>>> FUNDING IS PROVIDED BY MJ INSURANCE GROUP.

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

AND THE MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY AND SMART NJ.

>>> FROM NJPBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> THE RACE IS OVER.

THOSE WORDS TODAY FROM GOVERNOR PHIL MURPHY'S CAMPAIGN MANAGER WHO WAS CALLING ON ASSEMBLYMAN JACK CIARELL LI TO CONCEDE.

MURPHY IS THE PROJECTED WINNER AND LEADING BY ABOUT 65,000 VOTES.

MURPHY'S CAMP IS SAYING IT'S MATHEMATICALLY IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE RESULTS TO CHANGE.

THE OTHER TEAM ADMITTED IT DOESN'T BELIEVE THE REMAINING BALLOTS WILL LEAD TO A WIN, BUT THEY WANT EVERY VOTE COUNTED TO SEE IF THE MARGIN IS CLOSE ENOUGH FOR A RECOUNT.

AND THERE ARE VOTES OUT THERE.

ANY MAIL-IN BALLOT POSTMARKED BY NOVEMBER 2nd CAN BE COUNTED THROUGH TODAY.

AND THERE ARE PROVISIONAL BALLOTS TO BE SORTED AND COUNTED.

AND EVERY PARTY IN THE ASSEMBLY WILL CHOOSE LEADERSHIP.

AND SOURCES TELL US DEMOCRATS WILL CHOOSE NICK AS THE NEXT SENATE PRESIDENT.

AND THE MINORITY GROUP SAYS THEY'RE BEING SHUT OUT.

DAVID CRUZ HAS THE STORY.

>> Reporter: ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES, SO THE SAYING GOES.

AND WHILE THE COUNTING OF ALL THE BALLOTS FROM THE NEW VOTING MODES IS ONGOING, DEMOCRATS WHO SEEM TO HAVE HELD ON TO CONTROL OF THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR'S MANSION, ARE NOW WONDERING WHAT MESSAGE VOTERS WERE SENDING TO THE LEGISLATURE AND THE GOVERNOR.

>> HE'S DONE RUNNING FOR RE-ELECTION.

HE DOESN'T RUN FOR RE-ELECTION AGAIN.

THE LEGISLATURE RUNS IN TWO YEARS.

THEY HAVE THEIR EYES CLOSELY ON WHAT HAPPENED ON ELECTION DAY AND WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN TWO YEARS.

SO FOR THEM, THE IDEA THAT THEY'RE GOING TO BE MORE CAUTIOUS AND DO WHAT THEY THINK THEY HAVE TO DO TO GET THE RIGHT VOTERS OUT IS ABSOLUTELY ON THEIR MINDS.

>> AND THAT HAS A MORE MODERATE APPROACH, A FOCUS ON POCKETBOOK ISSUES OPPOSED TO THOSE OF MURPHY'S BASE OF BLACK AND BROWN VOTERS HAVE BEEN CLAMORING FOR.

MAINLY POLICE REFORMED, SUBPOENA EMPOWERED CIVILIAN COMPLAINT REVIEW BOARDS AND A SETTLEMENTS OF SCHOOL SEGREGATION SUITS AMONG OTHER THINGS.

>> THE PRIOR MARRY THINGS THAT NEED TO BE FOCUSED ON IS TO ENSURE THAT NEW JERSEY BECOMES A MORE COST HABITABLE STATE OTHER THAN FAR LEFT INITIATIVES THAT REALLY AT THIS MOMENT IN TIME ARE NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS THAT WE NEED TO FOCUS ON.

>> I DON'T WANT IT EVER TO BE MISTAKEN THAT BLACK AND BROWN PEOPLE ARE NOT CONCERNED ABOUT POCKETBOOK ISSUES.

>> Reporter: LEGISLATIVE CHAIR SAYS IT'S A FALLACY TO THINK THAT SOCIAL JUSTICE ISSUES AND LOCAL TAX RATES ARE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE AGENDA ITEMS.

BUT SIGNALS ARE ALREADY BEING SENT THAT MODERATES WILL LIKELY HOLD SWAY.

ESPECIALLY IN THE SEEMING ACCEPTANCE OF SENATOR NICK SCATARI AS THE NEXT SENATE PRESIDENT.

THAT HAS STEAMED MANY IN THE STATE'S MINORITY COMMUNITY WHO FELT THAT IT WAS TIME TO SHOW CASE THE PARTY'S DIVERSITY BY MAYBE FALLING BEHIND A WOMAN OF COLOR FOR THE SEAT.

>> WHEN YOU HAVE WOMEN AT THE TABLE, YOU HAVE A VOICE AT THE TABLE THAT IS CONCERNED ABOUT POCKETBOOK ISSUES.

>> Reporter: CHARLES BOYER IS MORE DIRECT.

HE SUPPORTED MURPHY PERSONALLY AND GIVES HIM CREDIT FOR MANY ACCOMPLISHMENTS, HE SAID IT WOULD BE WRONG HEADED AND INSULTING TO ABANDON THE PROGRESSIVE AGENDA SUPPORTED BY THE BLACK AND BROWN RACE.

>> WE'RE TALKING ABOUT POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY AND SEGREGATION IN THE SCHOOLS.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT THE DRUG WAR.

TO HAVE THREE MEN AT THE TABLE, THREE WHITE MEN AT THE TABLE THAT CONTROL WHAT COMES UP FOR A VOTE AND WHAT MOVES FROM A POLICY PERSPECTIVE TO ALL BE WHITE MALES REALLY SPEAKS TO HOW STRUCTURAL RACISM OPERATES EVEN IN SO-CALLED WHITE PROCESSIVE CIRCLES.

>> Reporter: THE GOVERNOR INVOLVED IN THE NEGOTIATIONS OVER THE SENATE PRESIDENT LATE WEEK WAS ASKED ABOUT IT TODAY.. >> IT'S A FACT.

I DON'T CONTROL THE PROCESS OF WHO'S THE SENATE PRESIDENT AND WHO IS THE SPEAKER.

I HAVE TO SEPARATE THESE FOLKS AS INDIVIDUALS VERSUS AN OVERALL PASSION FOR DIVERSITY.

AND I DON'T WANT TO IMPLY THAT I COULD CONTROL A PROCESS WHICH IS NOT MINE TO CONTROL.

SO I WILL LEAVE IT AT THAT.

>> Reporter: THOSE ARE NOT ENTIRELY COMFORTING WORDS FOR THOSE IN THE GOVERNOR'S BASE WHO ARE OF THE MIND THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAS NOT FULLY DELIVERED A RETURN ON THEIR POLITICAL INVESTMENT.

DAVID CRUZ, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> AND NOW TO WASHINGTON WITH THE LATEST OUT OF D. C. AFTER MONTHS OF BACK AND FORTH, THE HOUSE PASSED THE $1 TRILLION INFRASTRUCTURE BILL, WHICH COMES WITH IMPROVEMENTS FOR NEW JERSEY'S ROADS, RAILS, AND MORE.

IT AWAITS PRESIDENT BIDEN'S SIGNATURE.

NOW ALL EYES ON THE BUILD BACK BETTER BILL.

ONE ITEM IN PARTICULAR OF INTEREST TO NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS, THE STATE AND LOCAL TAX DEDUCTION, S.A. L. T. OUR FINANCES AND BUDGET REPORTER IS HERE.

JOHN, THANKS FOR JOINING US.

THE S.A.L.T.

CAP IN THE BILL COULD MEAN RELIEF FOR NEW JERSEY.

RIGHT?

>> Reporter: THAT'S RIGHT.

THERE IS CURRENTLY A $10,000 CAP ON THE STATE AND LOCAL TAX DEDUCTION WHEN YOU DO FEDERAL TAXES.

IT'S WHAT YOU CAN WRITE OFF AND WHAT YOU PAY IN PROPERTY TAX BILLS AND STATE INCOME TAX BILLS.

THAT CAP, WHICH WENT INTO EFFECT SEVERAL YEARS AGO WHEN DONALD TRUMP WAS PRESIDENT AND WE HAD REPUBLICAN CONGRESS HAS BEEN MUCH CRITICIZED BY NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS BECAUSE THE AVERAGE PROPERTY TAX BILL IN NEW JERSEY IS NOW OVER $9,000.

IT'S A LOT HIGHER THAN OTHER PLACES.

THAT GOBBLES UP THE DEDUCTION, WHICH USED TO BE UNLIMITED.

WHAT'S UNDER CONSIDERATION IN THE HOUSE WOULD LIFT THE CAP FROM $10,000 ALL THE WAY UP TO $80,000.

WHAT THAT WOULD DO, ACCORDING TO ESTIMATES, IS MAKE MOST IN NEW JERSEY ABLE TO ONCE AGAIN HAVE AN UNLIMITED DEDUCTION FOR THE STATE AND LOCAL TAXES INSTEAD OF HAVING TO ABIDE BY THE $10,000 CAP.

>> RIGHT.

AND WHAT DOES THE OPPOSITION SAY?

>> Reporter: SOME OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT WHERE THIS IS HEADED IS THAT THE CAP IS TOO HIGH.

IT WOULD BE INCREASED UP TO ALLOW MOSTLY THE WEALTHY TO BENEFIT.

WHEN YOU LOOK ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THE INCOME THAT WE MAKE IN NEW JERSEY AND THE PROPERTY TAXES AND BILLS THAT WE PAY IN NEW JERSEY IS LOOKED AT AS BEING HIGH RELATIVE TO THE REST OF THE COUNTRY.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PEOPLE IN NEW JERSEY WHO WOULDN'T CONSIDER THEMSELVES WEALTHY BY ANY MEANS WHO HAVE GOTTEN HIT BY THE LOWER DEDUCTION LIMIT.

PUSHING THAT UP TO $80,000 WOULD HELP A LOT OF PEOPLE IN LOWER INCOME BRACKETS IN NEW JERSEY.

>> RIGHT.

AND WHAT ARE THE NEXT STEPS?

IT HAS TO PASS THE HOUSE?

AND THEN IT MIGHT HAVE A TOUGHER TIME IN THE SENATOR?

>> Reporter: THAT'S RIGHT.

WE'RE WAITING ON A SCORING.

AND IT HAS TO PASS THE HOUSE FIRST, WHICH WE EXPECT TO HAPPEN IN A FEW WEEKS.

IT GOES TO THE SENATE, WHERE WE HAVE THE PROPOSALS RELATED TO THE S.A.L.T.

CAP.

AND ANOTHER SET OF POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS THERE.

IT'S A VERY CLOSE MARGIN FOR DEMOCRATS.

WE'LL HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS NEXT.

>> ALL RIGHT.

PERFECT.

THANKS FOR JOINING.

WE'LL KEEP AN EYE ON THIS.

>> SURE.

YOU'RE WELCOME.

>>> THIS WAS A PIECE OF LEGISLATION THAT HAD A LOT OF BEHIND THE SCENES WORK.

RECREATIONAL MARIJUANA.

IT'S BEEN A YEAR SINCE NEW JERSEY LEGALIZED POT FOR PEOPLE AGES 21 AND OVER.

HOW FAR ARE WE FROM LICENSED RETAIL STORES SELLING PRODUCT?

JOANNA TAKES A LOOK.

>> WE'RE WAITING FOR COMMISSION TO FINISH ACTUALLY CREATING THE PORTAL FOR APPLICANTS FOR THE SIX LICENSING CATEGORIES TO OPEN.

SO WHERE WE ARE TODAY IS WE ARE ON THE VERGE OF AN ADULT USE MARKET.

>> Reporter: IT MIGHT FEEL LIKE THE STATE IS MOVING AT A GLACIAL SPEED, A MEASURE APPROVED BY VOTERS ONE YEAR AGO, NOVEMBER OF 2020, BUT AS THINGS IN TRENTON GO, THIS IS PRETTY FAST, SAY INDUSTRY INSIDERS.

>> I THINK THE COMMISSION WAS DOING THE BEST THEY COULD WITHIN THE TIME FRAME ALLOTTED.

OBVIOUSLY, WE CAN'T RELEASE LICENSES FOR ADULT USE APPLICATIONS UNTIL WE ACTUALLY KNOW WHO THE FULL WINNERS OF 2019 ARE.

>> Reporter: THE WINNERS ARE THOSE COMPANIES APPROVED FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA LICENSES.

>> TWO WEEKS AGO, WE GOT THE WINNERS FOR THE FOUR VERTICALS AND THE FIVE TO NOW TEN CULTIVATION SITES.

WE'RE WAITING ON THE 15 DISPENSARY WINNERS.

>> Reporter: FOR RECREATIONED, WUF TO GET ONE DONE BEFORE THE NEXT?

>> CORRECT.

THERE'S ALSO PROBLEMS IN TERMS OF CAPACITY.

SO ONE, ALL THE MUNICIPALITIES HAVE THE DISCRETION TO ALLOW OR PROHIBIT THE OPERATIONS IN THE TOWN.

AND THEY HAVE THE DISCRETION TO CAP THE AMOUNT OF LICENSES IN THEIR TOWNS.

IF WE DON'T KNOW WHO THE 15 OWNERS ARE, IT'S DIFFICULT FOR THE APPLICANTS TO FIGURE OUT THE MUNICIPALITY TO BE IN.

>> Reporter: AND THEY WILL DEMONSTRATE TO THE STATE THEY ARE READY TO GO ONCE THE LICENSE IS APPROVED.

THAT LEFT INVESTORS LIKE LEVI AND TRAVIS DUMPING HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS INTO A WAREHOUSE SPACE IN HOPES OF GETTING APPROVED.

THEY DID NOT.

AT LEAST FOR MEDICAL.

HE CALLS IT THE PRICE OF DOING BUSINESS.

>> THIS IS PRIVATE INDUSTRY.

THIS IS A VENTURE THAT YOU TAKE RISKS.

THERE ARE NO GUARANTEES.

>> THAT'S A HUGE RISK WE'RE FACING.

THAT'S THE ENTIRE INDUSTRY.

AND HOPEFULLY, WE'LL BE ABLE TO EXPAND BEYOND JUST THE MEDICAL PATIENTS TO ADULT USE AS WE HAVE PUT A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF RESOURCES AND CAPITAL INTO EXPANDING OUR FACILITIES.

>> Reporter: BUT THE RISK CAN BE ESPECIALLY HARD FOR MINORITY BUSINESS OWNERS WHO OFTEN DON'T HAVE THE SAME ACCESS TO CAPITAL.

>> WE HAVE CREATED THE MICRO LICENSING CATEGORIES FOR THE DISABLED AND VETERANS.

WE HAVE A SOCIAL EQUITY APPLICANT CATEGORY.

WE HAVE CREATED CONDITIONAL APPLICATIONS SO IF THEY DON'T HAVE A SITE AND THE CAPITAL AT THE POINT OF BEING AWARDED A LICENSE, THEY HAVE 120 DAYS.

>> Reporter: AND CRITICS ARE WORRIED NEW JERSEY WILL FOLLOW OTHER STATES IN PUTTING THE LARGER DISTRIBUTORS AHEAD OF THE SMALLER BUSINESSES, WHICH IT IS DOING.

ONE IS ESTABLISHED IN THE SPACE WAITING TO EX-HAND TO ADULT USE.

>> IT IS A TIMING THING.

WE BELIEVE THAT THE MARKET NEEDS AND HAS TO HAVE THE NEW OPERATORS, WHETHER IT'S WOMEN, MINORITIES, VETERANS.

THEY HAVE A PLACE IN THE MARKET.

IF YOU WANT TO MARKET IT EARLY ON, IT IS IMPORTANT TO CREATE THE FOUNDATION, WHICH YOU WILL BE ABLE TO DO IN THE TIME FRAME DESIRED WITH EXISTING OPERATORS.

>> Reporter: ADDITIONAL MEDICAL WINNERS SHOULD BE ANNOUNCED IN THE COMING DAYS.

AND SHORTLY AFTER, ADULT USE APPLICATIONS FOR THE RECREATION THE SITES.

>>> IT'S A BIG DAY FOR MANY EUROPEANS WAITING NEARLY TWO YEARS TO BE ALLOWED BACK IN THE UNITED STATES.

MANY KEPT AWAY FROM FAMILY OR LOVED ONES DUE TO A COVID TRAVEL BAN.

THE BORDERS ARE BACK OPEN FOR VACCINATED INTERNATIONAL TRAVELERS.

IT MEANS NONIMMIGRANT VISA HOLDERS LIVING IN AMERICA CAN RETURN TO THEIR HOME COUNTRIES TO VISIT, KNOWING THEY WILL BE ALLOWED BACK IN.

AND FOR BUSINESSES, IT'S THE RETURN OF THE TOURISM INDUSTRY.

WELCOMING NEWS FOR THOSE HANGING ON DURING THE PANDEMIC TO SURVIVE.

GOVERNOR MURPHY ADDRESSED THE NEWS TODAY SAYING HE PRAYS EVERYONE REMAINS SAFE NOW THAT THE VIRUS IS ON THE RUN.

OPEN BORDERS MAY MEAN AN INFLUX OF PEOPLE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

YOU MAY WANT TO DO HOLIDAY SHOPPING FOR THOSE LOVED ONES A LOT EARLIER THIS YEAR WITH ANTICIPATED SUPPLY CHAIN DELAYS AFFECTING EVERYTHING FROM TOYS TO FOOD.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN HAS AN INSIDE LOOK AT THE PROBLEM.

>> Reporter: HOLIDAY SHOPPERS WHOSE WISH LISTS INCLUDE SNEAKERS, TOYS, AND THE LATEST GAMING AND OTHER ELECTRONICS, HERE IS A WORD OF ADVICE FOR A TRUCKING COMPANY OWNER.

DON'T WAIT.

>> SHOP EARLY.

BECAUSE WE'RE NOT SURE EVERYTHING IS GOING TO MAKE IT TO THE SHELF ON TIME.

>> Reporter: WHY?

>> TREMENDOUS BACKLOG OF CARGO.

I DON'T KNOW WHERE IT'S GOING, BUT WE'RE BUSY AS HECK.

AND MORE AND MORE LOADS COMING IN.

AND WE SEE NO END IN SIGHT.

>> Reporter: CARGO EXPECTED FROM ASIA OFTEN HIT MANUFACTURING AND SHIPPING DELAYS OVERSEAS.

COVID CLOSED FACTORIES IN VIETNAM.

CHIP SHORTAGES IMPACTED iPHONE SUPPLIES.

AND CONTAINERS OFF LOADED AT THE PORTS OF NEW YORK AND NEW JERSEY ENCOUNTER ANOTHER BOTTLENECK AS TRUCKS LINE UP FOR HOURS.

>> WE DON'T ANTICIPATE THAT FOLKS WILL NEED AN IOU FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON.

BUT, YOU KNOW, WE CERTAINLY DO ENCOURAGE FOLKS TO DO THEIR SHOPPING WHEN THEY SEE THE ITEM THAT THEY'RE INTERESTED IN.

WE DON'T KNOW WHEN THE REPLACEMENT MIGHT BE THERE.

SO NO REASON TO PANIC.

BUT DON'T DELAY AND THINK THAT YOU WILL GET A BETTER DEAL DOWN THE ROAD BECAUSE IT MAY NOT BE THERE UNTIL AFTER THE HOLIDAYS IF YOU WAIT.

>> IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, GET IT.

IF YOU ARE WAITING FOR A SALE TO HAPPEN, IT IS NOT LIKELY TO HAPPEN.

PRICES ARE GOING TO BE HIGHER THIS TIME.

THERE ARE GOING TO BE FEWER SALES.

>> Reporter: DEMANDS HIGH THIS YEAR AND MARKET EXPERTS FORECAST HOLIDAY RETAIL SALES WILL JUMP 7% TO 9% THIS SEASON.

AND WITH INFLATION AT 5.5%, PRICES WILL SPIKE AS THE COST OF SHIPPINGS AND RAW MATERIALS RISES.

AND SUPPLY CHAIN SHORTAGES COULD IMPACT FOOD SHIPMENTS, EVEN THANKSGIVING TURKEYS.. >> IF YOU WANT TO BUY A THANKSGIVING TURKEY, IT'S CLOSE TO IMPOSSIBLE NOW.

IT'S REALLY HARD TO GET ONE NOW.

IT WILL GET HARDER CLOSER TO IT.

AND YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO GO THE DAY BEFORE.

>> IT'S BEEN CRAZY AT TIMES.

EVERYBODY IS GETTING EVERYTHING AT THE SAME TIME.

SOMETIMES THE LINES ARE OUTSIDE ON THE STREETS.

OVERALL, IT'S BEEN PRETTY BAD.

>> Reporter: DAVID SPENT EIGHT YEARS DRIVING TRUCKS FOR BEST TRANSPORTATION AT PORT NEWARK.

HE WORKS 14-HOUR DAYS AND SAID THE INDUSTRY NEEDS MORE DRIVERS WITH THE PORT HANDLING MORE CARGO THAN LAST YEAR.

>> NOT ENOUGH MANPOWER TO MOVE THE FREIGHT.

>> Reporter: HOW TO FIX THE SHORTAGE?

TRUCKING COMPANIES WANT TO CHANGE THE RULES TO HIRE DRIVERS AS YOUNG AS 18 YEARS OF AGE FOR INTERSTATE COMMERCE.

>> HE COULD DRIVE 90 MILES FROM NEWARK TO CAPE MAY, BUT HE CAN'T DRIVE 60 MILES FROM HERE TO ALLENTOWN, PENNSYLVANIA, BECAUSE IT'S INTERSTATE.

THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE'RE STARTING TO SEE SOME EFFORTS TO REFORM THAT.

>> FOLKS UNDER 21, PARTICULARLY THOSE COMING OUT OF THE MILITARY, WOULD BE GREAT CANDIDATES TO ADD TO THE WORK FORCE.

>> Reporter: TRUCKING COMPANIES LOSE TIME DROPPING OFF EMPTY CONTAINERS AND WANT TO IMPOSE FEES ON OCEAN SHIPPERS THAT LET THE EMPTIES TIE UP AT THE PORT, TYING UP THE TRUCKS THEY NEED TO MOVE FREIGHT.

EVERYTHING IS CONNECTED, AND RIGHT NOW, IT'S MESSY.

>>> LOOKS LIKE THERE'S LEGAL TROUBLE FOR THE PRESIDENT'S VACCINE MANDATE FOR PRIVATE COMPANIES.

HERE'S THE DETAILS.

PLUS ALL OF THE DAY'S TOP SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS HEADLINES.

>> Reporter: IT'S NOT CLEAR WHAT'S NEXT FOR THE VACCINE MANDATE ON COMPANIES WHICH IS FACING A LEGAL CHALLENGE.

OVER THE WEEKEND, AN APPEALS COURT TEMPORARILY BLOCKED THE MANDATE WHICH REQUIRES WORKERS OF LARGE PRIVATE EMPLOYERS TO BE FULLY VACCINATED AGAINST COVID-19 OR FACE WEEKLY TESTING.

THE SUIT WAS FILED BY REPUBLICAN ATTORNEYS GENERAL IN FIVE STATES ALONG WITH SOME COMPANIES.

THE COURT CITED POTENTIAL CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUES WITH THE MANDATE.

>>> AND GOVERNOR MURPHY SAID THAT THE NEW INFRASTRUCTURE BILL IS A JOB GENERATOR AND A GAME CHANGER.

$12 BILLION IS ON ITS WAY TO NEW JERSEY TO FIX ROADS AND BRIDGES.

AND THERE'S MONEY FOR THE GATEWAY PROJECT TOO.

>> THESE PROJECTS WILL CREATE GOOD JOBS NOW AND SUPPORT GOOD JOBS FOR YEARS TO COME.

FOR STATEWIDE WHICH RELIES ON SOLID INFRASTRUCTURE THIS IS FUEL FOR THE CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH AND SECURITY.

>> Reporter: THE NEW JERSEY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SAYS THE BILL WILL CREATE THOUSANDS OF NEW JOBS.

>>> AND UNION WORKERS PICKETS OUTSIDE OF THE MEADOW LANDS CENTER, PART OF LOCAL 59 OF THE INTERNATIONAL ALLIANCE OF THEATER STAGE EMPLOYEES.

THEY'RE ON STRIKE AFTER FAILING TO REACH A NEW CONTRACT AGREEMENT WITH SMG EXPOSITION SERVICES.

THE LOCAL PRESIDENT SAYS THEY WANT BETTER WAGES AND IMPROVED WORKING CONDITIONS.

THE COMPANY DID NOT IMMEDIATELY COMMENT.

>>> NEW JERSEY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY IS HOLDING A VIRTUAL WORKSHOP TOMORROW TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS.

THE CEO OF THE NJEDH EXPLAINS THE WORKSHOP WILL HELP BUSINESS OWNERS UNDERSTAND THE INS AND OUTS OF NAVIGATING STATE DEPARTMENTS.

>> SOMETIMES THEY NEED MONEY.

SOMETIMES THEY NEED FINANCIAL SUPPORT.

A LOT OF TIMES, THEY NEED HELP CONNECTING THE DOTS WITH THE VARIOUS THINGS, GETTING PERMITS, REGISTRATIONS, SIGNING UP FOR VARIOUS PROGRAMS.

WE WILL BRING TOGETHER A GROUP OF OUR AGENCY PARTNERS TO HELP THE SMALL BUSINESSES UNDERSTAND WHERE TO GO, WHO THE CALL, THE ORDER OF OPERATIONS.

>> TO FIND OUT MORE, GO TO NJEDA.COM/EVENTS.

>>> AND HERE IS A CHECK ON HOW WALL STREET FARED TODAY.

THIS IS YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY NJTIA'S NEW JERSEY CONFERENCE ON TOURISM DECEMBER 1st AND 2nd AT THE HARD ROCK HOTEL AND CASINO IN ATLANTIC CITY.

INFORMATION ONLINE AT NJTIA.ORG.

>>> IT'S BEEN MORE THAN TWO MONTHS SINCE TROPICAL STORM IDA RAVAGED NEW JERSEY.

RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES ARE STILL PICKING UP THE PIECES.

AND THEY GOT A BIT OF GOOD NEWS RECENTLY WHEN THE DEADLINE FOR FEDERAL AID WAS EXTENDED TO DECEMBER 6th.

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER JACK CAMP JOINS US TO DISCUSS THE NEW EXTENSION.

JACK, I WAS IN ONE OF THE AREAS IN NEW JERSEY HIT REALLY HARD, MILLBORN, RIGHT AFTER THE STORM, AND IT WAS HEART BREAKING TO SEE THE WHOLE DOWNTOWN AREA, ALL THE STORES WERE IMPACTED.

YOU HAD FURNITURE STORES WHO LOST ALL THEIR MERCHANDISE, PIZZA SHOPS EMPTIED OUT.

YOU HAD NICE PEOPLE AND RESIDENTS OF THAT COMMUNITY HELPING IN THOSE EFFORTS.

BUT, OF COURSE, IT WILL TAKE A LOT MORE THAN THAT TO REBUILD AFTER SUCH A DEVASTATING STORM.

CAN YOU EXPLAIN TO US THE DEADLINE YOU HAVE EXTENDED NOW?

>> THAT'S RIGHT.

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY FOR SBA'S PHYSICAL DISASTER LOANS FOR THE FLOODING FROM HURRICANE IDA HERE IN NEW JERSEY IS DECEMBER 6th.

>> ARE YOU HEARING A LOT OF PEOPLE WHO ARE STILL TRYING TO APPLY FOR ASSISTANCE?

>> WELL, YES, WE'RE GETTING A STEADY STREAM OF LOANS COMING IN.

WE HAVE ALREADY APPROVED OVER $165 MILLION IN LOANS FOR THIS EVENT JUST HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

WE'RE PROBABLY AROUND $300 MILLION FOR THE EVENT IN THE TRI-STATE AREA.

>> AND WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE WATCHING TO KNOW?

WHAT SHOULD THEY DO TO MAKE SURE THEY HIT THAT DEADLINE?

>> WELL, THEY NEED TO APPLY FOR THE LOAN BY THE DEADLINE.

GO TO DISASTERLOANASSISTANCE @SBA.GOV TO APPLY FOR THE LOAN.

IT'S NOT THAT HARD OF A PROCESS.

IT WILL TAKE YOU PROBABLY 30 MINUTES OR SO TO COMPLETE THE APPLICATION.

BUT YOU CAN DO IT THERE ONLINE.

IF YOU WANT, I ALWAYS ENCOURAGE PEOPLE OF VISIT WITHIN OFF OUR CENTERS IN NEW JERSEY WHILE THEY REMAIN OPEN.

THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION IS AT EVERY FEMA DISASTER RECOVERY CENTER THROUGHOUT THE STATE.

PLUS FOR OUR BUSINESS COMMUNITY, WE HAVE TWO BUSINESS RECOVERY CENTERS THAT ARE OPEN.

ONE IN BURGEON COUNTY AND ANOTHER IN SOMER SET.

>> RIGHT.

AND I REMEMBER SPEAKING TO THE TEAM AT ONE OF THE SITES.

THEY ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO APPLY, WHETHER THEY THINK THEY WILL QUALIFY OR NOT.

DO YOU GIVE THAT SAME ADVICE?

>> ABSOLUTELY.

THAT IS A CRUCIAL POINT.

THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WORKS HAND IN HAND WITH FEMA IN A MAJOR PRESIDENTIAL DISASTER.

AND WE PAY A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE FEDERAL DISASTER RESPONSE.

WHEN A HOMEOWNER OR A RENTER REGISTERED WITH FEMA, THEY WILL OFTEN BE REFERRED TO THE SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FOR DISASTER LOAN.

NOW, THEY MAY NOT WANT A LOAN.

THEY MAY NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD IT, THE CREDIT, THE HISTORY, WHATEVER THE SITUATION.

BUT SOME FEMA GRANTS ARE DEPENDENT ON THE OUTCOME OF THE SBA DISASTER LOAN APPLICATION.

AND IF YOU DON'T THINK YOU CAN QUALIFY FOR A LOAN, WE'LL PROBABLY AGREE WITH YOU.

AND THEN WE WILL REFER YOU BACK TO FEMA, AND YOU MAY GET ADDITIONAL GRANT MONEY.

IF YOU DON'T APPLY FOR THE LOAN, WE CAN'T MAKE THAT DETERMINATION.

WE CAN'T REFER YOU BACK.

AND YOU MAY LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE IN THE FORM OF GRANTS FOR FEMA.

>> THANK YOU FOR THE ADVICE AND FOR BEING WITH US.

WE APPRECIATE IT.

>> OKAY.

>>> AND THAT'S IT FOR US.

HEAD TO NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.ORG AND CHECK OUT THE SOCIAL PLATFORMS FOR THE LATEST STORIES IMPACTING THE PEOPLE AND COMMUNITIES OF NEW JERSEY.

FROM THE TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US TONIGHT.

AND WE'LL SEE YOU BACK HERE TOMORROW.

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

WRJ BARNABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

AND THE OCEAN RING PROJECT BY HOISTED AND ASAG, COMMITTED TO THE SOLUTION OF A NEW LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

>>> MJM INSURANCE COMPANY SERVING POLICY HOLDERS FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

WHO ARE NJM'S POLICY HOLDER?

THEY'RE THE MEN AND WOMEN WHO KEEP THE GARDEN STATE GROWING.

BUSINESS LEADERS.

THE CARETAKERS OF OUR HISTORIC LAND MARKS.

AND THE CUSTODIANS OF OUR PUBLIC SAFETY.

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

NJM, WE HAVE GOT NEW JERSEY COVERED.

>>> I'M GRATEFUL I'M HERE.

>> THAT'S ME AND MY DONOR WHEN WE WENT TO CELEBRATE OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY.

>> A NEW LEASE OF LIFE.

>> I'M GOING EVERYWHERE AND EXPLORING NEW PLACES.

>> NOBODY THOUGHT I WOULD BE HERE.

NOBODY: .

>> I LOOK FORWARD TO GETTING OLDER WITH MY WIFE.

THAT'S POSSIBLE NOW.

>> WE'RE TRANSFORMING LIVES THROUGH KIDNEY TREATMENTS AND WORLD RENOWNED CARE.

>> IT'S A BLESSING.

>> RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.