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

MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.

>>> RWJ BARANABAS HEALTH.

LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

>>> AND ORSTED, 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 BRIANA VANNOZZI.

>>> GOOD EVENING AND THANKS FOR JOINING US THIS THURSDAY NIGHT, I'M BRIANA VANNOZZI.

REPUBLICAN CONGRESSIONAL CHALLENGERS ARE PULLING OUT AL THE STOPS IN THIS RUN-UP TO TH MIDTERM ELECTION.

BLASTING DEMOCRATIC INCUMBENTS TODAY AT JOINT PRESS CONFERENCE IN TRENTON FOR FAILING TO CURB INFLATION OR ADDRESS THE RISING COSTS HITTING RESIDENTS' POCKETS.

GOP CANDIDATES FROM FIVE OF THE STATE'S TOP CONGRESSIONAL RACES CRITICIZE THEIR OPPONENTS AND THE MEDIA FOR FOCUSING TOO MUCH ATTENTION ON SO-CALLED CULTURE WAR ISSUES MAKING BIG ECONOMIC PROBLEMS T VOTERS SHOULD THEY GET ELECTED BUT WILL THOSE KITCHEN TABLE ISSUES WIN THEM THE VOTE?

THAT'S THE QUESTION.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> NEW JERSEY IS THE HIGHEST TAXED STATE IN THE NATION.

WE NEED HELP FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

>> THIS 11th DISTRICT CANDIDAT HAMMER THAT POINT ALONG WITH FOUR OTHER REPUBLICANS RUNNING FOR CONGRESS AGAINST INCUMBENT NEW JERSEY DEMOCRATS AMIDST REPUBLICAN COMPLAINTS THAT CAMPAIGN USED TOO OFTEN VEERS AWAY FROM ECONOMICS TO SOCIAL ISSUES.

THE GROUP CALLED THIS EVENT TO FOCUS ON INFLATION AND HIGH FUEL PRICES.

THEY ESPECIALLY SLAMMED JERSEY DEMOCRATS' RECENT FAILURE TO REPEAL THE $10,000 CAP ON STATE AND LOCAL TAX DEDUCTIONS.

>> THE DEMOCRAT HOUSE LEADERS IN THE STATE HAVE FAILED YOU.

NOT ONLY HAVE THEY SUCCEEDED IN MAKING NEW JERSEY ONE OF THE MOST UNAFFORDABLE STATES IN THE NATION, WITH ONE OF THE LOWEST BUSINESS FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENTS, BUT THEY HAVE FAILED IN THEIR PROMISE TO ELIMINATE THE SALT CAP WHICH WOULD HELP COUNTLESS NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS.

>> THIS PERSON IS RUNNING AGAINST THE DISTRICT 5 INCUMBEN WHO DID FAMOUSLY PROMISE -- >> AB I'VE SAID FOR MONTHS, NO SALT NO DICE.

REINSTALL THING SALT WILL BE IN THIS.

>> Reporter: THAT PROMISE DIED DURING TOUGH POLITICAL NEGOTIATIONS WITH CONSERVATIVE TO PASS THE INFLATION REDUCTIO ACT.

THE CAMPAIGN HOWEVER SAYS HE ORIGINALLY SUPPORTED THE SALT CAP NOTING COMING AFTER HIM ON SALT IS LIKE SOMEONE LIGHTING THEIR OWN HOUSE ON FIR AND THEN WANTING CREDIT FOR PUTTING IT OUT.

STILL, REPUBLICAN CANDIDATES CALLED DEMOCRATS TO TASK FOR NOT FIGHTING HARDER.

>> WHY DO YOU TAKE A PAGE FRO JOE MANCHIN'S PAPER BOOK AND LEVERAGE HIS VOTES?

>> Reporter: ACTUALLY IT'S REPUBLICANS WHO OPPOSED THE SAL CAP IN 2017, AND IF THEY DO TAKE BACK THE HOUSE IN NOVEMBER CURRENT GOP LEADERSHIP STILL RESISTS RESTORING THE FULL SAL DEDUCTION BECAUSE IT GENERATES TAX REVENUES.

SO, HOW WOULD THESE REPUBLICANS KEEP THEIR SALT PROMISE?

>> I'M SURE LEADER McCARTHY WIL SIT DOWN AND TRY TO FIGURE OUT WITH THE NEW LEADERSHIP THAT COMES IN WHAT WE NEED TO DO TO MOVE THINGS FORWARD.

>> Reporter: A LATEST POLL SHOWS NEW JERSEY VOTER'S NUMBER ONE CONCERN IS THE ECONOMY.

IN FACT POCKETBOOK ISSUES PREDOMINATE.

>> IT IS SOMETHING THAT IS IMPORTANT NOT ONLY TO REPUBLICANS, DEMOCRATS, UNAFFILIATED.

>> Reporter: THIS DISTRICT 12 REPUBLICAN CANDIDATE SAYS HIS PROPERTY TAX HAS SOARED OVER 50% IN SIX YEARS.

THIS ONE FOCUSED ON ENERGY COSTS.

SHE'S AN UNDERDOG RUNNING AGAINST A LONG TIME DISTRICT INCUMBENT WHO HAS PUSHED HARD TO CUT CARBON EMISSIONS WITH CLEAN ENERGY INITIATIVES IN A DISTRICT VULNERABLE TO RISE.

H SEES A LOOMING CRISIS.

>> I BELIEVE WE STILL NEED FOSSIL FUELS.

I THINK WE SHUT THEM DOWN WAY TOO QUICKLY AND W WERE NOT PREPARED TO DO THAT AS FAST AS WE DID.

>> Reporter: A BILL WAS PASSED TO STOP BIG OIL COMPANIES FROM RIPPING OFF NEW JERSEY AT THE PUMP.

WORK WITH THE PRESIDENT TO RELEASE MORE OIL FROM THE STRATEGIC PETROLEUM RESERVE.

ON OTHER ISSUES, A FORMER PROSECUTOR CALLED FOR MEASURES TO FIGHT CRIME LIKE RAMPANT CA THEFT IN DISTRICT 11.

HIS OPPONENT, MIKEY SHERRILL, JUST SPONSORED A BILL TO COMBAT AUTO THEFT.

>> THIS PROBLEM HAS GONE ON FO QUITE SOME TIME.

I APPRECIATE THE EFFORT BUT SHE IS LATE TO THE GAME.

SHE SHOULD BE DOING MORE.

>> Reporter: REPUBLICANS DIDN'T ENTIRELY DISCOUNT CULTURE WAS.

ONE TOOK A SHOT AT HIS OPPONEN FOR JOINING THE PROGRESSIVE CAUCUS.

>> HIS CONSTITUENTS WILL RETIRE COME NOVEMBER 8th BECAUSE THEY SEE IN CONGRESSMAN KIM A PREOCCUPIED POSTER BOY FOR EVERYTHING WOKE.

MOST IMPORTANT, THEY SEE HIM HIM A VERY WEAK ADVOCATE.

>> Reporter: HEALY ORGANIZE THIS EVENT BUT REFUSED TO SAY WHETHER DISTRICT 7 REPUBLICAN WAS ACTUALLY INVITED.

HE WASN'T THERE.

INTERESTING GIVEN THE CAMPAIGN HAS RAILED AGAINST HIS COVERAGE FOCUSING ON TRUMP AND ABORTION RIGHTS.

IN TRENTON, I'M BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS >>> WITH THE MIDTERM ELECTION LESS THAN THREE WEEKS OUT, WE WANT TO LET YOU KNOW ABOUT A NE POLITICAL PODCAST SERIES WE HAV LAUNCHED.

THE NJ DECIDES 2022 ELECTION EXCHANGE.

IT GIVES YO INSIGHT AND ACCESS TO NEW JERSEY'S CANDIDATES FOR CONGRESS HOSTED BY SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUZ, SENIOR DIGITAL PRODUCTS MANAGER COLLEEN O'DAY AND ME.

WE BRING YOU CANDID CONVERSATIONS ABOUT THE ISSUE IMPACTING THE GARDEN STATE WITH EACH CANDIDATE.

IS A CLIP FROM EPISODE THREE, COLLEEN'S CHAT WITH REPUBLICAN BOB HEALY WHO IS CHALLENGING ANDY KIM IN THE THIRD DISTRICT.

>> THANKS FOR JOINING ME.

>> THANKS FOR HAVING ME.

I APPRECIATE IT.

>> THE FIRST QUESTION, LET'S GET RIGHT INTO IT, WHY SHOULD VOTERS IN THE THIRD DISTRICT MAKE A CHANGE NOW, AND PUT YOU IN CONGRESS?

>> THAT'S A GREAT QUESTION.

I HAVE GROWN UP IN BURLINGTON COUNTY MY ENTIRE LIFE.

I WENT TO SCHOOL IN PHILADELPHIA BUT THEN CAME BACK TO BURLINGTON COUNTY.

IT'S WHERE I'M RAISING MY YOUNG DAUGHTER.

IT'S WHERE M WIFE AND I HAVE CHOSEN TO PUT OUR ROOTS IN.

FOR THE ENTIRE TIME I'VE SPENT LIVING IN BURLINGTON COUNTY, IT'S A FAIRL MODERATE, MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROAD DISTRICT.

REASONABLE PEOPLE.

EVEN THE NEW DISTRICT THAT HAS BEEN REDRAWN NOW WITH NOW MERCE AND MONMOUTH.

AS I HAVE TRAVELED UP AND DOWN THE DISTRICT, WE DID 53 TOWN TOUR THAT WE JUST FINISHED IN SEPTEMBER.

AS I TRAVELED THROUG ALL OF THOSE TOWNS, IT IS STILL A VERY MIDDLE-OF-THE-ROAD DISTRICT.

REASONABLE PEOPLE THAT WANT GOOD REPRESENTATION.

GOOD REPRESENTATION MEANS VOTING IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE THAT YOU REPRESENT.

IS NOT NECESSARILY ABOUT WHAT YOUR PARTY WANTS, OR EVEN WHAT YOU NECESSARILY WANT.

IT'S ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT YOU ARE VOICIN AN ADVOCATE FOR THE PEOPLE YOU REPRESENT.

I FEEL THAT I CAN B VERY EFFECTIVE DOING THAT WITH BOTH MY LIFE EXPERIENCE, MY BUSINESS EXPERIENCE, AND I FEE THAT WE DON'T NECESSARILY HAVE THE BEST REPRESENTATION NOW.

>> TO HEAR THE ENTIRE PODCAST INTERVIEW, HEAD TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG AND CLICK ON THE NJ DECIDES 2022 TAB TO FIND THE FIRST FOUR EPISODES O THE NEW SERIES.

OR, DOWNLOAD THEM WHEREVER YOU STREAM YOUR PODCASTS.

>>> THE PANDEMIC BROUGHT AN INCREASED FOCUS TO THE MENTAL HEALTH OF SCHOOL-AGED KIDS.

BU THE MENTAL WELL-BEING OF OUR YOUNGEST CHILDREN CAN OFTEN GO OVERLOOKED.

LEGISLATORS TODAY HEARD UNIQUE TESTIMONY FROM PARENTS AND ADVOCATES WHO SAY THE BEST TIME TO FOCUS ON MENTA HEALTH STARTS IMMEDIATELY AT BIRTH.

RAVEN SANTANA REPORTS.

>> THE MOST IMPORTANT POINTMAN I NEEDED WAS FOR A DEVELOPMENTA PEDIATRICIAN AND TO START EARLY INTERVENTION.

TRYING TO GET AN APPOINTMENT FOR DEVELOPMENTAL PEDIATRICIAN WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT.

>> Reporter: WHILE CRADLING HE 2-YEAR-OLD SON, THIS WOMAN SHARED THE STRESS AND DIFFICULT OF TRYING TO FIND EARLY INTERVENTION FOR HER SON WHO WAS DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM.

SHE TESTIFIED BEFORE THE COMMITTEE WHERE SHE HIGHLIGHTED THE TOPIC OF INFANT MENTAL HEALTH.

A TOPIC THAT EVEN COMMITTEE MEMBERS ADMITTED WAS NEW TO THEM.

>> I DIDN'T KNOW THAT INFANTS ACTUALLY HAD, OR WERE EVEN -- WOULD STRUGGLE WITH MENTAL HEALTH.

>> TO THINK THAT OH MY GOODNESS THERE'S A BABY THAT MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING WRONG, BE IN DISTRESS WE DON'T WANT TO THINK ABOUT IT.

SO, AS A RESULT, IT IS OVERLOOKED IN POLICY.

IT IS OVERLOOKED IN EDUCATION.

IT IS NOT WHAT PROVIDERS YOU ARE INTERESTED IN MENTAL HEALTH EVE THINK ABOUT WHEN THEY LOOK FOR TRAINING PROGRAMS.

>> Reporter: ONE PROGRAM THAT HAS RECEIVED PRAISE FROM PARENT IN THE STATE IS HEALTHY STEPS.

THE SAME PROGRAM THAT THIS WOMA USED TO FINALLY RECEIVE THAT APPOINTMENT FOR HER SON.

>> WE JUST KNEW THAT GOING TO THE PEDIATRICIAN'S OFFICE UPGRADED ONCE THEY STARTED WORKING THERE.

>> Reporter: HEALTHY STEPS, WHICH PROVIDES WRAPAROUND SERVICES FOR PARENTS AND CHILDREN TO PROMOTE STRONG EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT AND CARE HAS FOUR SITES WITHIN THE HACKENSACK HEALTH NETWORK.

IT ANNUALLY SERVES ABOUT 2200 CHILDREN AND THEIR CAREGIVERS.

HOWEVER, STAFF SAYS THE CHALLENGES GETTING PREVENTATIVE BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SCREENINGS COVERED UNDER INSURANCE.

>> WE DON'T PAY FOR PREVENTING MENTAL HEALTH DIAGNOSES DOWN TH LINE.

YOU CAN ONLY BILL FOR THESE TYPES OF SERVICES TO HEALTHCARE INSURANCE COMPANIES IF THERE'S A BEHAVIORAL HEALTH DIAGNOSES.

>> Reporter: DOCTORS WHO TESTIFIED SAY IDENTIFYING MENTAL HEALTH WITH AN INFANT CA BE CHALLENGING, MOSTLY BECAUSE INFANTS DON'T TALK, WHICH IS WHY THEY SAY SCREAMING THE MENTAL HEALTH OF THEIR CAREGIVERS IS SO IMPORTANT.

>> WHETHER THE MOTHER HERSELF HAS HAD ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES WHEN SHE WAS A CHILD.

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENC OR JUST POSTPARTUM BLUES OR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION, ALL OF THOSE INDIRECTLY AFFECT THE BAB IN SOME WAY.

SOMETIMES DIRECTLY AFFECT THE BABY.

YES, IT'S IMPORTANT THAT WE AFFECT THE MOM'S WELLNESS AS PART OF THE BABY'S WELLNESS.

>> THE EXISTING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES DEMANDS HAVE BEEN FURTHER EXACERBATED AND INTENSIFIED THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC.

NATIONALLY, MORE THA 140,000 CHILDREN HAVE LOST A PRIMARY OR SECONDARY CAREGIVER TO THIS DISEASE.

TODAY, THIS CRISIS IS INTERGENERATIONAL BETWEEN CAREGIVERS AND INFANTS.

>> WE TALK MORE ABOUT KIDS AND MENTAL HEALTH AND ADULTS WHEN THEY ARE IN SCHOOL.

THE CONVERSATION ABOUT INFANTS, WHO ARE NOT IN SCHOOL, THEY DO EXPERIENCE MENTAL HEALTH.

TODAY'S CONVERSATION WAS SO MUCH-NEEDED.

BECAUSE IT BROUGHT MORE LIGHT TO THE MATTER.

>> Reporter: THROUGH A FEDERAL GRANT RECEIVED BY THE ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS, HEALTHY STEPS I NOW WORKING ON THE STARTUP FOR EIGHT NEW SITES IN CAMDEN AND NEWARK IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M RAVE SANTANA.

>>> THE POTENTIAL DANGER OF PLAYING HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL I ONCE AGAIN ON THE MINDS OF PARENTS ACROSS THE STATE.

FOLLOWING TWO STUDENTS WHO SUSTAINED CRITICAL SPINAL CORD INJURIES DURING GAMES , AND A UNION COUNTY FOOTBALL PLAYER WH DIED AFTER SUFFERING A HEAD TRAUMA WHILE RETURNING A KICKOFF.

IT'S ALL LEADING TO QUESTIONS OVER WHETHER THE CURRENT RULES AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS IN PLACE ARE ENOUGH.

TED GOLDBERG REPORTS.

>> Reporter: WHEN THIS BOY PLAYED HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL 20 YEARS AGO, CONCUSSIONS WEREN'T TAKEN AS SERIOUSLY.

NOW, THE FORMER HIGH SCHOOL PLAYER IS A SPORTS MEDICINE PHYSICIAN.

AND CONCUSSIONS ARE A MAJOR CONCERN FROM POP WARNER TO THE NFL.

>> LOOKING BACK, I THINK THAT THERE WAS DEFINITELY MORE OF TH HEY, YOU ARE FINE.

IT'S OKAY T GO BACK IN IF YOU FEEL GOOD.

DON'T WORRY ABOUT IT.

NOW, IT'S DIFFERENT.

IF YOU HAVE A HEAD OR NECK INJURY THERE IS NO OKAY WE ARE GOING TO SEE WHAT HAPPENS.

>> Reporter: HE'S THE HEAD POSITION FOR RUTGERS FOOTBALL.

HE SAYS RESEARCH AND RULE CHANGES HAVE HELPED ATHLETES REDUCE THE RISK OF SUSTAINING A SERIOUS INJURY WHILE PLAYING.

>> WE ARE STILL AT THE TIP OF THE ICEBERG IN MY OPINION, BUT WE KNOW A LOT MORE.

WE HAVE THESE DIFFERENT PROTOCOLS AND W HAVE MITIGATING THE RISKS OF GETTING SOMEONE BACK TO PLAY TO SOON THAT CAN CAUSE THEM TO BE AT RISK FOR ANOTHER HEAD OR NEC INJURY.

>> Reporter: FOOTBALL MAY BE SAFER, BUT THERE'S ALWAYS A RISK.

OVER THE LAST MONTH, PLAYERS AT TWO HIGH SCHOOLS SUFFERED SPINAL CORD INJURIES DURING GAMES.

IN SEPTEMBER, A SOPHOMORE PLAYER DIED AFTER AN IN GAME HEAD INJURY.

THE DOCTO SAID THOSE SERIOUS INJURIES CAN HAPPEN, BUT THEY ARE RELATIVEL RARE, AND HE STILL SUPPORTS FOOTBALL.

>> SPORT IS A REALLY BIG PART OF OUR SOCIETY.

IT'S A BIG PART OF NOT JUST OUR PHYSICAL HEALTH BUT ALSO OUR MENTAL HEALTH.

I THINK SOME OF THE DISCUSSION AROUND SHOULD FOOTBALL BE AN ENTITY IN HIGH SCHOOL, WHICH HA COME UP, I DISAGREE WITH.

>> CHRISTINE GREECE IS A BOARD CERTIFIED PHYSICIAN AND BRAIN INJURY MEDICINE.

SHE THINKS TACKLE FOOTBALL IS FINE FOR HIG SCHOOL KIDS, BUT NOT FOR ANYONE YOUNGER THAN THAT.

>> THERE IS CONSTANT SELF CONCUSSIVE BLOWS.

REPETITIVE HEAD INJURIES, BUMPS TO THE HEAD, EVEN IN THE CHILD.

WE KNOW THAT THAT ACTUALLY IS A COCKTAIL AND A RECIPE FOR DISASTER IN HORMONAL DEVELOPMENT LATER DOWN THE LINE >> FOUR YEARS AGO FORMER ASSEMBLYWOMAN VALERIE VANERI-HUDDLE SPONSORED A BILL THAT WOULD BAN TACKLE FOOTBALL IN NEW JERSEY FOR KIDS YOUNGER THAN 12.

CRITICS ARGUE THAT I WOULD LEAD TO MORE SERIOUS INJURIES SINCE KIDS COULDN'T PRACTICE PROPER TACKLING TECHNIQUE.

GREECE DOESN'T SEE IT THAT WAY.

>> YOU CAN ACTUALLY BEGIN BY BUILDING UP THAT FOUNDATION PROPERLY.

THE RUNNING, THE SPEED, THE BALANCE.

THE EYE MOVEMENT.

THEN, YOU CAN BUILD UP TO THE TACKLE WHEN YOU HAVE THE MUSCLE STRENGTH , AND REMEMBER THEY NEED TO HIT PUBERTY TO ACTUALLY HAVE THE MUSCLE STRENGTH.

KIDS WHEN THEY KNOW HOW TO TACKLE, THEY KNOW THEY DON'T HAVE THE CORE.

THEY KNOW THEIR QUADS ARE NOT STRONG SO THEY TACKLE WITH HER UPPER BODY.

>> THAT BILL DIDN'T GET A VOTE BUT THE NEW JERSEY STATE INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION MADE RULE CHANGES T REDUCE FULL CONTACT PRACTICE DRILLS.

THESE PHYSICIANS AGREE WITH THOSE RULE CHANGES AND SAY ANOTHER BIG PART OF SAFETY IS ATHLETES KNOWING THEIR LIMITS.

AND RECOGNIZING WHEN THEY SHOUL SIT OUT.

>> CHILDREN ARE NOTORIOUS FOR UNDERMINING A LOT OF THEIR SYMPTOMS, AND DOWNPLAYING THOS SYMPTOMS ON IMPACT TESTING.

>> THERE'S A LOT OF INDIVIDUAL THAT HAVE A LOT OF ASPIRATION FROM GOING TO HIGH SCHOOL, GETTING A SCHOLARSHIP, AND PLAYING AT THE D-1 LEVEL AND EVENTUALLY BECOMING A PROFESSIONAL OR ELITE ATHLETE.

>> Reporter: AS PHYSICIANS LEAR MORE ABOUT CONCUSSIONS AND SERIOUS INJURIES FROM FOOTBALL, WE CAN EXPECT MORE RULE CHANGES, AND DIFFERENT INJURY PROTOCOLS IN THE FUTURE.

FOR N SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M TED GOLDBERG.

>>> THE STATE'S LARGEST PUBLIC WORKERS UNION WAS OUT IN FORCE TODAY HOLDING RALLIES IN FOUR LOCATIONS ACROSS THE STATE.

PROTESTING POTENTIAL INCREASES TO THEIR HEALTH INSURANCE PREMIUMS OF MORE THAN 20%.

WHICH MANY LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS SAY WILL ALSO HURT THEIR BOTTOM LINE.

MAXING OUT ALREADY STRESSED MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY BUDGETS.

UNION LEADERS FROM THE CWA SAY THEY ARE PLANNING TO HOLD RALLIES EVERY THURSDAY WHILE NEGOTIATIONS CONTINUE.

THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION STRUCK A DEAL LAST MONTH TO REDUCE INCREASES FOR STATE WORKERS FROM A PLANNED 18% DOWN TO 3%.

WITH THE STATE TAKING ON THE REST OF THAT FINANCIAL BURDEN.

BUT THE HIGHER PREMIUMS, THEY REMAIN O THE TABLE FOR THOSE LOCAL WORKERS.

>>> IN OUR SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS REPORT TONIGHT, IT'S BEEN A ROUGH RIDE FOR NEW JERSEY'S PENSION FUND, BETWEEN DECADES OF UNDERFUNDING AND A VOLATILE STOCK MARKET, THE SYSTEM HAS LONG BEEN NOTED AS ONE OF THE WORST FUNDED STATE RETIREMENT PLANS IN THE NATION.

BUT A NEW REPORT FROM PUGH CHARITABLE TRUST INDICATES NEW JERSEY LEADERS ARE FINALLY ON THE RIGHT TRACK DESPITE FOLLOWING SOME OF THE BEST PRACTICES THAT HAVE BROUGHT POSITIVE RESULTS ELSEWHERE.

THAT'S A BIG DEAL FOR THE ROUGHLY 800,000 CURRENT AND RETIRED WORKERS IT COVERS.

BUDGET AND FINANCE REPORTER JOH WHITE MEYER IS HERE TO EXPLAIN.

JOHN, FINALLY GOOD NEWS FOR THI PENSION SYSTEM.

WHAT DID THE STATE DO RIGHT TO GET US HERE?

>> Reporter: YEAH, BRIANA DEFINITELY SOME GOOD NEWS TO SEE NEW JERSEY RECOGNIZED IN NATIONAL REPORTS FOR FOLLOWING SOME BEST PRACTICES THAT OTHER STATES HAVE ADHERED TO .

SO, I THIS CASE CERTAINLY THE NEWS I NOT ALL GOOD IN THE SENSE THAT NEW JERSEY STILL HAS A LOT OF PENSION DEBT ON ITS BOOKS, BUT IN RECENT YEARS, THE GOVERNOR AND LAWMAKERS HAVE BEEN DOING THINGS THAT ARE GETTING RECOGNIZED.

NAMELY, FULLY FUNDING THE STATE'S ANNUAL PENSION OBLIGATIONS.

IT SEEMS LIKE A BASIC THING TO PAY YOUR BILLS, BUT FOR MANY YEARS NEW JERSEY DIDN'T DO THIS.

SO, NOW IT HAS GOTTEN ON THE TRACK OF ACTUALLY FUNDING A LITTLE OVER WHAT THE ACTUARY HAS ESTIMATED WOULD BE FULL ANNUAL CONTRIBUTIONS.

ALSO, THE STATE IS TROUBLESHOOTING OR STRESS TESTING ITS PENSION FUND, WHICH IS ANOTHER NATIONAL BEST PRACTICE.

WHERE YOU GET TO LOO AHEAD OR DO SOME PROJECTIONS TO ANALYZE RISK AND SEE WHERE THER MIGHT BE SOME FAULTS.

FINALLY, THE STATE IS ALSO LOWERING IT INVESTMENT RETURN ASSUMPTIONS.

BEING MORE REALISTIC ABOUT WHA CAN BE EXPECTED.

THOSE RETURNS DON'T ALWAYS BOOM.

WE JUST SA IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR, SOME REALLY LESS THAN STELLAR RETURNS.

WHEN YOU COUNT ON THOSE INVESTMENT RETURNS BRINGING IN BIG DOLLARS , AND I THEY DON'T ARRIVE, THAT CREATES BIG TROUBLE.

>> THERE CONTINUES TO BE TURBULENCE WITHIN THOSE.

YOU MENTIONED, JOHN, THE FACT THAT WE ARE SORT OF STILL NOT OUT OF THE WOODS HERE.

HOW MANY MORE YEARS OF THESE TYPES OF PAYMENTS WITH THE STATE HAVE TO MAKE TO CLEAR US FROM ALL THOS DECADES OF UNDERFUNDING?

>> YEAH.

CERTAINLY IT IS A GOO THING THAT NEW JERSEY IS STARTING AND PAYING ITS BILLS, BUT IT'S GOING TO TAKE YEARS.

THE STATE HAS A PENDING BOND SALE RIGHT NOW, INCLUDING SOME PROJECTIONS ON THE BOND DOCUMENTS THAT SHOW IT'S GOING TO TAKE FUNDING PENSION OBLIGATIONS AT CURRENT OR HIGHE LEVELS ALL THE WAY TO 2050 BEFORE THE STATE REALLY DIGS OU OF THE HOLE THAT IT IS IN.

SO, IN TERMS OF BEING ONE OF THOSE STATES THAT EVERYBODY LOOKS UP TO, WE'VE GOT A LONG WAY TO GO, BUT IT IS DOING SOME THINGS RIGHT NOW THAT WOULD BE CONSIDERED BEST PRACTICES.

THAT IS DEFINITELY NOTEWORTHY.

>> ARE THEY SUSTAINABLE?

WE AR TALKING ABOUT ANOTHER GENERATION'S WORTH OF MAKING THESE PAYMENTS, DECADES.

WE ARE IN A PLUM SITUATION RIGHT NOW WITH WHERE THIS STATE IS.

>> RIGHT.

THAT IS REALLY THE MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR QUESTION.

CAN NEW JERSEY KEEP DOING THIS?

ESPECIALLY WHEN, AND WE ALREADY KNOW IT'S COMING, THERE WILL BE A TUMBLE IN THE ECONOMY AND REVENUES WILL SLACK OFF.

CAN THE STATE KEEP UP THIS LEVEL EVEN WHEN THERE IS THAT BUDGET PRESSURE?

SO, IN THE NEAR TERM, THE STATE IS IN GOOD SHAPE, BUT THOSE QUESTION MARKS ARE OUT THERE FOR WHAT HAPPENS IN 20 YEARS DOWN THE ROAD.

>> A LOT OF BRIDE RETIREES ARE COUNTING ON IT.

JOHN RIGHTMYER, THANKS SO MUCH.

>> YOU'RE WELCOME.

>>> TURNING OUT TO WALL STREET, HERE'S A LOOK AT TODAY'S CLOSIN TRADING NUMBERS.

>>> SUPPORT FOR THE BUSINESS REPORT PROVIDED BY JUNIOR ACHIEVEMENT OF NEW JERSEY.

ANNOUNCING ITS 2022 NEW JERSEY BUSINESS HALL OF FAME.

NOVEMBER 3rd AT THE HYATT REGENCY IN NE BRUNSWICK.

EVENT DETAILS ONLINE AT JANJ.ORG.

>>> AND BY NEW JERSEY AMERICAN WATER.

WE KEEP LIFE FLOWING, ONLINE AT NEW JERSEY A.M.COM.

>>> MAKE SURE YOU CATCH NJ BUSINESS FEE THIS WEEKEND WITH RHONDA SCHAFFLER.

SHE TALKS TO EXPERTS ABOUT SOMETHING WE ARE ALL LOOKING FOR.

A GOOD WORK/LIFE BALANCE.

ALONG WITH JUGGLING THE DEMANDS OF BEING A WORKING PARENT, WHILE RISING IN YOUR CAREER.

THAT'S SATURDAY MORNING ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL AT 10:00 A.M. >>> LIBRARIES GOES FAR BEYOND BOOKS.

THEY ARE SOCIAL CENTERS FOR THE COMMUNITY AND GATEWAYS TO KNOWLEDGE AND CULTURE.

NOW, THEY ARE A PARTNER IN PUBLIC HEALTH, BRIDGING WHAT HAS BECOM WIDENING DISPARITIES FOR PEOPLE UNABLE TO REACH THE RESOURCES AND SERVICES THEY NEED.

MELISS ROSE COOPER REPORTS.

>> KNOWLEDGE IS POWERFUL.

KNOWLEDGE HELPS YOU UNDERSTAND WHAT YOUR NEEDS ARE, AND IT PUT YOU IN A POSITION TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF.

BUT, IN ORDER T BUILD THAT KNOWLEDGE, YOU NEED ACCESS TO DATA.

>> Reporter: WHAT BETTER PLACE TO GET THAT KNOWLEDGE THEN YOUR LOCAL LIBRARY?

IT IS HOME TO ENDLESS BOOKS AND RESOURCES, AN NOW THE LIBRARY IS ALSO BEING TOUTED FOR ITS PART IN FIGHTING HEALTH DISPARITY IN THE COMMUNITY.

>> LOW INCOME, THE ELDERLY, NE IMMIGRANTS, PEOPLE WHO ARE SOCIALLY EXCLUDED.

MANY STRUGGLE TO NAVIGATE THE HEALTH CARE SYSTEM.

LACK FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO OWN A COMPUTER TO LOOK UP INFORMATION OR EVEN LOO FOR A JOB.

MANY LIKE COMPUTER SKILLS.

HAVE LOW LITERACY.

DON'T SPEAK ENGLISH.

HAVE PHYSICAL, VISUAL, OR MENTAL DISABILITIES.

DON'T HAVE HEALTH INSURANCE TO DO PREVENTIVE SCREENINGS, PUTTING THEIR LIVE AT RISK, OR SUFFER CHRONIC RACIAL OR GENDER BIAS.

>> Reporter: THE EAST BRUNSWIC PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTING THIS SPECIAL GATHERING IN CELEBRATIO OF HEALTH LITERACY MONTH.

>> A TIME TO RECOGNIZE THAT HEALTH LITERACY, THE ABILITY T FIND AND USE HEALTHY INFORMATIO TO MAKE THE BEST CHOICES FOR OU HEALTH, IS WHAT BUILDS STRONGER COMMUNITIES.

TODAY'S CELEBRATION PUTS LIBRARIES AND WHAT WE DO BEST, LITERACY, RIGH AT THE CENTER.

>> Reporter: EAST BRUNSWICK COLLABORATED WITH THE NEW JERSE STATE LIBRARY TO LAUNCH NJ HEALTH CONNECT AT YOUR LIBRARY.

IT PROVIDED 450 iPADS TO MORE THAN 150 LIBRARIES PRELOADED WITH VARIOUS LINKS AND DOCTORS AND OTHER HEALTH RESOURCES IN MULTIPLE LANGUAGES.

>> THIS PROJECT REALLY BECAME STATEWIDE HUB TO PROMOTE HEALTH EQUITY.

THEY DISSEMINATED ALL THE iPADS AND IT IS REALLY DUE TO THEIR VISION , DEDICATION, EXPERTISE, AND HARD WORK , THAT MADE THIS PROGRAM A SUCCESS.

>> FOR YEARS, THE LIBRARY HAS BEEN A PLACE WHERE ANYONE GO TO AND FEEL SAFE, SO IT'S NO SURPRISE IT PLAYS SUCH AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN HELPING TO IMPROVE HEALTH EQUITY IN THE COMMUNITY.

ACCORDING TO A 2021 REPORT FROM THE INSTITUTE OF MUSEUM AND LIBRARY SERVICES, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH REINVESTMENT FUND, TRUST IS ONE OF THE KEY FACTORS THAT SUPPORT THE LIBRARY'S ROLE IN FIGHTING HEALTH INEQUITIES.

IT'S AN OPPORTUNITY FOR PEOPLE TO INTERACT AND ENGAGE WITH OTHERS WHICH CAN MAKE CLIENT HEALTH EASIER ESPECIALLY WHEN TREATING SERIOUS DISEASES LIKE CANCER.

>> PATIENTS ARE SURVIVING LONGE AND BETTER.

WHAT WE CAN DO IS INCREDIBLY POWERFUL AND INCREDIBLY SALIENT.

THIS ONLY HAPPENS FRANKLY IF PEOPLE KNOW ABOUT IT.

THIS ONLY HAPPENS IF PEOPLE CAN UNDERSTAND IT.

THIS ONLY HAPPENS IF WE COMMUNICATE AND WE WORK TOGETHER TO BUILD COMMON UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT IS POSSIBLE.

WE MAY HAVE INCREDIBLE THERAPY RIGHT HERE IN EAST BRUNSWICK, RIGHT HERE I MIDDLESEX COUNTY, BUT IF PEOPL DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT THAT AVAILABILITY IS, THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT CAN BE DONE AND THEY DON'T UNDERSTAND WHAT IS HAPPENING, THAT IS A COMPLETE LOSS AND IS AN INCREDIBLE OPPORTUNITY THAT WE WOULD NOT GRAB.

>> Reporter: TO MAKE SURE THAT DOESN'T HAPPEN, ADVOCATES ARE MAKING IT THEIR DUTY TO ENSURE THE LIBRARY REMAINS A SAFE AND CENTRAL PLACE TO HELP RESIDENTS TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR OWN HEALTH.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M MELISSA ROSE COOPER.

>>> THAT'S GOING TO DO IT FOR US TONIGHT, BUT DON'T MISS THIS WEEK'S EPISODE OF REPORTER'S ROUNDTABLE WITH SENIOR POLITICA CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUZ.

HE KICKS OFF THE SHOW WAS STATE SENATOR JOE PRIEN ABOUT WHY HE ABRUPTLY PULLED THE TEMPORARY WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS FROM A SENATE VOTE THIS WEEK.

THEN, A PANEL OF LOCAL REPORTERS BREAK DOWN ALL THE STATE'S BIG POLITICAL HEADLINES.

THAT'S TOMORROW MORNING AT 10:00 A.M. ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUB CHANNEL OR WHEREVER YOU STREAM >>> I'M BRIANA VANNOZZI.

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

WE'LL SEE YOU RIGHT BACK HERE TOMORROW.

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