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

RWJ BARNABY HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

IN ORSTED, COMMITTED A CREATION OF A LONG-TERM, SUSTAINABLE ENERGY SOLUTION FOR NEW JERSEY.

FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>> THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT, I AM RAVEN SANTANA IN FOR BRIANA VANNOZZI.

HEALTH EXPERTS ARE WARNING OF A ANOTHER TRIPLE HEALTH THREAT CALLING IT A TRIPLE-DEMIC.

THERE ARE CURRENTLY NO INOCULATIONS AGAINST RSV, AS THERE ARE FOR BOTH THE FLU AND COVID, BUT A COUPLE OF PHARMACEUTICAL COMPANIES ARE WORKING TO DEVELOP VACCINES.

WITH FEWER PREVENTATIVE MEASURES IN PLACE, POST-PANDEMIC, AND LOW UPTAKE ON COVID BOOSTERS, THIS IS CONCERNED THAT THERE COULD LEAD TO A STRIKE IN RESEARCH OR CONDITIONS.

AND THE GROWING VOLUME OF THESE CASES COULD PLACE MORE STRAIN ON AN ALREADY TAXED HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

>> I HEAR THAT A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE GETTING SICK AND I THINK THE FLU SHOT DEFINITELY HELPS.

>> Reporter: FOLKS LIKE DAPHNE MORAN TRICKLED UNDER THE CLINIC SEEKING FLU SHOTS AMIDST A GROWING STATEWIDE SEARCH IN THREE RESPIRATORY VIRUSES, FLU, COVID, AND RSV, THAT SOME HEALTH OFFICIALS CALL A TRIPLE-DEMIC.

MANY NEW FRIENDS AND FAMILY ALREADY HIT BY FLU, ESPECIALLY KIDS.

DAPHNE'S EIGHT-YEAR-OLD COUSIN MISSED SCHOOL.

>> SHE HAD TO MISS LIKE A WHOLE WEEK.

IT TOOK A WHILE FOR US TO GET ON UP WHENEVER HER BECAUSE OF HOW MANY KIDS ARE GETTING SICK.

>> WE ARE SEEING SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF NUMBERS IN THE SCHOOLS.

>> Reporter: DR. NICOLE DAN DALE HAS A PRIVATE PRACTICE IN WEST DALE.

SHE HEARS FROM WORRIED TEACHERS.

>> SHE WAS RIGHT FOR HER CONCERNS BECAUSE SHE SAID TWO DAYS PRIOR SHE ONLY HAD TWO CHILDREN SHOW UP TO HER CLASSROOM.

EVERYBODY ELSE WAS OUT WITH SOME TYPE OF ILLNESS.

>> WE HAVE SEEN OUTBREAKS IN SCHOOL SYSTEMS WITHIN NEW JERSEY, AND DEFINITELY SAYING AN EFFECT ON ATTENDANCE IN THE CLASSROOM SETTING.

>> Reporter: NEW JERSEY'S POT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TRACKS STUDENT ABSENCES.

THE RED LINE SHOWS THE RATE AT ABOUT 6%, ALREADY TRENDING ABOVE AVERAGE FOR HIGH FLU SEASONS AT THIS TIME OF YEAR.

JERSEYS LOG MORE THAN 15,000 CASES THIS WAS EVEN, EIGHT OUTBREAKS OF LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES, AND THE INFLUENZA A STRAIN PREDOMINATES IN A 68% OF CASES.

ONLY TESS CAN TELL, HOSPITAL OFFICIALS SAY, BECAUSE THE THREE MAIN RESPIRATORY VIRUSES IN CIRCULATION OFTEN SHARE SIMILAR SOME ROOMS.

>> YOU HAVE FLU, YOU HAVE RSV, AND YOU HAVE COVID ALL GOING AROUND THE SAME TIME.

THE DEFINITIVE DIAGNOSIS IS NOT SOMEONE SAYING I THINK I'VE GOT IT.

>> Reporter: CASELOADS ARE AT HIGH LEVELS ACROSS THE ENTIRE STATE.

MEANWHILE, DOCTORS REPORT A CONTINUED SURGE OF PEDIATRIC CASES CALLED BY MULTIPLE RESPIRATORY VICES.

>> WE ARE SEEING ALL THE VIRUSES CIRCULATE.

>> Reporter: KIDS HOSPITALIZE WITH FLOW OFTEN DIDN'T GET VACCINATED, BUT THERE IS NO VACCINE FOR RSV, AND IT HAS BEEN SURGING.

LAB TEST RESULTS COLLECTED BY THE STATE SHOW MOST NON-FLU INFECTIONS ARE RSV.

>> WE HAVE HAD A MASSIVE SURGE OF CASES OF INFANTS, SPECIFICALLY, ADMITTED WITH RSV.

SUCH THAT WE HAVE EXPANDED OUR INPATIENT CAPACITY BOTH IN THE PEDIATRIC ICU AND THE PEDIATRIC REGULAR HOSPITAL FLOORS.

WE HAVE TO OPEN ADDITIONAL BEDS AND ADDITIONAL UNITS.

>> Reporter: RSV HAS ALREADY KILLED ONE CHILD IN CALIFORNIA.

FIVE KIDS IN NEW JERSEY HAD EXTREMELY SEVERE CASES REQUIRING ADVANCED TREATMENT, HEALTH OFFICIALS REPORT.

THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM IS HOLDING, SAYS DR. HASSAN AT NJ MEDICAL SCHOOL.

BUT SHE WARNS IT IS STRESSED.

>> THE BURDEN WE ARE SEEING IN THE E.R.

IS ANYWHERE UP TO 120 KIDS AND ONE E.R.

SHIFT.

TALK OF TENTS GOING UP TO FACILITATE TRIAGE OF THESE KIDS.

THAT IS DEAFLY SOMETHING WE SET UP AND TAKE NOTICE, AND PREPARE AND BRACE OURSELVES FOR THE SURGE.

>> WAIT TIMES FOR THE TREATMENT AND TESTING AND URGENT CARE CENTERS CAN EXCEED AN HOUR.

BUT SINCE MANY NO LONGER GET TESTED, IT IS TOUGH TO TRACK WHAT IS SURGING, SAYS MONTCLAIR EPIDEMIOLOGIST STEPHANIE SILVEIRA.

>> PEOPLE MAY NOT HAVE THE SICK TIME AVAILABLE TO TAKE FOR THEIR CHILDREN.

WE ARE SORT OF BACK TO THE PRE-PANDEMIC TAKE ADVIL AND HOPE FOR THE BEST, GOING TO WORK AND SENDING OUR KIDS TO SCHOOL.

>> SHE SAYS THAT WILL SIMPLY RAISE TRANSITION RATES.

SHE'S URGES FOLKS TO GET VACCINATED, WASH YOUR HANDS, AND IF YOU OR YOUR CHILD ARE SICK, PLEASE STAY HOME.

I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> SUPPORT FOR THE MEDICAL REPORT IS PROVIDED BY HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>>> FUNDING FOR SCHOOL-BASED HEALTH SERVICES WILL CONTINUE TO OPERATE AND 90 NEW JERSEY SCHOOL DISTRICTS.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ANNOUNCE THE DECISION AFTER THE STATE RECEIVED BACKLASH WHEN THE PROGRAM WAS SCHEDULED TO END IN JUNE.

THE STATE IS NOW PLANNING TO MAINTAIN THE SCHOOL-BASED PROGRAMS WHILE THEY ALSO ROLLOUT THE NEW MODEL.

DESPITE THE EXTENSION, SCHOOL LEADERS, STUDENTS, AND EDUCATION ADVOCATES ARE CALLING FOR THE PROGRAMS TO BE PERMANENT AND REMAIN IN THEIR SCHOOLS RATHER THAN BE LOOKED RELOCATED.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT JOANNA GAGIS REPORTS.

>> EVERY TIME I COME HERE I ALWAYS HAVE A SMILE ON MY FACE BECAUSE I AM EXCITED TO SEE THE STAFF MEMBERS.

I AM EXCITED TO SEE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE ACTUALLY COMING HERE TO GET AWAY FROM THE STRESS.

>> Reporter: A GIANT SPACE OF THE SCHOOL WHERE STUDENTS CAN COME TO RELAX AND RECEIVE SERVICES HAS CHANGED HER HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE.

FOR BREANNA TILLMAN, IT IS A SAFE SPACE.

>> A LOT OF THE PEOPLE THAT SPEAK HERE WOULD NOT HAVE SPOKEN ANYWHERE ELSE.

THEY ONLY FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO SPEAK BECAUSE IT IS A SPACE WHERE EVERYBODY IS INCLUDED.

>> IT IS A ONE-STOP SHOP URGENT CARE FOR KIDS, WITH PERMISSION FOR THEIR PARENTS, OBVIOUSLY.

THEY HAVE THE MEDICAL CARE, THE MENTAL HEALTH CARE.

>> Reporter: SUPERINTENDENT TONY SAYS THIS MODEL REACHES KIDS THAT WOULD OTHERWISE NEVER SEEK OUT MENTAL HEALTH CARE.

>> THE BULK OF THE KIDS WHO RECEIVE THE SERVICES ARE NOT REFERRED AREA THEY REFER THEMSELVES.

THEY PLAY POOL, UCR HOCKEY, OR THEY JUST SIT.

IT IS DURING THEIR LUNCH PERIOD.

AND THEY BUILT A FAMILIARITY WITH THE STAFF.

OVER A PERIOD OF TIME, THEY DECIDE TO ASK FOR HELP.

THEY SAY LISTEN, I HAVE AN ISSUE.

>> Reporter: TONY WAS DISMAYED TO HEAR THAT FUNDING FOR THE SCHOOL-BASED YOUTH SERVICES PROGRAM WOULD BE CUT OFF IN JUNE OF 2023, REPLACED BY A NEW SPOKES MODEL OF SERVICES PROVIDED BY NEW JERSEY'S APARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FAMILIES.

JOINED WITH SEVERAL OF THE 86 DISTRICTS RECEIVING STATE FUNDING FOR SIMILAR PROGRAMS, ADVOCATING TO KEEP THE PROGRAMS IN PLACE.

THIS WEEK, GOVERNOR MURPHY AGREED.

>> WE HAVE LISTENED TO THE FEEDBACK.

IT IS VERY CLEAR THAT THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND STUDENTS THAT THEY CURRENTLY HAVE A PROGRAM IN PLACE REALLY WANT TO KEEP IT.

IT WILL BE IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING PROGRAMS.

>> THE NJ4S MODEL IS STILL BEING CRAFTED, THAT THERE WILL BE ONE HUB IN EVERY COUNTY WORKING WITH SEVERAL SPOKES SERVICE PROVIDERS.

THE STATE SAYS THIS WILL HELP MEET THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE EXPERIENCING MENTAL HEALTH CRISES TODAY.

>> THE HUBS ARE ADMINISTRATIVE ENTITIES.

IT MIGHT BE A TILTING, IT MAY BE VIRTUAL.

BUT THIS IS WHERE WE HAVE THE STAFFING.

SERVICES DO NOT OCCUR AT THE HUBS.

THE SERVICES OCCUR AT SCHOOLS.

THEY ARE CONSIDERED SPOKES.

IT IS ALSO TO PROVIDE SERVICES AT OTHER COMMUNITY LOCATIONS, AS WELL.

>> THERE IS A MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDER SHORTAGE IN THIS STATE AND IT WILL NOT BE EASY.

BUT THE COMMITTEE CHAIR SAYS THE STATE HAS TO STEP IN.

>> FIRST WE HAVE TO ASSESS WHAT DOES EACH OF THE 584 DISTRICT THAT OFFER RIGHT NOW.

WHAT DO THEY NOT HAVE TO OFFER.

SOME OF THE SMALLER ONES MIGHT BE GOOD CONTRACTING WITH A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION OR PROVIDING ON-SITE ACCESS TWO DAYS A WEEK.

SO I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU HAVE FRUSTRATION FROM THE OTHER 500 OR SO DISTRICT SAYING WHY ARE THERE ONLY 90 IN THE STATE TO DIRECT STATE FUNDING BUT WE DON'T GET ANYTHING?

>> Reporter: IS TO OPERATE A REGIONAL HUB WILL BE OPEN IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.

WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN MARCH.

I'M JOANNA GAGIS, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> IS THE ACCOUNTING CONTINUES MORE THAN A WEEK AFTER MIDTERM ELECTIONS, IT HAS FINALLY BECOME CLEAR THAT REPUBLICANS WILL HOLD A MAJORITY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES BEGINNING NEXT YEAR.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS CALLED A CRITICAL RACE IN CALIFORNIA FOR THE GOP WERE YESTERDAY, GIVING THE PARTY THE 218 SEATS AS NEEDED TO RETAKE THE HOUSE, AND ENDING DEMOCRATS TOTAL CONTROL IN WASHINGTON.

HOUSE REPUBLICAN LEADER KEVIN McCARTHY IS IN POSITION TO BECOME THE NEXT SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE.

THOUGH PARTY AND FIGHTING HAS LEFT THE DOOR OPEN FOR A CHALLENGER.

THIS MORNING, OUTGOING HOUSE SPEAKER NANCY PELOSI ANNOUNCED THAT SHE WOULD STEP BACK FROM DEMOCRATIC LEADERSHIP, OPENING THE DOOR FOR NEW FACES AT THE TOP OF THE PARTY.

THE CURRENT CONGRESS HAS JUST A FEW WEEKS LEFT BEFORE NEW MEMBERS ARE SWORN IN, AND THE LAME-DUCK SESSION KICKED OFF YESTERDAY WITH THE SENATE ADVANCING A BIPARTISAN SAME-SEX MARRIAGE PROTECTION BILL.

THE LEGISLATION WOULD REQUIRE ALL STATES TO RECOGNIZE SAME-SEX MARRIAGES, AS LONG AS THE MARRIAGE WAS VALID IN THE STATE IN WHICH IT WAS PERFORMED.

>>> IMMIGRANT ADVOCATES ARE URGING FEDERAL LAWMAKERS TO SEIZE THE MOMENT BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS.

ACTIVISTS FROM NEW JERSEY AND AROUND THE NATION RALLIED IN D.C. TODAY, CALLING ON CONGRESS TO MOVE FORWARD ON IMMIGRATION REFORM DURING THE LAME-DUCK SESSION.

THE TOP PRIORITY IS A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP FOR DREAMERS, THE YOUNG AND IMMIGRANTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE FEDERAL DOCKET PROGRAM.

SPEAKING WITH OTHER DEMOCRATIC SENATORS, YESTERDAY SENATOR BOB MENENDEZ CALLED REPUBLICANS TO CROSS THE AISLE AND WORK TOGETHER FOR BIPARTISAN CHANGE.

>> ALL WE NEED IS FOR REPUBLICANS TO FIND THE POLITICAL COURAGE AND WILLINGNESS TO FINALLY FIX A SYSTEM THAT WE CAN ALL AGREE IS BROKEN.

THE SAME POLITICAL COURAGE THEY FOUND EARLIER THIS YEAR TO BEGIN TO ADDRESS GUN VIOLENCE.

AND TO DO THAT, THEY NEED TO REJECT THE ANTI-IMMIGRANT WING OF THEIR PARTY AND FOLLOW THEIR COLLEAGUES, WHO, IN THE PAST, HAVE BEEN WILLING TO COME TO THE TABLE AND DRAFTED A BIPARTISAN DEAL.

>>> IT JUST BECAME EASIER TO DERIVE DRUGS FROM MARIJUANA.

TODAY THE U.S. SENATE UNANIMOUSLY PASSED A BILL DESIGNED TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR SCIENTISTS TO CONDUCT RESEARCH ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA AND ALLOW PHYSICIANS TO DISCUSS THE POTENTIAL HARMS AND BENEFITS OF MARIJUANA WITH PATIENTS.

IT AWAITS THE PRESIDENT SIGNATURE.

THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL COMES AS THE 21st RECREATIONAL CANNABIS DISPENSARY OPENED UP IN FORT LEE, AND THE NEW JERSEY CANNABIS REGULATORY COMMISSION HELD VIRTUAL MEETINGS TO TAKE SUGGESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC ON HOW FUNDS RAISED FROM CANNABIS FEES AND FINES SHOULD BE USED FOR SOCIAL EQUITY PROJECTS.

MELISSA ROSE COOPER REPORTS.

>> Reporter: WE KNOW THAT ONCE MARIJUANA WAS LEGALIZED THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS INTEREST FROM PEOPLE WHO THOUGHT THEY FLIPPED THE SWITCH HERE IN THE STATE.

WE MADE SOMETHING THAT WAS ILLICIT NOW LEGAL.

AND PEOPLE ARE ABOUT TO HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD BUSINESS, TO BUILD WEALTH.

BUT WHAT ABOUT THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN MOST HARM BY IT BY GENERATION AFTER GENERATION?

WE KNOW THE REPERCUSSION ARE NOT ONLY FOR THEMSELVES, BUT ALSO FOR THEIR FAMILIES.

>> Reporter: NEARLY SEVEN MONTHS AFTER SALES OF RECREATIONAL CANNABIS BEGAN IN NEW JERSEY, SOCIAL ADVOCATES ARE PUSHING FOR MORE IMPACT IN THE COMMUNITIES IMPACTED MOST BY MARIJUANA.

>> THAT WOULD LOOK LIKE SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS IN HEALTH, EDUCATION, HOUSING, AND THE BUILDING OF EQUITY FOR BLACK COMMUNITIES AND BLACK RESIDENCE IN NEW JERSEY.

RESTORATIVE JUSTICE IN INTERVENTION HUBS.

INVESTMENTS AND COMMUNITY LED FIRST RESPONSE PILOT PROGRAMS, BECAUSE WE KNOW THE DATA SHOWS US THAT WHENEVER WE LIMIT COMMUNITY INTERACTION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, PARTICULARLY BLACK AND BROWN COMMUNITIES INTERACTION WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT, THAT THOSE COMMUNITIES ARE HEALTHIER AND SAFER.

SO WE ARE TALKING ABOUT PUSHING FOR COMMUNITY RESPONSE TEAMS THAT RESPOND TO NONVIOLENT MENTAL HEALTH AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE ISSUES.

>> Reporter: GOALS THEY CANNABIS REGULATORY COMMISSION IS HOPING TO ACHIEVE WITH SOCIAL EQUITY EXCISE FEES.

CURRENTLY THE STATE ADDS AN ADDITIONAL DOLLAR AND $.10 ON CANNABIS SALES.

DOES WILL BE BASED OFF OF RECREATIONAL SALES AROUND 1.50 PER OUNCE.

THE PUBLIC WILL WEIGH IN ON HOW TO SPEND THE MONEY COLLECTED.

>> WE UNDERSTAND THAT SOME PEOPLE MIGHT BE SKEPTICAL OF THIS PROCESS.

BUT WE CAN'T SAY WE DIDN'T GET WHAT WE ASKED FOR.

IF PEOPLE DON'T COME TO THE TABLE AND MAKE THE ASK.

>> Reporter: KRISTIN NASH URGING RESIDENTS TO PROVIDE THEIR SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT TO DO WITH THE FEES.

SHE SAYS AFTER HOLDING INAUGURAL MEETINGS BACK IN MARCH THEY WERE ABLE TO DO A LOT WITH THE MONEY THEY COLLECTED ONCE RECREATIONAL SALE STARTED.

>> MONEY FROM THAT WENT TOWARDS PARTIALLY FUNDING A NO-COST TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TRAINING AND MENTORING PROGRAM.

THAT IS TO ASSIST CERTAIN RECREATIONAL CANNABIS LICENSE APPLICANTS, LIKE DIVERSELY ON BUSINESSES OR PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED AREAS, TO NAME A FEW.

>> Reporter: GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY IS ALSO KEY FOR MIKE CONWAY, REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT OF RETAIL FOR ASSENT, NEW JERSEY.

THE COMPANY JUST OPENED ITS THIRD NEW JERSEY IN FORT LEE.

>> WE HAVE SOME SOCIAL EQUITY LICENSES THAT DO WORK WITH US.

WE ALSO PARTNER WITH OTHER ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THE LAST PRISONER PROJECT TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE BACK TO THE COMMUNITIES THAT WE DO SERVE TO ENSURE THAT WE ARE COMING IN AND BEING GOOD NEIGHBORS, GOOD PARTNERS.

AND REALLY WORKING WITH THOSE SOCIAL EQUITY LICENSES TO HELP THEM ALONG WITH US.

>> Reporter: THE CRC PROJECTS THAT THE SOCIAL EQUITY EXCISE FEE WILL BRING IN ROUGHLY $225,000 FOR THE 2022 FISCAL YEAR.

HE PLANS TO HOLD ANOTHER SERIES OF MEETINGS IN JANUARY.

OUR RECOMMENDATION REPORT WILL THEN BE SENT TO THE GOVERNOR WITH A DECISION EXPECTED BEFORE JULY 1st.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM MELISSA ROSE COOPER.

>>> STARBUCKS WORKERS AT MORE THAN 100 U.S. WORKERS STORES ARE STAGING A WALKOUT TODAY AND WHAT WOULD BE THE GROWING UNION'S LARGEST STRIKE SO FAR.

THE WALKOUTS ARE SCHEDULED TO COINCIDE WITH STARBUCKS ANNUAL RED CUP DAY, WHEN THE COMPANY GIVES A FREE REUSABLE CUP TO CUSTOMERS WHO ORDER A HOLIDAY DRINK.

WORKER SAY IT IS OFTEN ONE OF THE BUSIEST DAYS OF THE YEAR, AND THEY DOUBLE THE STRIKE THE RED CUP REBELLION.

HERE IN JERSEY, EMPLOYEES OF THE STATE THREE UNIONIZED STARBUCKS LOCATIONS IN MONTCLAIR, HOPEWELL, AND SUMMIT JOINED THE DEMONSTRATION.

WORKER SAY THEY ARE SEEKING BETTER PAY, MORE CONSISTENT SCHEDULES, AND HIGHER STAFFING LEVELS AND BUSY STORES.

STARBUCKS OPPOSES THE UNIONIZATION EFFORT, SAYING THE COMPANY FUNCTIONS BEST WHEN IT WORKS DIRECTLY WITH EMPLOYEES.

MORE THAN 260 STARBUCKS STORES HAVE UNIONIZED NATIONWIDE, BUT THE COMPANY HAS NOT YET AGREED TO A CONTRACT WITH ANY OF THEM.

>>> MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS DELAY WITH EFFORTS TO CONTROL NEW JERSEY'S RECORD HIGH PROPERTY TAXES ARE MEETING ANALYTICALLY THIS WEEK TO DISCUSS PRESSING ISSUES LIKE INFLATION AND THE RISING COSTS OF BENEFITS FOR PUBLIC WORKERS.

NEW JERSEY'S TOP LEGISLATIVE LEADERS SHORT A GROUP OF MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS THAT THEY ARE ADDRESSING CONCERNS ABOUT TAXES AND AFFORDABILITY, BUT OFFERED OFFICIALS NO COMMITMENT TO HELP DEFRAY THE RISING COSTS OF BENEFITS.

A COST THAT COULD DRIVE UP WHAT ARE ALREADY THE NATION'S HIGHEST PROPERTY TAXES.

WHILE THE STATE DOES HAVE THE AFFORDABLE NEW JERSEY COMMUNITIES FOR HOMEOWNERS AND RENTERS RELIEF PROGRAM, ALSO KNOWN AS ANCHOR, IT IS NOT PERMANENT AND TIME IS TICKING.

TO BREAK IT ALL DOWN, BUDGET AND FINANCE WRITER JOHN WRIGHT MEYER JOINS ME.

CURRENTLY, WHAT IS THE AVERAGE NEW JERSEY PROPERTY TAX BILL?

>> WE DON'T HAVE THE DATA YET FOR THIS YEAR, BUT AS OF LAST YEAR THE AVERAGE PROPERTY TAX BILL IN NEW JERSEY WAS RUNNING AT ABOUT $9300, AND IN A LOT OF NEW JERSEY COUNTIES, ESPECIALLY IN NORTH JERSEY, THE TOTAL WAS OF OVER $10,000.

SO WE ARE ALREADY AT A PRETTY HIGH NUMBER, AND THE POTENTIAL FOR MORE INCREASES NEXT YEAR.

>> JOHN, IF THE WORKER BENEFITS ISSUE DOESN'T GET RESOLVED IN THE NEAR FUTURE, WHAT CAN WE SEE THE NUMBER JUMPED TO?

>> I THINK THAT IS A REALLY GOOD QUESTION.

WE DON'T KNOW IF ANY STATE AID IS GOING TO COME DOWN TO HELP ADDRESS THESE COST INCREASES THAT THE LOCAL GOVERNMENTS ARE SAYING, AND REALLY, IT WILL BE A TEST OF DO THESE LOCAL OFFICIALS WANT TO INCREASE PROPERTY TAXES EVEN MORE, AND THEY CAN, NEW JERSEY HAS A 2% TAX ON ANNUAL PROPERTY TAX INCREASES, BUT THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS AREA AND HEALTH AND PENSION BENEFITS ARE OF PART OF THOSE EXCEPTIONS.

OR DO THEY CUT SERVICES AND DO LAYOFFS?

ABSORBING THOSE COSTS, WE WILL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE.

BUT IT CAN BE EITHER SIDE OF THAT EQUATION, REALLY.

AND THAT IS A DECISION THAT WILL BE COMING NEXT YEAR.

>> I THINK IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THE PROPERTY TAXES ARE NOT JUST A HOMEOWNER PROBLEM.

IT IS ALSO A POLITICAL ISSUE.

COULD WE SEE AN INCREASE OR DECREASE IN PROPERTY TAXES AFFECTING THE NEXT ELECTION?

>> ABSOLUTELY A POLITICAL ISSUE.

AND AGAIN, IT GOES BACK TO THAT BALANCING ACT THAT THE LOCAL OFFICIAL HAS TO DO.

DO THEY WANT TO RISK LOSING THEIR SEAT BECAUSE THEY RAISE PROPERTY TAXES TOO MUCH?

BUT AT THE SAME TIME, WITH THE VOTERS GET UPSET IF SERVICES ARE CUT BACK TOO MUCH AND THERE IS A BACKLASH CAUSED BY THAT, AS WELL?

AND EVEN THE PROPERTY TAXES ARE LEVIED AT THE LOCAL LEVEL IN NEW JERSEY, IT IS ALSO AN ISSUE THAT COMES UP DURING STATEWIDE ELECTIONS IN LEGISLATIVE ELECTIONS.

LAWMAKERS HAVE TO KEEP THAT IN MIND AS THEY DECIDE WHAT TO DO GOING FORWARD.

VOTERS CAN PUNISH THEM, AS WELL.

WHEN THEY ARE FRUSTRATED WITH HIGH PROPERTY TAXES.

>> THE QUESTION IS SHOULD THE STATE ANCHOR PROGRAM BECOME PERMANENT?

WE KNOW THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS DECEMBER 30th.

IS ANCHOR, WHICH COST THE STATE $2 BILLION ANNUALLY, SUSTAINABLE IF WE HAVE A RECESSION?

>> ANOTHER REALLY GOOD QUESTION TO ASK.

YOU KNOW, THE LAST TIME THE STATE-FUNDED DIRECT PROPERTY TAX RELIEF BENEFITS WAS RIGHT BEFORE THE 2007-2009 GREAT RECESSION.

IT WAS UNABLE TO CONTINUE TO DO SO BECAUSE THAT RECESSION TOOK SUCH A BIG BITE OUT OF STATE REVENUES.

WE HEAR A LOT OF RETURNS RIGHT NOW ABOUT THE POTENTIAL FOR A FUTURE RECESSION.

WHETHER ANCHOR BECOMES PERMANENT OR NOT, RIGHT NOW IT IS JUST WRITTEN TO BUDGET LANGUAGE.

THERE ARE REAL QUESTIONS ABOUT WHETHER THE STATE COULD CONTINUE SPENDING ON PROPERTY TAX RELIEF IF REVENUES FALL OFF DURING A RECESSIONARY PERIOD.

>> EXCELLENT REPORTING AS USUAL, THANK YOU JOHN REITMEYER FOR JOINING US.

>>> AND HERE IS A LOOK AT HOW THE MARKETS CLOSED TODAY.

>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY NEW JERSEY WATER.

ONLINE AT >> AND MAKE SURE YOU CATCH RHONDA SCHAFFLER.

HIGHLIGHTING THE PRESSURE ON OUR FARMS AND HOW ORGANIZATIONS ARE FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY.

THAT IS SATURDAY MORNING ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT 10 A.M. >>> A NEW TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM IS BEING PILOTED TO GIVE HOPE TO THOSE WHO STRUGGLE TO FIND SHELTER AFTER BEING PAROLED AND TRANSITION BACK INTO SOCIETY POST-INCARCERATION.

THE VILLAGE OF HOPE, LOCATED JUST OUTSIDE OF SOUTHWOOD STATE PRISON, AS TED GOLDBERG REPORTS, NOW OFFERS A SAFE, STABLE ENVIRONMENT TO A PAIN EMPLOYMENT TO MANAGE FINANCES, AND SECURE PERMANENT HOUSING.

>> LEADERS AND BRIDGE AND HOPE TINY HOMES WILL HELP FILL A BIG NEED.

HOW TO HELP FORMERLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE REJOIN SOCIETY.

>> MANY OF THEM WOULD BE ON THE STREET BECAUSE THEY HAVE NO ADDRESS TO GO TO TO LIVE.

SO THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THEM TO HAVE SOMEPLACE TO CALL A TEMPORARY HOME.

AND NOT TO HAVE THEM ON THE STREET, DOING WHAT THEY HAVE TO TO DO TO SURVIVE.

>> Reporter: VILLAGE OF HOPE WILL HOUSE SIX PEOPLE FOR UP TO 180 DAYS.

ONCE THEY'RE OUT OF PRISON ON PAROLE.

THE IDEA IS THAT FORMERLY INCARCERATED PEOPLE WILL STAY THERE UNTIL THEY GET THEIR FINANCES IN ORDER AND FIND PERMANENT HOUSING.

>> IT WAS A PROBLEM NOT ONLY IN BRIDGETON, BUT IN MANY OF THE URBAN COMMUNITIES.

ESPECIALLY HERE IN BRIDGETON, WITH RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET, WE HAVE THE STATE'S LARGEST PRISON.

SO WHEN PEOPLE LEAVE THAT PRISON, THEY HAVE TO HAVE SOMEPLACE TO GO.

SOMEPLACE IS GOING TO BE CONSTRUCTIVE, AND THEY CAN PUT THEIR LIVES BACK TOGETHER.

>> Reporter: COMING OUT IN THE COMMUNITY AND RETURNING HOME, WHICH IS A KEY WORD HERE TODAY.

BUT THEY ARE FACING EMPLOYMENT CHALLENGES, FINANCIAL CHALLENGES, FAMILY UNIFICATION ISSUES.

WELLNESS, HEALTH ISSUES.

THERE'S JUST A MULTITUDE OF THINGS.

AT THE END OF THE DAY, IF YOU DON'T HAVE SOMEONE TO LAY DOWN AT NIGHT, HOW ARE YOU EVER GOING TO FACE ALL THOSE OTHER CHALLENGES?

YOU NEED THAT STABILITY OF HOUSING.

>> WE NEED TO FIND SOLUTIONS.

AND THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO FIND A SOLUTION.

AND WE WILL FIND OUT IF IT IS SUCCESSFUL.

AND THEN WE CAN WORK UPON THAT.

>> Reporter: STATE SENATOR ED DURR KNOWS IT IS AN UNCONVENTIONAL STRATEGY.

BUT HE IS OPTIMISTIC.

>> WHAT THE MAYOR HAS ENVISIONED HERE IS SOME THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX THAT I THINK WE ALL NEED TO START LOOKING AT.

BECAUSE WE CAN'T JUST KEEP GOING WITH THE STATUS QUO.

WE HAVE A HOMELESS PROBLEM.

WE HAVE AN INCARCERATION PROBLEM WITH INDIVIDUALS.

WE HAVE TWO BRING THOSE TWO THINGS TOGETHER.

>> EVEN THOUGH THESE TINY HOMES ARE A STONES THROW FROM SOUTHWOOD STATE PRISON, THE IDEA OF THE VILLAGE OF HOPE IS TO MAKE PEOPLE FEEL LIKE THEY ARE AT HOME.

THERE IS A COMMUNITY ROOM WITH COFFEE, AND INSTEAD OF WALLS AROUND THE PROPERTY, THERE IS A FENCE.

SINCE PEOPLE ARE FREE TO COME AND GO AS THEY PLEASE.

>> IT IS NOT GOING TO BE INSTITUTIONALIZED.

IT WILL BE A TOUCH OF HOME SO THEY CAN RELAX AND BE OUT OF THE MENTALITY THAT THEY ARE BEING INCARCERATED OR HELD BEHIND WALLS.

>> Reporter: LEADERS ARGUED THAT THESE TINY HOUSES ARE JUST HUMANE, THEY ARE COST-EFFECTIVE IN THE LONG RUN.

>> HOMELESSNESS, RE-ENTRY, AND THE COST OF PEOPLE THAT END UP BACK IN THE PRISON SYSTEM, BACK IN THE HOSPITAL SYSTEM, IT IS AN EXORBITANT COST THAT IS ABSORBED BY OUR SOCIETY.

OUR DECISION TO DO NOTHING IS A DECISION IN AND OF ITSELF THAT ENDS UP COSTING US ON THE BACKEND OF SOCIETY.

>> Reporter: THESE HOMES WERE FUNDED BY A GRANT FROM THE RE-ENTRY COALITION OF NEW JERSEY, AND PEOPLE WHO MOVE-IN CAN LIVE HERE RENT-FREE.

IN BRIDGETON, I AM TED GOLDBERG.

>> THAT DOES ADDRESS TONIGHT, BUT DON'T MISS THIS EPISODE OF REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE WITH SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUZ.

THIS WEEK, DAVID TALKS WITH SUE ALTMAN OF THE NEW JERSEY WORKING FAMILIES PARTY ABOUT THE PROSPECTS FOR PROGRESSIVES AFTER THE MIDTERM ELECTIONS HERE IN THE STATE.

PLUS, ALL THE BIG POLITICAL HEADLINES OF THE WEEK WITH A PANEL OF LOCAL REPORTERS.

THAT IS TOMORROW MORNING AT 10 A.M. ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL OR WHEREVER YOU STREAM.

I AM RAVEN SANTANA, FOR THE ENTIRE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS NEWS TEAM, THANK YOU FOR WATCHING TONIGHT AND WE WILL BE BACK HERE TOMORROW.

>> NJ SERVICE GROUP.

HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

AND NEW JERSEY REALTORS.

THE BOYS FOR REAL ESTATE IN NEW JERSEY.

MORE INFORMATION IS ONLINE AT NJREALTOR.COM.

>> ORSTED WILL PROVIDE OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY.

JOBS, EDUCATIONAL, SUPPLY-CHAIN, AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GARDEN STATE.

ORSTED.

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

ONLINE AT US.ORSTED.COM.

>> FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS, NEW JERSEY REALTORS HAVE BEEN HELPING THEIR CLIENTS ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS.

LIVING IN NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITIES JUST LIKE BEAUTIFUL ASBURY PARK.

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR UNIQUE NEEDS ARE, THERE IS A NEW JERSEY REALTOR FOR YOU.

FIND YOUR REALTOR AT NJREALTOR.COM.