>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION.

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJBARNABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND ORSTED.

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

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

>> IT EVENING.

THANKS FOR JOINING US THIS MONDAY NIGHT AND I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

WE BEGIN WITH BREAKING NEWS.

GOVERNOR MURPHY IS FINALLY MAKING GOOD ON A LONG-STANDING PROMISE, LAUNCHING AN INDEPENDENT REVIEW OF THE STATE COVID-19 RESPONSE.

TO BE CONDUCTED BY PHILADELPHIA BASED LAW FIRM, MONTGOMERY, CRACKING, WALKER, AND ROSE, LED BY FORMER ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL AND IS TO BE ISSUED IN LATE 2023, ACCORDING TO THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE.

IT WILL INCLUDE NEW JERSEY STATE OF READINESS IN 2020 AND HAVE A GOVERNMENT HANDLE THE NUMBER OF CHALLENGES THAT HAVE EMERGED SINCE THEN.

THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION CRITICIZED FOR THE SLOW ROLLOUT OF THIS REVIEW.

MORE THAN 35,000 NEW JERSEY LIVES LOST TO THE VIRUS.

PANDEMIC RELATED ISSUES CONTINUED TO PERSIST AT ONE OF THE STATE RUN VETERANS HOMES, WHICH LOGGED AMONG THE HIGHEST OF TOLLS IN THE NATION WHEN THE CORONAVIRUS UNLEASHED ON THE AREA.

THE MENLO PARK VETERANS HOME IN EDISON THIS WEEKEND ABRUPTLY STOPPED ADMITTING RESIDENCE AFTER THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT PULLED FUNDING TO THE FACILITY, CITING A LITANY OF ONGOING VIOLATIONS THAT BEGAN DURING THE ENDEMIC AND WERE STILL PRESENT DURING AN INSPECTION COMPLETED THIS SUMMER.

THE PAYMENT ENDED JUST AS THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION, LAST WEEK, ORDERED AN EMERGENCY STRIKE INTO THE FACILITY.

A CREW OF SO-CALLED MISSION CRITICAL WORKERS TASKED WITH WRITING THE SHIP.

THE DECISION SOME FAMILIES AND LAWMAKERS ARE QUESTIONING.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> Reporter: OUTRAGE ON BOTH SIDES OF THE AISLE.

THIS NEW JERSEY STATE VETERANS HOME AFTER MEDICARE AND MEDICAID STOP PAYING FOR ADMISSIONS NOVEMBER 22nd.

THEY SAID IT A SUMMER INSPECTION OUTLINING SERIOUS ABUSE AND SAFETY VIOLATIONS THAT PLACED RESIDENCE, QUOTES, IN IMMEDIATE JEOPARDY.

THEY WARNED IN A LETTER THAT CORRECTIONS MUST BE MADE IN ORDER FOR THE FACILITY TO CONTINUE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE MEDICARE AND MEDICAID PROGRAMS.

>> THE MOST RECENT DEVELOPMENT FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS FUNDING NO MORE ADMISSIONS, THAT IS HEARTBREAKING.

NOT ONLY AN ACCEPTABLE.

WAS GOOD FOLKS IN THERE WHO ARE EXPERIENCED, AND WHAT THEY'RE DOING, AND GET THIS FACILITY BACK ON TRACK.

>> IT WOULD HELP THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WOULD STEP IN.

THIS IS NOT THEIR FIRST RODEO.

I'M SURE THEY CAN WORK AS AN INTERIM VEHICLE TO MAKE SURE PEOPLE ARE SAFE.

>> Reporter: GOVERNOR MURPHY DID DISPATCH AN EMERGENCY STRIKE TEAM TO THE MENLO PARK FACILITY LAST TUESDAY.

THE SAME DAY CMS CUT FUNDING FOR NEW ADMISSIONS.

THE TRIO OF MEDICAL EXPERTS, A NURSE CONSULTANT, ADMINISTRATIVE WITH NURSING HOME EXPERIENCE, AND THE CONTROL SPECIALIST, WILL SPEND SEVERAL WEEKS HELPING AS THEY CORRECT VIOLATIONS AT ITS REQUEST.

THE TEAM HAS ALREADY BEGUN THEIR ASSESSMENT AND COLLABORATION WITH ON-SITE STAFF TO MAKE NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS RED NEW JERSEY SOUTH COMMISSIONER SAID THAT THE CARE AND SAFETY OF RESIDENTS WHO CALLED MENLO PARK HOME REMAINS PRIORITY.

BUT THE WHISTLEBLOWER CALLED IT TOO LITTLE TOO LATE FROM THE FEDS, WHO HAVE THREATENED TO END ALL PAYMENTS FIVE THE 8th BARRING IMPROVEMENTS.

>> CERTAINLY BY AUGUST, SEPTEMBER, THEY HAD KNOWN ABOUT THESE ISSUES.

THEY SEND IN A COUPLE OF PEOPLE AT THE 11th HOUR.

REALLY DID NOT ADEQUATELY ADDRESS THINGS.

>> Reporter: HE WORKED AT THE BUSINESS HOME FOR PARAMUS FENCE FOR FIVE YEARS AND BLEW THE WHISTLE'S ON HORRIFYING CONDITIONS THERE DURING THE FIRST COVID SEARCH.

HE BELIEVES THEY ARE NOT THE RIGHT AGENCY TO RUN THESE NURSING HOMES.

>> THERE MAIN MISSION IS THE MILITARY.

THAT'S FINE.

THEY JUST REALLY ARE NOT DOING A GOOD JOB ON THE MEDICAL AND.

>> Reporter: THE MENLO PARK HOME SUFFERED ANOTHER OUTBREAK THAT BEGAN LAST THINGS GIVING AND LASTED FOR MONTHS AS 19 THAT DIED.

THE FACILITY STRUGGLED TO CONTROL COVID SPREAD.

THEY NOTE THE FAILURE TO CONTROL GUIDELINES AND NOTED MEDICAL ERRORS, LIKE A NURSE WHO DID NOT PROPERLY REMOVE A CATHETER FROM ME PATIENT'S LETTER, CAUSING A URINARY TRACT INFECTION.

SHE HAS APPARENTLY BEEN FIRED.

THIS IS AFTER SOME 200 VETS AND STAFF HAVE DIED OF COVID AT NEW JERSEY'S THREE THAT'S HOMES.

REPUBLICANS HAVE DEMANDED AN INVESTIGATION.

>> A BIPARTISAN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE WITH SUBPOENA POWER TO GET TO THE ANSWERS ON EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED.

YOU KNOW, SINCE 2020, MY FRIENDS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE AISLE HAVE CIRCLED THEIR WAY AROUND THIS ADMINISTRATION.

>> LET'S NOT GET INVOLVED WITH THE BLAME GAME OR FINGER-POINTING.

LET'S FIX IT.

>> Reporter: A SOURCE AT CMS SAYS SURVEYORS ARE ALREADY REVISITING MENLO PARK AND CONDUCTING INSPECTIONS TO MAKE SURE DEFICIENCIES ARE CORRECTED.

THE AGENCY DID SHUTDOWN A NURSING HOME IN ANDOVER THIS YEAR FOR FAILING TO CORRECT VIOLATIONS.

I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> AS WE SHOOK OFF THINGS GIVING WEEKEND AND GET READY FOR THE NEXT ROUND OF HOLIDAYS, MEDICAL EXPERTS ARE STILL URGING PEOPLE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS AT FAMILY GATHERINGS LIKE MASKING WELL IN PUBLIC TRANSIT AND GETTING RECOMMENDED VACCINES.

IN PART, DUE TO THE HIGH NUMBER OF KIDS SECOND RESPIRATORY ILLNESSES, CONTINUING TO CROWN HOSPITALS AND EMERGENCY ROOMS NATIONWIDE NOW CAUSING SOME HEALTH OFFICIALS TO WARN OF A SO-CALLED TRIED >>.

THE EQUIVALENT OF A THREE-CAR COLLISION OF RESPIRATORY VIRUSES, PEAKING ALL AT THE SAME TIME.

RAVEN SANTANA REPORTS >> LEASING APRIL, MAY, JUNE, JULY, AUGUST, KITS, AND POSITIVE FOR THREE OR FOUR VIRUSES AT THE SAME TIME.

>> PEDIATRIC HOMEOWNERS DeCHELLIS THAT SOME HEALTH, DR. GARY COHN, IS WARNING FOLKS ABOUT THE SO-CALLED TRIED >> AND THE THREAT IT POSES ACROSS THE COUNTRY AND HERE IN OUR STATE.

HE SAYS THAT TRIED >> IS ESSENTIALLY A TRIPLE THREAT FROM THE FLU, COVID EXPECTED TO PEAK POST HOLIDAY.

>> IT'S EXHAUSTING OUR SCHEDULES ARE EXTREMELY BUSY.

JUST IN OUTPATIENT VISITS FOR RESPIRATORY STUFF.

THE ICU, AS YOU KNOW ACROSS THE STATE, HAS BEEN OVERWHELMED.

EVERYBODY MANAGES TO STAY OUT AND POST HOLIDAY, EVERYTHING KICKS BACK UP.

>> ACCORDING TO THE U.S. CENTER OF DISEASE CONTROL AND PREVENTION, HALF OF STATES HAVE HIGH OR VERY HIGH VIRUS ACTIVITY, INCLUDING NEW JERSEY.

MOST OF THAT IS DUE TO INFLUENZA WHICH HAD EARLY AND HARD THIS YEAR.

RS THE CASES ARE ALSO PLAYING A ROLE.

SINCE APRIL.

THIS FALL SEASON, PROBABLY AT HIGHER RATES THAN IN THE PAST.

RSV WAS FAR FROM THE ONLY VIRUS.

>> WHY THE RISE?

>> MR. BORIS COLLATING THAT ALL THE QUARANTINING THAT WE DID IN THE LAST COUPLE OF FALL AND WINTER SEASONS DECREASED THE REPETITIVE EXPOSURE OF THE CHILDREN SO THEIR IMMUNE SYSTEM DOWN REGULATED RED THAT'S PROBABLY THE NUMBER ONE HYPOTHESIS AS OF RIGHT NOW.

>> DOCTORS THEY END UP TAKING ILLNESSES LIKE THE FLU AND RS WE ARE NOW CAUSING A SHORTAGE AMONG KEY DRUGS, LIKE TAMIFLU AND AMOXICILLIN.

THERE HAS BEEN NO SHORTAGE, A SHORTAGE OF AMOXICILLIN.

VERY CHALLENGING AS THIS IS OUR FIRST LINE DRUG INFECTIONS, PNEUMONIA.

WE HAVE HAD SHORTAGES OF LIQUID THE TAMIFLU AND OFTEN, WE'VE HAD TO LOOK TOWARDS COMPOUNDING PHARMACIES TO GET FORMULATIONS.

THERE IS ALSO A NATIONWIDE SHORTAGE OF TYLENOL, IBUPROFEN.

>> THE SHORTAGE IS NOT HELPING.

DR. HASSAN HAS SEEN A SURGE FIRSTHAND.

IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FOR PARENTS IS TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHAT THEIR CHILD HAS.

>> NURSING THREE OR FOUR TIMES THE VOLUME.

DIFFICULT TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THESE ILLNESSES.

FOR THE MOST PART, WE RELY ON OUR RENTAL TO HELP US OUT THERE.

VACCINE DATA AVAILABLE TO US THAT SAYS THESE ARE HIGHLY FROM DEFECTIVE AT PREVENTING HOSPITALIZATION AND SEVERE ILLNESS.

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE YOU TO GO AHEAD AND GET VACCINATED THAT WE DO NOT HAVE A VACCINE YET OR RSC, WHICH MAKES THIS MUCH MORE CHALLENGING FOR US >> HUMAN BEINGS HAVE HAD COLD FOR MILLENNIA.

IT'S OKAY IF IT'S A RUNNY NOSE AND COUGH.

I THINK IT IS A BIGGER ISSUE IF THOSE SYMPTOMS ARE RUNNING PAST THE TWO WEEK MARK.

YOUR CHILD IS A REALLY FATIGUED.

YOUR CHILD IS WORKING HARD TO BREATHE.

NOT EATING OR DRINKING.

THEY ARE RUNNING AROUND, THEY ARE HAPPY.

THEY HAVE A LITTLE BIT OF MUCUS IN THEIR NOSE.

A SPORADIC COUGH.

THAT WOULD ACTUALLY HELP IN THE HEALTHCARE SYSTEM.

>> BOAT DOCK THERE'S JUST THE BEST WAY TO REDUCE YOUR RISK IS TO PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE AND MINIMIZE THE LEISURE TO OTHER CHILDREN WHO ARE SICK, AND GET A YEARLY FLU VACCINE.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM RAVEN SANTANA.

>> SUPPORT FOR THE MEDICAL REPORT IS PROVIDED BY HORIZON BLUE CROSS SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

>>> IN SOUTH JERSEY, A PROPOSAL TO BUILD A 2.1 MILLION SQUARE FOOT WAREHOUSE IS PITTING RESIDENCE AGAINST DEVELOPERS.

THE PLANS CALL FOR A WAREHOUSE COMPLEX, SPREAD ACROSS FOUR BUILDINGS ON 160 ACRES OF LAND.

TO BE BUILT BY RUSSO DEVELOPMENT ON EMPTY FUR-LINED FARMLAND.

IT'S JUST ACROSS THE STREET FROM A RESIDENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD AND A DAYCARE CENTER.

I'M HOMEOWNERS SAY THEY WERE BLINDSIDED BY THE PROJECT, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES PLANS FOR ABOUT 1400 PARKING SPACES, PROMPTING THEM TO LAUNCH A GRASSROOTS CAMPAIGN TO BLOCK THE CONSTRUCTION.

THEY ARGUE WAREHOUSES BRING POLLUTION, NOISE, AND TRAFFIC ESPECIALLY TO THE AGRICULTURAL TOWN.

IN A STATEMENT, RUSSO DEVELOPMENT SAID GREAT CARE WAS TAKEN IN THE DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE OF THE FACILITY TO MAKE IT LOOK LIKE AN OFFICE, LIKES AND INCLUDES SOUND WALLS AND OTHER NOISE BUFFERS.

OPPONENTS ARE CIRCULATING A PETITION AND PLANNING A PROTEST AT THE TOWN'S DECEMBER 1st ZONING BOARD MEETING.

TO THE NEW JERSEY TURNPIKE TO VISIT THE SITE OF THE PROPOSED WAREHOUSE WILL COST YOU MORE STRINGENT JANUARY 1st.

FOR THE SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, A CONTROVERSIAL POLICY IS TRIGGERING AN AUTOMATIC 3% INCREASE ON THIS DATE'S MAJOR TOLL ROADS.

THE GARDEN STATE THAT WAY, TURNPIKE, AND ATLANTIC CITY EXPRESSWAY.

THE LATEST TOLL INCREASE COMES AS FAMILY BUDGETS ARE ALREADY BEING PINCHED.

AS COMMUTERS BRACE FOR BRIDGES AND TUNNELS HEADING INTO NEW YORK BRED BUDGET AND FINANCE WRITER JOHN JOINS ME WITH THE LATEST.

TYPICALLY WHEN WE SEE A TOLL HIKE, IT IS TYPICALLY PRECEDED BY PUBLIC HEARINGS.

THAT IS NOT THE CASE THAT WE ARE SEEING NOW.

TELL US WHY.

>> IT'S RIGHT.

THE POLICY THAT THEY FOLLOW, THE FORWARD OPERATORS FOLLOW, WHICH CHANGED A FEW YEARS AGO.

INSTEAD OF A BIG RUN UP TO THE TOLL HIKE OR A BIGGER TOLL HIKE IN AND OF ITSELF, WE GET AUTOMATIC TOLL HIKE EVERY YEAR AND AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR AS BUDGETS ARE ENACTED.

AGAIN, FOR TOUR OPERATORS.

TALKING ABOUT THE TURNPIKE PARKWAY, ATLANTIC CITY EXPRESSWAY IN NEW JERSEY.

HERE AGAIN IN 2023 AND JANUARY 1st AM A WE'LL SEE AT 3% INFLATIONARY ADJUSTMENT THAT WILL HELP ON ALL THE MAJOR HIGHWAYS.

THIS IS A NEW NORMAL FOR NEW JERSEY NOW THAT THE POLICY HAS BEEN PUT INTO PLACE FOR ANNUAL ADJUSTMENTS INSTEAD OF A BIGGER TOLL INCREASE EVERY SO OFTEN WHERE WE GO THROUGH THIS BIG PUBLIC PROCESS.

>> TALKING ABOUT AN AVERAGE INCREASE.

ON THE TURNPIKE, LET'S SAY IT WOULD COST YOU $4.95 TO GO THROUGH AN EXIT TOLL.

NOW WE ARE TALKING ABOUT $5.10.

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM HERE ON OUT?

WHEN FOLKS SEE THERE IS LEGISLATION THAT ALLOWS FOR THESE ANNUAL INCREASES OR ADJUSTMENTS AS YOU GOLDMAN, THEY WANT TO KNOW, IS THIS SOMETHING THAT YOU WANT TO BE HAPPENING REGULARLY?

WHEN WE'RE ALSO CONTENDING WITH HIGHER GAS RISES AND TAX.

>> ABSOLUTELY.

SOME LAWMAKERS HAVE RAISED THE POINT RECENTLY THAT THIS POLICY WAS PUT IN PLACE BEFORE WE STARTED TO SEE THE TYPE OF YEAR-OVER-YEAR INFLATION THAT WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING.

3% IS REALLY RUNNING UNDER THE RATE OF AN ASIAN.

WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THESE TOLLROAD OPERATORS ARE FACING ALL OF THOSE INFLATIONARY COSTS.

WHETHER THAT IS FUEL OR CONSTRUCTION OR DIFFERENT EQUIPMENT ON A REGULAR BASIS.

THEY'RE TRYING TO ABSORB SOME OF THOSE INCREASE COSTS AND PASSING THOSE ALONG TO MOTORIST.

COMING AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE GETTING HIT WITH HIGHER GAS PRICES, WHETHER WE ARE IN OUR CARS OR NOT THE GROCERY BILL, HOME HEATING BILLS, INFLATION ACROSS THE BOARD.

LEGISLATION THAT SOME LAWMAKERS HAVE PUT FORWARD THAT WOULD BLOCK THESE TYPES OF AUTOMATIC INCREASES FROM GOING INTO EFFECT FOR THOSE VERY REASONS.

>> THERE WERE SOME LAWMAKERS WHO WERE TRYING TO GET A BIPARTISAN BILL PASSED TO ROLLBACK SOME OF THESE HIKES.

WORD IS THAT AND?

DOES IT LOOK LIKE IT HAS THE LEGS AND THE LEGISLATURE TO GET THROUGH?

>> THAT'S A REALLY GOOD QUESTION RIGHT NOW.

WE HAVE NOT SEEN ANY INTRODUCED.

IT WAS INTRODUCED IN A PRIOR SESSION AND REINTRODUCED EARLIER THIS YEAR RID NOW THAT THE NEXT ROUND OF AUTOMATIC INCREASES ARE COMING UP, LAWMAKERS RENEW THEIR INTEREST RATE OVER THE LAST SEVERAL MONTHS OR ANY ACTIVITY AT ALL.

YOU MENTIONED THE BIPARTISAN BILL.

DEMOCRATS AND REPUBLICANS IN THE LEGISLATURE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT MOTORIST TAKING ON THIS KIND OF COST.

AT THE SAME TIME, IT'S THAT BALANCING ACT.

THE TOUR OPERATOR, THEY ARE ALSO DEALING WITH INFLATION AND TRYING TO BALANCE THEIR BUDGET, PASSING SOME OF THAT ALONG TO MOTORIST WITH AUTOMATIC INCREASES.

THE IDEA IS THAT WE SEE THESE SMALL INCREASES IN THAT OF A BIG, EYE-OPENING ONE EVERY SO OFTEN.

>> CERTAINLY, THOUGH, WHEN THEIR ANNUAL LIKE THIS, THIS IS WHAT MAKES PEOPLE RAISE THEIR EYEBROWS.

JOHN, THANKS FOR YOUR REPORTING.

>> YOU'RE WELCOME.

DRAMATIC IS A LOOK AT THE POLICY ALLOWING ANNUAL TOLL HIKES AND HOW SOME LAWMAKERS WANT TO ROLL IT BACK.

CHECK OUT JOHN WRIGHT MYERS STORY ON NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

>>> STATE LEADERS ARE WONDERING WHETHER THEY HAVE DONE ENOUGH TO HELP NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES.

OWNERS HAVE A SIMPLE ANSWER.

NO.

RHONDA HAS THE DETAILS.

FROM A STATEWIDE SURVEY AND TONIGHT BUSINESS HEADLINES.

>> A MAJORITY OF NEW JERSEY BUSINESS OWNERS SAY STATE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT DONE ENOUGH TO ADDRESS AFFORDABILITY.

THE KEY FINDING IN THE NEW JERSEY BUSINESS INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION'S ANNUAL BUSINESS OUTLOOK SURVEY.

THE PRESIDENT AND CEO MICHELLE SAYS THIS IS THE MOST NEGATIVE OUTLOOK FROM THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY SINCE 2009.

>> THROUGH ALL OF THIS, A TAXING ENVIRONMENT HERE IN THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY.

CERTAINLY THERE ARE OTHER FACTORS DRIVING UP COSTS.

INFLATION, WORK FORCE SHORTAGES, SUPPLY CHAIN, ET CETERA.

>> SHE ARGUES BUSINESSES NEED TAX RELIEF.

CASE IN POINT, BUSINESSES HAVE PAID NEARLY 50% OF PROPERTY TAXES, BUT RX NEEDED FROM THE NEW STATE PROPERTY TAX RELIEF PROGRAM.

MORE EXPECTED INCREASES NEXT YEAR.

THE PROJECTIONS ARE STILL WELL BELOW PRE-PANDEMIC PIN PROJECTIONS.

IN TERMS OF HIRING 30% OF BUSINESSES, SERVICE EXPECT TO HIRE MORE WORKERS, COMPARED TO 9% EFFECT HIRING FEWER.

>>> IT'S BEEN A SHOP TILL YOU DROP END OF WEEKEND CONTINUING INTO TODAY, CYBER MONDAY.

LEAD INSIGHT ANALYST FOR ADOBE DIGITAL INSIGHT SAYS GOVERNMENT IS EXPECTED TO >> BASED ON EVERYTHING WE HAVE SEEN SINCE THANKSGIVING, WE ARE EXPECTING OVER 11 POINT $2 MILLION.

MASSIVE ONLINE SPENDING DAY.

>> Reporter: LIKE FRIDAYS SALES GOT OVER NINE BILLION DOLLARS.

MORE THAN EXPECTED.

COST-CONSCIOUS SHOPPERS ARE FINDING STEEP DISCOUNTS ON A WIDE RANGE OF PRODUCT, HELPING TO DRIVE SALES.

>>> COVID-19 CAUSED A HEAVY BURDEN ON LOCAL HEALTH DEPARTMENTS THROUGHOUT NEW JERSEY AS THEY WERE FACED WITH INCREASED DEMAND AND LIMITED FUNDING.

RECOGNIZED THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION, WHICH RECENTLY ALLOCATED $117 MILLION FOR LOCAL AND PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS IN THE STATE.

FUNDS CAN BE USED FOR GRAHAM, STAFFING, TECHNOLOGY, AND INFRASTRUCTURE.

TO READ MORE, CHECK OUT MY COLLEAGUES A STORY ON NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

NOW HERE IS WALL STREET TRADING.

I'M RHONDA SCHAFFLER.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP IS THE STORIES.

>>> IS INFLATION CONTINUES SURGING AND MOST COVID RELATED BENEFITS ARE ENDING, THE COST OF PUTTING A MALE ON THE TABLE CONTINUES TO CHALLENGE FAMILIES.

NOW AT A HIGHER LEVEL THAN DURING THE PANDEMIC.

WORKPLACE IS SHUT DOWN AND INCOMES WERE CUT OFF.

THE NEED IS SO GREAT, IT IS NOT JUST PEOPLE BUT SHOULD BANKS ASKING FOR HELP.

MELISSA ROSE-COOPER REPORTS AS PART OF OUR ONGOING SERIES, HUNGER IN NEW JERSEY.

FOCUSING ON FOOD INSECURITY AND SOLUTIONS.

>> WE, ALONE, LAST WEEK, PROVIDED TURKEYS RIGHT HERE.

ALMOST 1000 PEOPLE SHOWED UP.

WE WERE ABLE TO PROVIDE 647.

MICHAEL THE HOLIDAYS IS JUST BEGINNING, TONYA, FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF THIS FOOD PANTRY, IS WORRIED THEY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO KEEP UP WITH DEMAND.

>> WE ARE PARTNERED WITH THE COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF NEW JERSEY.

THEY ARE OUR BIGGEST SUPPORT.

BEEN DOING WHAT WE DO EVERY DAY.

THEY PROVIDE CLOSE TO 17,000 TWO 20,000 POUNDS OF GROCERIES PER WEEK.

WE SERVE ABOUT MAYBE 2000 FAMILIES EACH WEEK.

THE LINES ARE WRAPPED AROUND THE CORNER.

WE START AT 3:00 P.M. GIVE FRESH PRODUCE AND OTHER ITEMS.

WHATEVER WE HAVE.

WATER, BREAD, PASTRIES.

>> SHE AND HER HUSBAND HAVE BEEN PROVIDING FOOD AND GROCERIES TO RESIDENTS IN NEED FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS AND HAVE NOT SEEN IT THIS BAD.

WITH INFLATION FORCING THE COST OF FOOD AND FUEL TO GO UP, THE NEED IS GREATER WITH MANY NEW JERSEYANS SEEKING OUT FOOD PANTRY ASSISTANCE FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THEIR LIVES.

>> WE ARE SEEING NOW IN TERMS OF SERVICE LEVELS AND LEVEL OF NEED AT THE EMERGENCY FOOD PANTRIES IS UNPRECEDENTED.

>> Reporter: THIS IS THE SENIOR DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND ADVOCACY FOR THE COMMUNITY FOOD BANK OF NEW JERSEY.

SHE SAYS SOME PAINTERS ARE REPORTING A 280% INCREASE IN PEOPLE SHOWING UP FOR HELP WITHIN THE LAST YEAR ALONE.

>> YOUR PEOPLE WHO ARE STILL TRYING TO RECOVER FROM THE IMPACT OF COVID.

YOU HAVE PEOPLE WHO HAD --YOU KNOW, WHAT WE HAD WAS A LOT OF FEDERAL HELP.

MORATORIUMS.

RENT.

MORATORIUMS ON MORTGAGE.

THOSE HAVE ENDED.

THE FEDERAL STIMULUS TRACKS THAT WENT OUT, THE CHILD CARE TAX CREDIT, THOSE HAVE ENDED.

THE ONLY THING WE CONTINUE TO HAVE IN NEW JERSEY, THAT WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE, IS THE CONTINUED IMPROVEMENT OF SNAP.

SNAP, FORMERLY KNOWN AS FOOD STAMPS.

BUT THE MAIL SERVICES ARE GONE.

ALL OF THOSE SUPPORT THAT REALLY HELPED PEOPLE TO NOT BE HUNGRY AND/OR FOOD INSECURE HAS GONE AWAY.

>> FOOD HAS BECOME EXPENSIVE.

YOU GO TO THE SUPERMARKET, 80% OF THE TIME, TO GO FROM WORK.

MANY COME FROM WORK OR GO TO WORK FROM THERE.

GOT TO PAY $2000 RENT IN A VERY SMALL APARTMENT GOING UP FROM 2021.

PEOPLE WANTED TO DO THAT.

PEOPLE WHO NEVER THOUGHT ABOUT COMING TO A FOOD PANTRY, NOW THEY COME TO A FOOD PANTRY BECAUSE THEY NEED TO EAT.

TO SOME OF THE PEOPLE, NOT SOMETHING WE HAVE DONE BEFORE BUT BECAUSE OF THE COST OF LIVING, IT'S WHAT THEY HAVE TO DO TO GET FOOD.

>> GIVEN WITH FOOD PANTRIES EXPANDING IN THE COMMUNITY, MANY DON'T HAVE ACCESS TO TRANSPORTATION.

>> NOT BEING ABLE TO GET OUT TO RECEIVE THE FOOD THAT WE HAVE TO OFFER.

SO, AGAIN, THIS IS A FOOD DESERT.

THERE IS NO LOCAL SUPERMARKET WITHIN A ONE OR TWO MILE RADIUS.

WE ARE HERE TO OFFSET THAT AND PROVIDE THE NUTRITIONAL STUFF THAT THEY NEED.

>> Reporter: THEY SAID THEY WILL CONTINUE SETTING UP THE FOOD PANTRY EVERY WEEK.

ALSO HELPING MORE PEOPLE WILL DONATE ANY ITEMS THEY CAN SO THEY CAN MAKE SURE AS MANY FAMILIES AS POSSIBLE DON'T GO HUNGRY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM MELISSA ROSE-COOPER.

BACK THAT WILL DO IT FOR US TONIGHT.

MAKE SURE YOU GO OVER TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG AND FOLLOW US ON OUR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON THE GARDEN STATE.

I AM BRIANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS TEAM, IN QUEUE FOR BEING WITH US.

WE WILL SEE YOU RIGHT BACK HERE TOMORROW.

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

HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

NEW JERSEY REALTORS.

THE VOICE FOR REAL ESTATE IN NEW JERSEY.

MORE INFORMATION ON LINE AT NJREALTOR.COM.

>> NJM INSURANCE GROUP HAS BEEN SERVING NEW JERSEY BUSINESSES FOR OVER A CENTURY.

AS PART OF THE GARDEN STATE, WE HELP BUT IS KEEP THEIR VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, AND PLAYS ON THE JOB, AND PROJECTS ON TRACK.

WORKING TO PROTECT EMPLOYEES FROM ILLNESS AND INJURY ACROSS THE STATE.

WE ARE PROUD TO BE PART OF NEW JERSEY.

WE'VE GOT NEW JERSEY COVERED.

>> IF YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR, RWJBARNABAS HEALTH HAS TWO EASY WAYS TO DO IT FROM ANYWHERE.

YOU CAN SEE AN URGENT CARE PROVIDER WITH OUR TELE-MED APP.

OR USE OUR WEBSITE TO 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 AND A LONGER PERIOD RWJBARNABAS HEALTH AND LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.