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

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND THE OCEAN WIND PROJECT BY PS E.G., COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

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

>> GOOD EVENING AND THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

NEW JERSEY IS TURNING A PAGE, THOSE LONG-AWAITED REOPENING PLANS NOW HAVE A DATE.

IN A LITTLE MORE THAN TWO WEEKS, THE TRI-STATE AREA WILL BEGIN MAJORLY OPENINGS, LIFTING MOST COVID-19 CAPACITY LIMITS ON RESTAURANTS, BARS, AND OTHER BUSINESSES.

THE GOVERNOR CREDITED THE DRASTIC SHIFT IN DECLINING COVID CASES AS REASON FOR THE DECISION.

880 NEW POSITIVE TESTS AND 16 MORE DEATHS REPORTED TODAY.

SO WHAT CHANGES?

EFFECTIVE MAY 19 NEW JERSEY JOINS NEW YORK AND CONNECTICUT IN REMOVING CAPACITY LIMITS ON OUTDOOR GATHERINGS AND INDOOR DINING.

THE LIMITS ARE ALSO REMOVED FOR GEMS, CASINOS, SALONS, RETAIL AND INDOOR RECREATION.

THERE ARE A FEW CAVEATS, OF COURSE.

INDOOR GATHERINGS WILL BE LIMITED TO 250 PEOPLE IN LARGE INDOOR VENUES, PLACES WITH 1000 SEATS, WILL BE CAPPED AT 30%.

SOCIAL DISTANCING RULES STILL APPLY, WHICH REMAIN AT SIX FEET, AND MASKS HAVE TO BE WORN IF YOU'RE NOT EATING OR DRINKING.

THE PROGRESS, WHICH INCLUDES MORE THAN 3 MILLION RESIDENTS NOW FULLY VACCINATED, IS REASON TO PUSH UP OTHER REOPENING STEPS ORIGINALLY PLANNED FOR NEXT WEEK.

INSTEAD, BEGINNING THIS FRIDAY, MAY 7, OUTDOOR GATHERING LIMITS WILL INCREASE TO 500 PEOPLE, INDOOR GATHERINGS FOR EVENTS LIKE PROMS AND WEDDINGS WILL GET A BUMP UP TO 50% CAPACITY OR 250 PEOPLE, WHICHEVER IS LESS, AND YOU CAN'T HAVE THOSE PARTIES WITHOUT A DANCE FLOOR.

THOSE REOPENED TOO.

THE MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT COMES AS THE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY SPENT THE LAST 14 MONTHS OPERATING UNDER STRICT GUIDELINES, AND SOME WERE NEVER ABLE TO REOPEN.

THEY NOW FACE A NEW PROBLEM, NOT ENOUGH STAFF.

BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> I HAVE NEVER BEEN THROUGH SOMETHING LIKE THIS IN MY LIFE.

>> Reporter: EVERY APRIL JIM CASTILLO FIRES UP THE GRILL, HIRING MORE COOKS AND WAITSTAFF TO SERVE THE WAVES OF HUNGRY TOURISTS WHO HIT THE BEACHES AND BOARDWALKS ON THE JERSEY SHORE.

BUT THIS YEAR HE STILL NEEDS 6 TO 8 MORE WORKERS WHO HAVE TO DELAY OPENING SEVEN DAYS A WEEK UNTIL MID-JUNE.

>> USUALLY HAVE A STACK OF APPLICATIONS, AND WE GET TO PICK THE CREAM OF THE CROP.

AND NOW, WE CAN'T EVEN SET UP THE RESTAURANT.

>> EVERYONE ACROSS THE STATE TELLS ME THEY CAN'T GET PEOPLE TO COME TO WORK.

WE CAN'T BE OPEN EVERY DAY THE WEEK IF WE DON'T HAVE STAFF.

ALL OF THESE BUSINESS OWNERS ARE HANGING BY A THREAD.

A LOT OF THEM ARE HANGING BY A THREAD.

>> Reporter: WITHOUT STAFF, A COUPLE HAVE CLOSED, THIS INDUSTRY REP SAYS.

SHE CITE SEVERAL REASONS.

MANY WORKERS STILL NO NEED CHILD SCARE FOR THE KIDS.

SOME FEAR FOR SAFETY WITH PEOPLE NOT WEARING MASKS.

MOST FEEL UNCERTAIN ABOUT WAGES WITH LIMITED CAPACITY UNDER COVID RESTRICTIONS.

SIX-FOOT DISTANCING STILL LIMITS MANY RESTAURANT CAPACITIES.

>> WE NEED THREE-FOOT DISTANCING AND BAR SEATING.

WE NEED OUTDOOR BAR SEATING AS WELL.

WE ALSO NEED DANCING.

WE NEED TO BE ABLE TO MOVE AROUND.

>> Reporter: LABOR STATISTICS SHOW 50,000 WERE GLASS WORKERS THIS MARCH COMPARED TO LAST.

NATIONALLY, 42% OF SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS REPORTED PROBLEMS FILLING JOBS LAST MONTH, ACCORDING TO ONE SURVEY.

MANY SMALL BUSINESSES ALSO COMPLAINED WORKERS ARE GETTING UNEMPLOYMENT CHECKS PLUS A $300 PER WEEK FEDERAL STIMULUS BONUS AT LEAST THROUGH SEPTEMBER 4.

>> THEY HAVE THE OPTION TO STAY ON UNEMPLOYMENT REALLY DURING THE PANDEMIC INSTEAD OF GOING OUT AND LOOKING FOR A JOB.

>> Reporter: DOESN'T THAT SAY SOMETHING ABOUT THE MINIMUM WAGES THEY WERE WORKING FOR IF THEY CAN ACTUALLY HAVE A BETTER LIVING WITH THE SUPPLEMENT?

>> THAT IS WHAT IS PLAYING INTO IT.

THAT IS PART OF THE FACTOR.

>> IT IS A DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD BECAUSE THEY ARE STAYING HOME BECAUSE THEY FEEL SAFER.

>> Reporter: FRED HENRY IS NOT LOOKING TO RETURN TO RESTAURANT WORK JUST YET.

HE CARES FOR HIS MOM WHO IS IMMUNOCOMPROMISED.

ON THE OTHER HAND, HE SAYS MANY WON'T GO BACK INTO RESTRICTIONS EASE SO INCOME IS MORE CERTAIN.

MEANWHILE, THEY WILL COLLECT THE SUPPLEMENT.

AND >> REALISTICALLY, SINCE THOSE PROVISIONS ARE BEING GIVEN, I DON'T SEE ANY HARM IN TAKING THEM.

>> THE GOVERNMENTAL SUPPORT HAS MADE EVERYTHING VERY DOABLE.

>> Reporter: THIS RESTAURANT TOUR SAYS HE TOOK ADVANTAGE OF FEDERAL PANDEMIC GRANTS TO STAY AFLOAT AND DOESN'T BEGRUDGE WORKERS STIMULUS PAYMENTS.

IS 10 RESTAURANTS USUALLY HIRE 1500 STAFFERS FOR THE SUMMER SEASON, BUT HE NO GOOD HELP IS HARD TO FIND HELP.

HE HAS BOOSTED MINIMUM WAGE TO $15 PER HOUR.

IS MOSTLY THINKING OF WORKERS SWEATING AND HOT KITCHENS.

>> WHY WOULDN'T WE WANT THE LEAST WELL-PAID HONEST WORKING PEOPLE IN OUR BUSINESS HAVE A CHANCE TO MAKE A LIVING WAGE?

>> Reporter: HE SAYS IT DOESN'T APPLY TO WAGE STAFF WHO GENERALLY MAKE AT LEAST THAT.

HE BELIEVES BUSINESS WOULD IMPROVE 10% TO 20% WITH BAR SEATING RESTORED, AND MAYBE THAT WILL ATTRACT MORE WORKERS.

HE IS OPENING THREE NEW RESTAURANTS.

>> IT USED TO BE IF YOU DIDN'T GET TO US BY NOW, YOU ARE NOT GETTING A JOB.

THERE IS MORE FLEXIBILITY NOW.

>> Reporter: AND JIM CASTILLO STARTS THE DISHWASHERS AT $12 PER HOUR.

>> THAT IS A LOT MORE THAN ANY OF US MADE AS A FIRST JOB.

IT IS THE TIMES WE LIVE IN RIGHT NOW.>>> THE TIMES WE LIVE IN ARE ALSO PUTTING EXTRA STRESS ON OUR MENTAL HEALTH.

ON FRIDAY GOVERNOR MURPHY SIGNED A BILL REQUIRING PRIVATE AND STATE INSURANCE PLANS TO COVER SCREENINGS FOR DEPRESSION IN ADOLESCENTS.

THEIR CURRENTLY COVERED UNDER THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT, BUT HIS SIGNATURE ENSURES THE COVERAGE WILL REMAIN IN STATE LAW IF THE ACA IS EVER REPEALED.

MEDICAL EXPERTS SAY EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT IS MORE CRITICAL THAN EVER AMID A PANDEMIC, ONE THAT HAS CAUSED INSTABILITY FOR ALL OF US, BUT ESPECIALLY CHILDREN.

NEW DATA FROM THE NEW JERSEY HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION BEARS SOME OF THAT OUT WITH A CONCERNING, IF NOT UNSURPRISING, TREND.

IT SHOWS AN UPTICK IN VISITS TO THE ER CAUSED BY MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE.

OR HEALTHCARE REPORTER HAS A DEEPER LOOK.

BASED ON THIS DATA, WHAT DO WE KNOW NOW ABOUT THE TOLL OF THE PANDEMIC ON MENTAL HEALTH?

>> I MEAN, THIS IS ONE OF THESE THINGS.

EVERYBODY HAS BEEN TALKING ABOUT THE IMPACT.

ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, EVERYBODY IS STRESSED OUT.

MORE DRUG USE.

PEOPLE ARE DRINKING MORE.

THERE ARE JOKES ABOUT A, BUT IT IS NOT REALLY A JOKING MATTER.

THIS IS JUST ONE TINY MEASUREMENT OF ALL THAT.

IT IS THE PROPORTION OF VISITS FOR DIAGNOSES LIKE ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE IN EMERGENCY ROOMS.

WHAT THEY FOUND IS ALL OF THEM ARE OF.

STILL A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE OF OVERALL CASES, BUT ANXIETY FOR ALL AGE GROUPS IS UP NEARLY 20%, SUBSTANCE ABUSE UP NEARLY 30%, AND WHEN YOU LOOK AT THOSE UNDER AGE 17 AND OTHER, WHICH IS OBVIOUSLY KIDS, ANXIETY IS UP 74%, DEPRESSION 84% AND SUBSTANCE USE MORE THAN 90% INCREASED IN THOSE DIAGNOSES.

SO THE PROPORTION OF THOSE DIAGNOSES.

SO THE MATH IS COMPLICATED, BUT THE ISSUE IS, YOU KNOW, THIS IS REALLY THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG MEASUREMENT.

THE NEED IS SEVERE.

WE HAVE ALL BEEN HEARING ABOUT IT AND TALKING ABOUT IT.

THIS IS JUST AN EASY WAY OR A CLEAR WAY, I SHOULD SAY, TO QUANTIFY IT.

>> WHAT ABOUT FOR THE FRONT- LINE WORKERS?

MEDICAL WORKERS, PTSD.

WE HAVE BEEN TALKING A LOT ABOUT THAT THIS YEAR.

WERE WE ABLE TO GAIN ANY MORE INSIGHT ON THAT?

>> IT DIDN'T LOOK SPECIFICALLY AT HEALTHCARE WORKERS, BUT WE KNOW THAT THE NEED IS THERE.

HOSPITALS FOR A LONG TIME HAVE BEEN TRYING TO SUPPORT THEIR WORKFORCE IN NEW WAYS.

UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL OF NEWARK HAS BEEN DOING THIS WITH MEALS, CHILDCARE, AND SCHOOLING.

I SPOKE TO FOLKS AT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH ABOUT PROGRAMS THEY ARE RUNNING FOR THEIR STAFF WHICH ARE REALLY INNOVATIVE, VARIOUS PEER GROUPS, AND A HOTLINE.

THEY HAVE PEER NAVIGATOR FOLKS WHO ARE THERE TO HELP IN EACH UNIT WERE TRAINED IN EMERGENCY MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSES.

THERE REALLY TAKING A LOT OF STEPS TO TRY TO COMBAT THESE INCIDENCES.

BUT THE HOSPITAL NUMBERS ARE JUST THE ER DATA, THAT IS JUST THE PEAK OF THE ICEBERG BECAUSE THAT IS ONLY THE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN A SITUATION THAT IS ENOUGH OF A CRISIS TO GO TO THE HOSPITAL.

LET'S THINK ABOUT THAT HONESTLY.

THERE ARE PLENTY OF PEOPLE STRUGGLING ON OTHER LEVELS.

>> THANKS SO MUCH.

>>> PRESIDENT BIDEN CONTINUES HIS TOUR THROUGH KEY SWING STATES TODAY, MAKING VARIOUS STOPPED THE VIRGINIA.

PART OF HIS EFFORT TO SELL A MASSIVE INFRASTRUCTURE PLAN.

AS HE DOES, A GROUP OF CONGRESSIONAL DEMOCRATS, INCLUDING RANKING MEMBERS FROM NEW JERSEY, ARE THREATENING TO HOLD UP THE DEAL IF THE PACKAGE DOESN'T INCLUDE A FULL REPEAL OF THE $10,000 SALT CAP PUT IN PLACE UNDER PRESIDENT TRUMP.

SOME ANALYSTS ARE QUESTIONING EXACTLY HOW MANY RESIDENTS BENEFIT FROM THE DEDUCTION AND WHETHER IT WARRANTS BLOCKING A MAJOR LEGISLATIVE DEAL.

>> Reporter: THE STATE AND LOCAL TAX DEDUCTION, PREVIOUSLY UNLIMITED, WAS CAPPED AT $10,000 BY THE PREVIOUS ADMINISTRATION AS A WAY TO HELP PAY FOR MASSIVE TAX CUTS.

IT TARGETED BLUE STATES LIKE NEW JERSEY, AND SINCE THEN RESTORING THE DEDUCTION HAS BECOME A RALLYING CRY FOR DEMOCRATS, BUT SOME DEPRESSIVES ARE SAYING RESTARTING THE DEDUCTION IS A GIFT TO THE WEALTHY.

>> IT IS OVERWHELMINGLY HIRING HIGHER INCOME FAMILIES.

IF THE SALT DEDUCTION CAP IS LIFTED, IT IS NOT GOING TO MATTER ONE WAY OR THE OTHER FOR THREE OUT OF FOUR NEW JERSEY FAMILIES.

IT IS OVERWHELMINGLY CLAIMED BY FOLKS AT THE HIGH END.

>> Reporter: HE IS RESEARCH DIRECTOR AT THE DC-BASED INSTITUTE ON TAXATION AND ECONOMIC POLICY AND CO-AUTHOR OF THE REPORT, NOT WORTH ITS SALT, WHICH CONCLUDED THE VAST MAJORITY OF FAMILIES, REGARDLESS OF RACE, WOULD NOT BENEFIT FROM A SALT CAP REPEAL.

FAMILIES OF COLOR ARE EVEN LESS LIKELY TO SEE ANY TAX BENEFIT.

>> FOR BLACK AND HISPANIC FAMILIES ESPECIALLY, THE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE CLAIMING IT ARE FAR LOWER.

SO LIFTING THE SALT CAP, ABOUT HALF THE TAX CUT FROM THAT FLOWING INTO NEW JERSEY WILL GO TO MILLIONAIRES.

>> HOW IS THAT NOT A TAX BREAK FOR THE RICH?

I AM LOOKING AT THE STUDY FROM THE STAR-LEDGER.

WHAT THE DIFFERENT STUDIES MANIPULATE THE NUMBERS.

I'M GOING WITH MY HOMETOWN PAPER.

THE STAR-LEDGER, JONATHAN FLINT REPORTED, LAST WEEK THAT IF SALT IS REINSTATED, 3 MILLION RESIDENTS WILL GET A TAX CUT, 80% OF THEM MAKE LESS THAN $216,000 A YEAR.

>> Reporter: A KIND OF DEPENDS ON WHAT YOUR DEFINITION OF MIDDLE CLASS IS.

BUT CAN YOU ARGUE WITH NUMBERS AND SAY THOSE FAMILIES WITH SEE AROUND $140 TAX RELIEF WHILE THE TYPICAL MILLION-DOLLAR HOUSEHOLD WITH SEE ABOUT $44,000 IN RELIEF?

>> I THINK OUR JOB HAS TO BE, AND THAT IS MY JOB, TO MAKE THINGS MORE AFFORDABLE HERE, TO GET TAXES DOWN INTO MAKE SURE WE CAN STILL LIVE HERE IN A WAY THAT IS AFFORDABLE FOR FAMILIES OF ALL INCOME BRACKETS AND NOT KEEP LOSING PEOPLE TO OTHER STATES.

>> Reporter: INTERRACIAL AND -- AND THE RACIAL AND SOCIOECONOMIC DISPARITIES?

CONGRESSWOMAN MIKEY CHERYL REPRESENTS DISTRICTS OVERWHELMINGLY WHITE WITH AN AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD INCOME OF MORE THAN $110,000.

YOU COULD ARGUE, AS HE DID THERE, THAT THEY ARE DOING WHAT IS IN THE BEST INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF THE DISTRICT THAT ELECTED THEM.

>> THE REASON YOU SEE THIS IN WEALTHY FAMILIES IS BECAUSE THEY ARE THE ONES PAYING THE MOST IN STATE AND LOCAL TAXES.

THEY ARE THE ONES FUNDING, LIKE I SAID, ARE GREAT PUBLIC SCHOOL SYSTEM.

THEY ARE THE ONES MAKING SURE THAT WE HAVE A STRONG MIDDLE CLASS AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR A MIDDLE-CLASS, AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOME OF THE POOR PEOPLE IN OUR STATE TO HAVE THOSE INROADS INTO THE MIDDLE CLASS.

>> Reporter: AS IT STANDS NOW, THE PRESIDENT IS A NO NO ON RESTARTING SALT AND LESS >> DEMOCRATS WANT TO PROPOSE A WAY TO ELIMINATE SALT, WHICH IS NOT A REVENUE RAISER.

IT WILL COST MORE MONEY.

AND THEY WANT TO PROPOSE A WAY TO PAY FOR, WE ARE HAPPY TO HEAR THEIR IDEAS.

>> Reporter: THIS A PROPOSAL FOR CRACKING DOWN ON LOOPHOLES AND TAX CHEATS.

A SOURCE OF INCOME THE ADMINISTRATION IS ALREADY TARGETING FOR ITS OWN PRIORITIES, LEAVING DEMOCRATS IN THE UNENVIABLE POSITION OF FIGHTING AMONGST THEMSELVES TO RESTORE TAX SAVINGS FOR A GROUP THAT PROBABLY NEEDS IT THE LEAST.>>> THEY SPENT 10 YEARS AS RUNNING MATES, NOW TWO STATE LEGISLATORS ARE BATTLING FOR THE SAME SEAT.

ASSEMBLY MEMBERS VALERIE HUDDLE AND GORDON JOHNSON FIND THEMSELVES ON OPPOSING SIDES THIS ELECTION CYCLE TO REPLACE RETIRING SENATE MAJORITY LEADER LORETTA WEINBERG, PUTTING THE SPOTLIGHT ON WHAT IT MEANS TO RUN WITH THE PARTY BACKING NEW JERSEY AND WHAT IT MEANS TO RUN WITHOUT.

THEY WENT HEAD-TO-HEAD LAST NIGHT IN AN ONLINE FORUM.

WE TAKE A DEEPER LOOK AT LOOK AT THE STATE OF THE RACE THE MORNING AFTER.

>> IT IS 2021, IT IS TIME FOR DIVERSITY IN OUR DISTRICT REFLECTED AT THE STATE HOUSE.

>> OUT OF THE FOUR OPEN STATE SENATE SEATS IN NEW JERSEY, THERE ARE 11 CANDIDATES, ONLY ONE OF THOSE CANDIDATES IS A WOMAN.

THAT WOMAN IS ME.

>> Reporter: IT IS THE BATTLE OF THE PROGRESSIVES IN DISTRICT 37 WERE ASSEMBLYWOMAN VALERIE HUDDLE FACED OFF AGAINST LONG- TIME RUNNING MATE ASSEMBLY MAN GORDON JOHNSON IN A FORM LAST NIGHT.

THEY ARE VYING FOR THE SEAT OF RETIRING SENATOR LORETTA WEINBERG, ONE OF THE MOST POWERFUL WOMAN IN TRENTON FOR NEARLY 3 DECADES.

>> I AM RUNNING FOR STATE SENATE BECAUSE THEY WANT TO KEEP A WOMAN'S VOICE IN THE SENATE, BUT IT IS MUCH MORE THAN THAT.

I AM RUNNING BECAUSE I WANT TO CONTINUE TO DO THE HARD WORK OF MAKING AN IMPACT IN PEOPLES LIVES.

>> Reporter: JOHNSON KICKED BACK AT HER KICKS AND GLASS SLOGAN.

>> IN THE HISTORY OF HER STATE SENATE, THERE'S NEVER BEEN A BLACK REPRESENTATIVE IN BERGEN COUNTY.

>> Reporter: YOU HAVE TO DRILL DEEP TO FIND DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE TWO COME UP THEY ARE THERE.

LIKE THEIR VIEW ON THE NEW JERSEY SUPREME COURT DENYING SUBPOENA POWER FOR CIVILIAN COMPLAINT REVIEW BOARDS, A BODY SEEN BY MANY AS CRITICAL TO STOPPING POLICE MISCONDUCT.

>> SHE WAS VERY, VERY CLEAR ABOUT DISAGREEING WITH THE SUPREME COURT DECISION ON SUBPOENA POWER FOR CIVILIAN COMPLAINT REVIEW BOARDS WHEREAS JOHNSON WAS NOT.

THAT COULD ALSO BE A VERY TELLING ISSUE.

>> Reporter: BOTH CANDIDATES AGREED S6 AND HUDSON COUNTY SHOULD END CONTRACTS WITH I.C.E.

HUDDLE SAID BERGEN SHOULD TOO AND JOHNSON DID NOT.

HUDDLE TOOK A SHOT AT JOHNSON ON THE ISSUE OF GUNS.

HE ONCE SAID SENATOR WEINBERG WAS MORE LIBERAL THAN HIM ON GUNS.

>> I DON'T THINK SHE IS MORE LIBERAL THAN ME ON GUNS, NO.

>> IT IS HARD TO HAVE IT BOTH WAYS SOMETIMES WHEN YOU PANDER TO THE GUN LOBBY.

I NEVER PANDER TO THE GUN LIBRARY.

>> Reporter: THE DEBATE TURNED TO A ALLEGATION OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT AGAINST JOHNSON SAYING A WOMAN WAS OFFERED A COUNCIL SEAT IN EXCHANGE FOR SEX.

>> ARE YOU SAYING WHAT SHE SAID IS NOT TRUE?

ACTUALLY, IT IS A SEXUAL- HARASSMENT DEFENSE, YOU CALL THE ACCUSER A LIAR OR SHE IS NUTS OR WHATEVER.

BUT SHE SAID IT .

IT IS DOCUMENTED BUT I DIDN'T BRING IT UP.

THOSE ARE HER WORDS.

>> I CALLED HER TO RECTIFY THE SITUATION.

OTHER THAN THAT, I DON'T REMEMBER SEEING ANYTHING LIKE THAT TO ANYONE.

>> Reporter: IT WAS A STRONG WOMAN FOR HUDDLE WHO MADE HER CASE FOR SUPPORTING WOMEN'S RIGHTS, EVEN IF SHE DOESN'T HAVE THE SUPPORT OF HER PREDECESSOR.

HE CALLED A MISSED OPPORTUNITY FOR JOHNSON WHO NOW HAS THE SUPPORT OF HIS ACCUSER.

>> I WAS SURPRISED, I THOUGHT JOHNSON COULD HAVE COME OUT EVEN STRONGER, MAKING THAT POINT THAT HE HAD THESE DISCUSSIONS WITH THIS WOMAN AND -- HE COULD HAVE BEEN A LITTLE BIT STRONGER IN SAYING, YOU KNOW, SHE RECOGNIZES THERE WAS NOTHING THERE.

>> Reporter: AT THE END OF THE DAY, JOHNSON HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE DEMOCRATIC LINE, WHICH GIVES HIM THE LEAD.

BUT HE DOESN'T COUNT HUDDLE OUT.

>> I THINK THEY WERE BOTH PLAYING VERY MUCH TO THEIR BASE WITHIN THE PARTY.

THERE ARE PROBABLY MORE WOMEN IN THE DISTRICT THEN THERE ARE JUST BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE.

THAT MY PLAY TO THE ADVANTAGE OF HUDDLE.

>> Reporter: THEY MIGHT HAVE OFFERED LITTLE SHOT, BUT EVEN THE MOST HARDENED INSIDERS MIGHT BE SURPRISED TO SEE RIDGEGATE MASTERMINDED DAVID WHILST THE MODERATING THE DISCUSSION.

>> HERE IS SOMEBODY WHO IS ABOUT TO GO TO JAIL, AND NOW HE IS MODERATING A DEBATE AND DOING THAT BECAUSE HE KNOW STATE POLITICS PROBABLY BETTER THAN ANYBODY.

>> Reporter: AS THEY SAY, ONLY INJURES A.

>>> IN JERSEY.

>>> SOME REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS SAY THERE IS NO REASON TO KEEP OTHER PARTS OF THE STATE CLOSE.

RHONDA CHAPA HAS THE DETAILS AND THE TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>> FOLLOWING THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF EASY RESTRICTIONS, ONE STATE SENATOR SAYS IT IS TIME TO REOPEN STATE GOVERNMENT OFFICES, INCLUDING THE WALK-IN UNEMPLOYMENT CENTERS.

THE SENATOR SAYS SHE IS STILL HEARING FROM HUNDREDS OF UNEMPLOYED WORKERS WHO CAN'T RESOLVE THEIR CLAIMS ONLINE OR OVER THE PHONE AND ARE STILL WAITING FOR BENEFITS.

SHE SAYS THE CENTERS SHOULD REOPEN IMMEDIATELY.

>>> TODAY MARKED THE START OF THE GRANT APPLICATION PERIOD FOR PHASE 4 OF THE SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FROM THE NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY.

$85 MILLION IS AVAILABLE AND THE EDA CEO SAYS THE GOAL IS TO GET THAT MONEY OUT QUICKLY.

>> FOR THE NEXT WEEK OR TWO WE WILL BE TAKING APPLICATIONS.

WE HOPE TO BE ABLE TO TURN THIS AROUND WITHIN A MATTER OF WEEKS , MAKING AWARDS IN THE MONTH OF MAY.

>> THE EDA BEGAN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS TODAY FROM BUSINESSES WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN FUNDED PREVIOUSLY.

STARTING WEDNESDAY, RESTAURANT OWNERS AND CHILDCARE PROVIDERS CAN APPLY.

A WEEK FROM TODAY APPLICATIONS WILL OPEN FOR MICRO BUSINESSES.

ALL OTHER SMALL BUSINESSES CAN APPLY STARTING ON THE 12th.

GRANT AWARDS WILL RANGE FROM $10,000-$20,000.

>>> THE NEW JERSEY RED-HOT HOUSING MARKET IS SHOWING NO SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN.

FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 2021 THE AVERAGE SALES PRICE OF A SINGLE-FAMILY HOME SHOT UP 24% TO $500,000 COMPARED TO THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO, AND THAT WAS ESSENTIALLY A $100,000 INCREASE.

CONDO IN TOWN HOUSE PRICES ROSE AS WELL.

NEW JERSEY REALTOR PRESIDENT- ELECT ROBERT WHITE SAYS LOW MORTGAGE RATES ARE HELPING FUEL DEMAND.

>> THIS MARKET WILL CONTINUE WELL INTO 2022 BECAUSE WE DON'T SEE ANY FUTURE CHANGE TO THE INTEREST RATES.

AS LONG AS THEY REMAIN AROUND THAT 3% MARK, THAT IS ALLOWING MORE AND MORE BUYERS INTO THIS HOME MARKET.

>> BUT RISING PRICES ALSO PUT HOMEOWNERSHIP OUT OF REACH FOR MANY.

RESIDENT BIDEN IS NOW CALLING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF 2 MILLION AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS AS PART OF HIS BROAD INFRASTRUCTURE PROPOSAL.

>>> NOW HERE'S A LOOK AT WALL STREET TRADING FOR TODAY.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> FINALLY TONIGHT, LIKE MOST PIVOTAL MOMENTS IN OUR COUNTRIES HISTORY, THIS PANDEMIC IS INSPIRING A NEW GENERATION OF HELPERS AND LEADERS WHO WATCHED AS DOCTORS, NURSES AND MEDICAL WORKERS HEROICALLY WORKED ON THE FRONTLINES AND FELT A CALLING TO BECOME PART OF THE SOLUTION.

THE RESULT IS AN EXPLOSION OF INTEREST AND APPLICATIONS FOR NURSING SCHOOLS ACROSS NEW JERSEY AND THE NATION.

A SILVER LINING IN A GRUELING YEAR.

BUT EVEN WITH THAT UPTICK, THE STATE IS STARING DOWN A CRITICAL NURSING SHORTAGE.

>> RIGHT OFF THE BAT, AS YOU MAY PERCEIVE, I HAVE A PORT WINE STAIN ON MY LEFT CHEEK.

IT IS SOMETHING I HAVE HAD SINCE BIRTH.

>> Reporter: JEREMY BAPTISTA REMEMBERS THE PAINFUL LASER TREATMENTS HE FACED FROM A YOUNG AGE.

WOULD HELP THE GET THROUGH IT IS THE NURSES BY HIS SIDE.

>> LATER ON IN HIGH SCHOOL I WAS ACTUALLY FOUND TO HAVE A TUMOR IN MY STOMACH WHICH WAS REMOVED AND THANKFULLY FOUND TO BE BENIGN.

AGAIN, THE NURSES WERE SO KIND TO ME.

THAT SOLIDIFIED MY DESIRE TO PURSUE NEW SEWING.

>> Reporter: THE SENIOR IS A FEW WEEKS AWAY FROM GRADUATION BUT ALREADY HAS PLENTY OF IN THE FIELD EXPERIENCE.

THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC, HE WORKED IN THE INTENSIVE CARE UNIT OF AN AREA HOSPITAL.

DIDN'T SCARE HIM FROM THE PROFESSION?

QUITE THE OPPOSITE.

>> THERE WAS SUCH A NEED OUT THERE, AND I FELT AS THOUGH NOW IS THE TIME TO STEP UP.

>> Reporter: HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS ARE WORRIED THERE WOULD BE A DROP IN NURSING SCHOOL APPLICATIONS AFTER A YEAR FILLED WITH IMAGES AND STORIES OF LONG AND DIFFICULT HOURS.

IT TURNS OUT THE COMMISSIONER OF THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SAYS APPLICATIONS ARE UP, A TREND RUTGERS SCHOOL OF NURSING HAS SEEN FIRST-HAND.

>> APPLICATIONS ARE UP BY ABOUT 36%.

>> Reporter: IT IS POSITIVE NEWS, BUT THE DEAN SAYS THE UPTICK DOESN'T COME CLOSE TO MEETING THE NEEDS OF THE CURRENT NURSING SHORTAGE IN THE STATE.

>> YOU HAVE TO REALIZE THE SEVERITY OF THE NURSING SHORTAGE.

WE CURRENTLY HAVE BETWEEN A 10% AND 11% VACANCY RATE.

ROUGHLY SPEAKING, THAT WOULD BE 10,000 TO 11,000 JOBS.

>> IN 2030, WHICH IS NOT THAT FAR AWAY, THERE WILL STILL BE A SIGNIFICANT SHORTAGE OF NURSES IN NEW JERSEY.

>> Reporter: THERE IS ALSO A SHORTAGE OF CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANTS WHO WORK IN LONG- TERM CARE FACILITIES.

THE STATE SAYS IT IS SPEEDING UP THE CERTIFICATION PROCESS FOR THE CNES AND TRAINING TO ADDRESS THAT.

>> NURSES ARE AGING, AND THEIR AGING AT A RATE FASTER THAN YOUNG PEOPLE ARE COMING INTO THE PROFESSION.

THE OTHER THING THAT IS AFFECTING THE NURSING SHORTAGE NATIONWIDE IS THE FACULTY SHORTAGE .

IT IS ESTIMATED NATIONALLY THAT 83,000 QUALIFIED APPLICANTS TO SCHOOLS OF NURSING ACROSS THE COUNTRY WERE TURNED AWAY, PREDOMINANTLY BECAUSE THERE WERE NOT IN THE FACULTY.

TO >> Reporter: THE PROBLEM IS THERE'S NOT ENOUGH OF A FINANCIAL INCENTIVE TO BECOME A PROFESSOR.

IT REQUIRES AN ADVANCED DEGREE, AND YOU MAKE LESS THAN PRACTICING NURSES.

>> IT IS A CALLING, BUT OBVIOUSLY, THE FINANCIAL ISSUES ARE A FACTOR AS WELL.

THEY REALLY NEED TO BE ADDRESSED.

THERE IS ONE FEDERAL PROGRAM THAT HELPS NURSES WHO WANT TO BECOME FACULTY MEMBERS WITH THEIR TUITION, BUT IT IS JUST ONE PROGRAM AND IT IS LIMITED.

SO ANYTHING THAT WOULD HELP NURSES WHO WANT TO BECOME FACULTY NUMBERS MEMBERS PAY FOR THEIR TUITION WOULD BE EXTREMELY HELPFUL.

>> Reporter: AND QUICKLY BECAUSE NEW JERSEY STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION CEO SAYS IT WILL TAKE YEARS FOR STUDENTS TO GET THE EXPERIENCE LEVEL OF THE PEOPLE RETIRING.

>> SOME OF THEM WITH EXPERIENCE UP TO 25, 30 AND 35 YEARS.

WE ARE NOT SEEING THOSE LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE IN SOME OF HER CLINICAL AREAS AS WE HAVE SEEN IN THE PAST.

>> Reporter: JEREMY SAYS HE IS EAGER TO JOIN THE WORKFORCE TO DO HIS PARTNER >> YOU MIGHT BE TREATING A FUTURE NURSE, AND YOUR ACTIONS MIGHT BE INSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION.

>>> THAT DOES IT FOR US.

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WHILE YOU WERE THERE, YOU CAN SCRIBE TO THE SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL AND TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS SO YOU NEVER MISS AN UPDATE.

FOR THE ENTIRE NEW STEAM, THANKS FOR WATCHING.

HAVE A GREAT NIGHT.>>> 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.

>> TRAMMELL 12 INSURANCE COMPANY HAS BEEN SERVING POLICYHOLDERS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS, BUT JUST WHO ARE NJM POLICYHOLDERS?

THEY ARE THE SOCIAL SERVICE AND NONPROFIT PIONEERS WHO LEND A HELPING HAND , SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS, THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO PROVIDER SKILLED LABOR, AND HER HOMEGROWN CHAMPIONS.

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

NJM, WE HAVE 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 MEDICAL GROUP PROVIDER OR SPECIALIST.

EVEN AS A NEW PATIENT.

YOU HAVE TAKEN EVERY PRECAUTION AND SO HAVE WE.

DON'T DELAY YOUR CARE ANY LONGER.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

>>>