 A GALLON.

THAT IS UP ABOUT $.12 A GALLON IN THE PAST WEEK.

REMEMBER, A YEAR AGO, GAS WAS UNDER 3 DOLLARS A GALLON.

>>> ON WALL STREET, HERE IS A LOOK AT HOW THE MARKET PERFORMED TODAY.

I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER AND 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.

NUMBER SHIP AND EVENT INFORMATION ONLINE AT CHAMBERSNJ.COM.

>>> TONIGHT, AN IMPORTANT REMINDER TO PARENTS WHO ARE BRINGING HOME LEGAL WEED.

IF YOU PURCHASE AUDIBLES, THESE ARE CANDIES, PASTRIES, EVEN THC INFUSED DRINKS, KEEP THEM LOCKED UP AND AWAY FROM KIDS.

FOR THE FOURTH YEAR IN A ROW, NEW JERSEY POISON CONTROL CENTER IS REPORTING A SPIKE IN CALLS AFTER CHILDREN ACCIDENTALLY CONSUMED CANNABIS EDIBLES.

IN 2021, THE CENTER ASSISTED IN MEDICAL TREATMENT OF MORE THAN 150 CHILDREN WHO WERE ACCIDENTALLY EXPOSED.

SOME 100 KIDS WERE FIVE YEARS OLD AND YOUNGER.

MORE THAN 55 CHILDREN WERE BETWEEN THE AGES OF SIX AND 12.

A SPIKE IN CALLS TO AUTHORITIES IS NOT LINKED TO RECENT SALES FROM NEW JERSEY'S RECREATIONAL CANNABIS MARKET.

IT COMES AS KIDS' EXPOSURE IS EXPECTED TO RISE.

DR. DIANE JOINS US TO EXPLAIN.

SHE IS THE EXECUTIVE MEDICAL DIRECTOR AT THE NEW JERSEY POISON INFORMATION AND EDUCATION SYSTEM.

>>> I THINK A LOT OF PARENTS WOULD BE ALARMED BY THESE FINDINGS.

TALK ME THROUGH WHAT HAPPENS IF A CHILD DOES AND JUST AND EDIBLE CANNABIS WARM?

>> EDIBLE CANNABIS LOOKS EXCITING TO YOUNG CHILDREN.

REASON IT IS SO EXCITING BECAUSE IT LOOKS LIKE CANDY OR A BROWNIE OR SOMETHING THEY RECOGNIZE.

A CHILD WON'T EAT ONLY A SMALL AMOUNT OF THAT CANNABIS EDIBLE LIKE DIRECTED ON THE PACKAGE.

IN THE EAT THE ENTIRE CANDY BAR OR MANY SERVINGS.

>> OTHER PHYSICAL MENTAL SIDE EFFECTS WANT THESE CHILDREN IN JUST THE CANNABIS?

>> WHEN A YOUNG CHILD INGESTS CANNABIS, THEY CAN HAVE A RANGE OF EFFECTS.

SOME CAN BE MILD.

YOU KNOW SLEEPINESS AND SEEMING GOOFY.

AS YOU GET INTO HIGHER DOSES, THEN YOU HAVE KIDS WHO MAY BE HALLUCINATING AND PANICKING.

IN REAR SEVERE CASES, KIDS CAN HAVE SEIZURES FOR TROUBLE BREATHING.

FORTUNATELY, THOSE ARE THE RAREST OF CASES.

WE DO SEE THOSE AND WE HAVE SEEN A HANDFUL HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

>> Reporter: WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SUSPECT OR KNOW YOUR CHILD HAS GOTTEN INTO IT?

>> YOU SHOULD OF COURSE CALL THE POISON CENTER.

ALSO, LOOK AT HOW THEY LOOK.

YOU SHOULD NOT TRY TO MAKE THEM VOMIT, WHICH IS A QUESTION WE OFTEN GET.

YOU SHOULD OBSERVE YOUR CHILD AND SEE HOW ARE THEY BREATHING OR DO THEY LOOK SLEEPY.

IF YOUR CHILD GETS INTO AND EDIBLE AND HAS THE SYMPTOMS, THE POISON CENTER IS HERE TO HELP AND WE WILL REFER YOU TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT TO BE EVALUATED IN PERSON BY A DOCTOR.

>> OBVIOUSLY THIS IS A STAGE IN A CHILD'S LIFE OR THEIR BRAIN EMBODIES A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING.

>> THERE IS NO DATA THAT EXISTS TO TELL US THAT A CHILD THAT GETS INTO A CANNABIS EDIBLE ONCE WILL HAVE ANY LONG-TERM EFFECTS.

IT HASN'T I DOUBT THAT IT WILL BE.

PART OF WHAT NEEDS TO HAPPEN AS CANNABIS ACCESS EXPANDS THE THE COUNTRY, IS SURVEILLANCE.

WE NEED TO BE MONITORING THESE KIDS.

>> WHAT IS YOUR WORD OF WARNING TO FAMILIES AND THOSE WHO MAY BE LEGALLY PURCHASING ADULT USE CANNABIS NOW WITH KIDS IN THE HOME?

WHAT IS YOUR MORNING?

>> THE FIRST AND EASIEST ONE IS THE SAME THING WE SAY FOR EVERY POISON PREVENTION, IS KEEP THINGS UP AND OUT OF SIGHT OF KIDS.

MAKE SURE WHEN YOU'RE PURCHASING AND EDIBLE PRODUCT IT IS IN A CHILD RESISTANT CONTAINER.

LASTLY, LOOK AT THE PRODUCT YOU ARE BUYING.

IF IT LOOKS LIKE A POPULAR CANDY, OR SOMETHING THAT WOULD REALLY BE ENTICING TO KIDS, BY A DIFFERENT PRODUCT IF YOU HAVE YOUNG CHILDREN IN YOUR HOUSE.

>> DR. DIANE, THANK YOU SO MUCH.

VERY IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR KIDS.

>>> FINALLY, WE LEAVE YOU WITH THE INSPIRING STORY OF THE KANE FAMILY, WHOSE DREAM TO BUILD AN OUTDOOR SPORTS COMPLEX FOR KIDS WITH SPECIAL NEEDS FINALLY CAME TRUE.

THE NEW RW J BARNABAS HEALTH FIELD OF DREAMS IN TOMS RIVER OFFICIALLY OPENED THIS WEEKEND.

THE FIRST RECREATIONAL PROGRAM IN THE STATE MADE FOR CHILDREN WITH PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL DISABILITIES.

THE IDEA WAS BORN OUT OF TRAGEDY AFTER KRISTIN AND MARY KANE'S SON SUFFERED A TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY FROM A CAR CRASH.

IS 19 YEARS OLD.

IT TOOK FIVE YEARS OF PLANNING AND MILLIONS OF DOLLARS, MULTIPLE PANDEMIC RELATED DELAYS TO MAKE THIS THREE AND HALF ACRE PLAYGROUND IN REALITY, WILL FULLY WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE FIELD AND COURTS, A SPRAWLING PLAYGROUND.

IT HAS SPECIALIZED EQUIPMENT AND A MINIATURE GOLF COURSE AND A QUIET CORNER SENSORY DIFFERENCES.

IS ALSO A PLACE FOR PURE JOY AND FUN.

YOU WATCH MORE BEHIND THE FIELD OF GENES DREAMS AND CHRISTIAN KANE'S EFFORTS IN OUR NEW DIGITAL DOCUMENTARY SERIES 21 AND IT EXPLORES WHERE YOU LIVE AFFECTS HOW YOU LIVE IN THE GARDEN STATE.

HAD TO MY NG PBS.ORG TO LEARN MORE.

>>> THAT DOESN'T THIS EVENING.

A REMINDER TO JOIN US THIS WEDNESDAY MAY FOURTH AT FOUR P.M. WE LOOK AT THE SOARING COSTS OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS.

WE WILL STENT AND MODERATES THE ROUNDTABLE AND ASKS HOW CAN THE STATE REVERSE A AN ALARMING TREND WHERE MORE THAN FIVE RESIDENTS STRUGGLE TO AVOID DESCRIPTIONS, SPLITTING PILLS, OR SKIPPING DOSES TO STRETCH THEIR MEDICINE FURTHER.

REGISTER ONLINE AT NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

>>> THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

WE WILL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

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