>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY THE MEMBERS OF 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 ORSTED.

AND PSEG.

COMMIT TODAY THE CREATION OF A LONG TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.

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

>> HELLO AND THANKS FOR JOINING US THIS EVENING.

I'M RHONDA SCHAFFLER IN FOR BRIANA VANNOZZI.

DAYS AFTER HER ENDORSEMENT OF GOVERNOR MURPHY, VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS PAID A VISIT TO NEW JERSEY TODAY TO LEND SUPPORT TO THE GOVERNOR'S REELECTION CAMPAIGN AND TO PUSH THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION'S OWN AGENDA.

SHE WAS TOUTING THE ADMINISTRATION'S BUILD BACK BETTER PLAN WITH A FOCUS ON CHILD CARE AND A PLEDGE TO LOWER COSTS TO THE BILL.

THE VICE PRESIDENT ALSO HIGHLIGHTED THE STATE'S VACCINATION PROGRAM AT A VACCINE SITE IN NEWARK, PRAISING THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION FOR VACCINATING MILLIONS OF NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS ON THE VICE PRESIDENT'S VISIT AND MESSAGE.

>> Reporter: VICE PRESIDENT KAMALA HARRIS GIVE A BIG HELLO VISITING A CHILDREN'S CENTER AT MONTCLAIR STATE UNIVERSITY ALONG WITH GOVERNOR MURPHY AND OFFERED THE PERFECT VENUE FOR HER POLITICAL SALES PITCH PRAISING THE INCUMBENT GOVERNOR AND THE PRESIDENT'S INFRASTRUCTURE BILL.

IT AIMS TO REDUCE THE HIGH COST OF CHILD CARE.

>> A LOT OF THE WORK WE ARE DOING RIGHT NOW, IT IS WORTH IT.

THE GOVERNOR HAS BEEN DOING HIS ENTIRE CAREER, THE CONGRESSWOMAN IS LEADING IN THE UNITED STATES CONGRESS.

IT IS THE WORK OF RECOGNIZING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SUPPORTING OUR PARENTS.

SUPPORTING OUR CHILDREN AND UNDERSTANDING THAT IT IS ABOUT AN INVESTMENT IN OUR COLLECTIVE FUTURE.

>> WE ARE HEARING PEOPLE PAY 30, 40, 50% OF THEIR INCOME IN CHILD CARE COSTS.

TO HAVE THE VICE PRESIDENT HERE TO SHINE A SPOTLIGHT ON THAT, AND THEN, TO HAVE HER SAY, YOU KNOW, AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THIS IS SUCH A LYNCH PIN FOR HOW WE BEGIN OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY.

THAT WAS REALLY GOOD TO HEAR.

>> Reporter: CONGRESSWOMAN MIKEY SHEREL PUSHED FOR THE PLAN TO CAP CHILD CARE EXPENSES AT 7% OF THEIR INCOME.

WRITERS MICHAEL RASMUS SEES PROS AND CONS.

>> IT IS A LITTLE BIT OF A WASH.

I THINK HE HAS THE CHANCE TO CRANK OUT HIS BASE.

IT IS AN ADVANTAGE FOR THEM.

ON THE OTHER HAND, IT IS AN ADVANTAGE FOR REPUBLICANS WHO GET TO CRANK UP THEIR BASE WITH ANGER TOWARD THE WHITE HOUSE.

>> Reporter: HARRIS ALSO TOURED A VACCINATION SITE IN NEWARK WHERE SHE PRAISED MURPHY'S EFFORTS TO GET JERSEY JABBED.

NEW JERSEY RANKS SIXTH IN THE NATION WITH 5.9 MILLION FULLY VACCINATED.

MURPHY CREDITS HIS VACCINE MANDATES FOR STAFF.

HEALTH CARE WORKERS.

EMPLOYEES, AND HE IS IN LOCK STEP WITH THE PRESIDENT.

>> YOU HAVE SEEN JOE BIDEN THIS WEEK.

SINCE MANDATE HAVE BEEN IN PLACE, A THIRD MORE OF THE UNVACCINATED PORTION OF THE COUNTRY HAS GOTTEN VACCINATED.

>> Reporter: THIS AS PFIZER WILL REQUEST EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION FOR KIDS AGES 5- 11.

THE MERE POSSIBILITY OF REQUIRING COVID SHOTS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN CARRIES HEAVY POLITICAL FREIGHT IN NEW JERSEY.

THOUGH IT IS HIGHLY UNLIKELY, ESPECIALLY BEFORE THE ELECTION.

>> I DON'T ANTICIPATE WE WILL NEED TO DO THAT, MANDATING THE KIDS TO HAVE IT.

BUT, IT IS AN OPTION I THINK WE LEAVE ON THE TABLE.

AS WE DO ACROSS THE BOARD HERE.

>> Reporter: 60% OF ALL NEW JERSEY KIDS 12 TO 17 HAVE RECEIVED ONE DOSE.

AND A BRAND NEW POLITICAL HARVARD POLL SHOWS THE MAJORITY OF AMERICANS SUPPORT REQUIRING PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS IN THAT AGE GROUP TO GET VACCINATED.

AMONG DEMOCRATS, THREE OUT OF FOUR BACK A MANDATE.

59% OF REPUBLICANS REMAIN OPPOSED BUT RUTGERS SAYS POLITICIANS SHOULD TREAD LIGHTLY WITH KID VAX MANDATES.

>> PEOPLE ARE PROTECTIVE OF THEIR KIDS IN WAYS THEY ARE NOT PROTECTIVE OF THEMSELVES AND THEY WILL NEED SOME MORE TIME TO FEEL CONFIDENT THAT THIS VACCINE WILL NOT DO HARM TO THEIR CHILDREN.

>> Reporter: FOR NOW, GOVERNOR MURPHY STEERING CLEAR OF THAT POLITICAL MINE FIELD WITH THE ELECTION 25 DAYS AWAY.

I'M BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> YOU CAN WATCH THE TWO GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATES SQUARE OFF IN THE SECOND AND FINAL TELEVISED DEBATE PRODUCED BY NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

IT IS LIVE 8:00 P.M., TUESDAY, OCTOBER 12 AT ROWAN UNIVERSITY.

PLEASE SEND YOUR QUESTIONS FOR THE CANDIDATES TO NJDECIDES@NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

AND WATCH HERE OR ONLINE AT NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG AND OUR PARTNERS' WEBSITES.

>>> ADD SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS IN NEW JERSEY, AND ACROSS THE COUNTRY, THERE'S BEEN HEATED DEBATES OVER HOW DISTRICTS ARE RESPONDING TO COVID-19.

BUT IN SOME CASES, THE CONVERSATIONS HAVE TAKEN AN UGLY TURN FOR WORSE.

EARLIER THIS WEEK, THE JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SAID THERE HAS BEEN AN INCREASE IN HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION, AND THREATS OF VIOLENCE AGAINST SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS.

JOANNA GAGIS INVESTIGATED WHAT IS HAPPENING IN OUR STATE.

>> Reporter: REPORTS OF BOARD MEMBERS, ELSEWHERE IN THE COUNTRY, NOT JUST NEW JERSEY RECEIVING THREATS OF VIOLENCE.

THOSE THREATS OF VIOLENCE, WHILE MAYBE NOT THE NORM, HAVE BECOME PART OF A SHIFT IN THE TONE OF SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS THE LAST YEAR-AND-A-HALF.

IT PLAYED OUT IN UGLY FASHION LAST NIGHT AT THE WAYNE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF ED MEETING.

>> FREE SPEECH!

>> Reporter: BOARD PRESIDENT FILED CHARGES WITH THE WAYNE POLICE DEPARTMENT AFTER THREATS WERE ALLEGEDLY MADE TO HER HOUSE.

THE BOARD PRESIDENT IN WALL TOWNSHIP, MEETINGS HAVE BEEN SHUT DOWN OVER COMMUNITY MEMBERS REFUSING TO WEAR MASKS WHILE CHASTISING THE BOARD FOR NOT REPEALING THE MASK MANDATE IN SCHOOLS.

>> THEY COME TO A MEETING AND THEY ARE VERY PASSIONATE AND THEY ARE VERY UPSET BECAUSE THEY FEEL YOU SHOULD BE ABLE TO DO SOMETHING AND CAN'T.

>> THAT REQUIREs MEDICAL DOCUMENT ATION.

>> THEN PEOPLE SAY THINGS IN THE HEAT OF THE MOMENT.

BUT IT TURNS PEOPLE OFF.

IT HURTS THEIR FEELINGS.

WE HEAR EVERYTHING THEY SAY.

AND WE ALL HAVE OUR PERSONAL VIEWS ON IT.

>> Reporter: REFERRING TO THE GOVERNOR'S EXECUTIVE ORDERS LIKE SOCIAL DISTANCING AND MASKS.

TWO ISSUES HOT TOPICS AT BOARD MEETINGS SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC.

PAM EXPERIENCED THAT IN MEETINGS THAT REGULARLY RAN PAST MIDNIGHT LAST YEAR.

>> I FELT IT WAS PERSONAL.

I DID SPEAK OUT WHEN SOMEBODY SAID THAT WE JUST DIDN'T CARE.

AND, I SPOKE FOR MYSELF.

BUT I BELIEVE ALL THE BOARD MEMBERS.

IS WE ALL DO CARE.

WE WANT WHAT IS BEST FOR EVERY CHILD.

AND UNFORTUNATELY, ONE FAMILY MAY FEEL ONE WAY.

AND ANOTHER FAMILY FEELS ANOTHER WAY.

SO, IT IS JUST TRYING TO FIND THAT HAPPY, HAPPY PLACE FOR EVERYONE.

IT IS VERY, VERY DIFFICULT.

>> HAVE YOU SEEN ANY INSTANCES WHERE BECAUSE OF THE TENOR, THE TONE, THE VITRIOL COMING FROM MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, PEOPLE ARE DISCOURAGED FROM SERVING ON BOARDS?

>> WE HAVE HEARD ANECDOTALLY ABOUT MEMBERS DECIDING TO LEAVE THEIR BOARDS AND SAYING THIS IS NOT WHAT I'M INTERESTED IN DOING ANYMORE.

I DON'T FEEL WE HAVE SEEN A WAVE OF IT.

I THINK THAT OUR BOARD MEMBERS ARE REALLY INCREDIBLY DEDICATED.

IT IS A JOB THAT TAKES A LOT OF TIME AS YOU KNOW.

IT IS A VOLUNTEER JOB.

AND, I AM ALWAYS A LITTLE IN AWE OF THE WAY THEY PUT THEMSELVES OUT THERE TO SERVE THEIR COMMUNITY.

>> WE HAVE THREE MEMBERS THAT WERE UP FOR REELECTION THIS YEAR.

AND ONLY ONE FILED PETITIONS TO RUN.

>> Reporter: IN PATTERSON, THE BOARD COMMISSIONER SAYS THE MAKEUP OF THE BOARD HAS IMPACTED THE DYNAMIC WITH THE COMMUNITY.

>> WE EXPERIENCE ANGER FROM PARENTS IN TERMS OF CERTAIN SITUATIONS.

MOST RECENTLY, CAFETERIA MEALS AND THAT.

THEY HAVE NOT SHOWN UP AT THE MEETINGS AND RANTED BUT AGAIN, BECAUSE A LOT OF US ARE COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS AND WE ARE ALWAYS OUT HERE, THEY KNOW WHERE TO REACH US.

IF I'M IN A SUPERMARKET OR A STORE AND THEY NOTICE ME, THEY WILL APPROACH ME.

THEY WON'T DO IT ANGRILY, BUT THEY WILL ASK ME WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE SCHOOL LUNCHES?

WHAT'S GOING ON?

>> Reporter: EACH BOARD MEMBER WE SPOKE TO TODAY DOES INTEND TO RUN FOR REELECTION AT THE END OF THEIR TERM.

HE IS RUNNING THIS YEAR.

EACH ONE SAYING THE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY OUTWEIGHS THE STRESS OF THE JOB.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M JOANNA GAGIS.

>>> FEDERAL OFFICIALS ARE ON THE GROUND IN NEW JERSEY INVESTIGATING STATE RUN VETERAN'S HOMES.

WHERE MORE THAN 200 PEOPLE DIED OF COVID-19.

ACCORDING TO THE STATE ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE, THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE VISITED THE MENLO PARK AND PARAMUS HOMES IN THE PAST WEEK.

THEY QUESTIONED RESIDENTS DURING THE VISIT.

IT IS PART OF AN INQUIRY TO DETERMINE WHETHER RESIDENT'S CIVIL RIGHTS WERE VIOLATED AT THE HOMES AS A RESULT OF POOR MEDICAL CARE.

A SCATHING FEDERAL INSPECTION LAST SUMMER FOUND POOR MASK USE AND LAX INFECTION CONTROLS AT THE NURSING HOMES WHICH PUT STAFF AND RESIDENTS IN IMMEDIATE JEOPARDY OF LIFE THREATENING ILLNESS.

INVESTIGATIONS INTO NURSING HOME DEATHS IN OTHER STATES INCLUDING NEW YORK HAVE BEEN DROPPED.

>>> THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT HAS ISSUED MORE THAN $175 MILLION IN RECOVERY FUNDS TO HELP NEW JERSEY RESIDENTS WHO SUFFER FINANCIAL LOSSES DUE TO FLOODING FROM TROPICAL STORM IDA.

BUT FOR UNDOCUMENTED RESIDENTS, FINANCIAL RELIEF CAN BE OUT OF REACH.

LEAH MISHKIN REPORTS.

>> Reporter: IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN A MONTH SINCE TROPICAL STORM IDA RAVAGED THROUGH COMMUNITIES ACROSS NEW JERSEY AND MANY FAMILIES ARE STILL STRUGGLING INCLUDING THIS MOTHER OF TWO.

THE ELIZABETH RESIDENT WHO IS UNDOCUMENTED REMEMBERS THE WATER RUSHING INTO HER BASEMENT APARTMENT FEELING HELPLESS.

>> WE STARTED PUMPING WATER, BUT, IT JUST WOULDN'T STOP.

NOTHING WE DID WORKED.

AND, IT JUST KEPT RISING AND RISING UNTIL IT WAS FOUR FEET OF WATER.

>> Reporter: THE FAMILY LOST ALMOST EVERYTHING.

THE PLACE THEY CALLED HOME SUDDENLY BECAME UNINHABITABLE.

>> THEY TOLD HER BECAUSE SHE WAS UNDOCUMENTED, SHE WOULDN'T BE ABLE TO RECEIVE HUB.

THE ONLY REASON SHE CAN RECEIVE SOME HELP IS BECAUSE HER DAUGHTER IS A CITIZEN.

>> Reporter: IT GOT HER TWO WEEK INS A HOTEL AND A CHURCH PAID FOR THE FAMILY OF FOUR TO STAY IN THIS ROOM AN EXTRA MONTH.

WHILE UNDOCUMENTED RESIDENTS ARE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR FINANCIAL GRANTS, FROM SHORT TERM SHELTER TO FOOD, TO CRISIS COUNSELING AND DISASTER LEGAL SERVICES.

>> MOST UNDOCUMENTED INDIVIDUALS IN THIS COMMUNITY WERE NOT ONLY JUST HIT BECAUSE THEY DIDN'T HAVE A HOME.

THEY WERE ALSO HIT BECAUSE THEY LOST THEIR CARS.

RIGHT?

THEY CAN'T GET TO WORK.

>> Reporter: TO PICK UP THE PIECES REALISTICALLY REQUIRES CASH ASSISTANCE.

IN NEW YORK, $27 MILLION ARE NOW DEDICATED TO HELP UNDOCUMENTED IDA SURVIVORS.

BUT THERE IS NO SUCH PROGRAM IN NEW JERSEY YET.

>> IT IS TRUE, YOU NEED A SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER IN ORDER TO GET THROUGH THAT PROCESS.

AND WE ARE TRYING TO WORK TO GET AS CREATIVE AS WE CAN TO MAKE SURE EVERYBODY WHO WAS IMPACTED BY THIS GETS THE HELP THAT THEY DESERVE.

>> Reporter: IN THE MEANTIME, THEY ARE WORKING TO CREATE THEIR OWN BENEFIT FUND AFTER RECEIVING DOZENS OF CALLS FOR HELP.

WHILE AT THE SAME TIME ENCOURAGING THE GOVERNOR TO CREATE A SIMILAR FUND TO NEW YORK.

>> I DO BELIEVE THAT FEMA IS DOING A GREAT JOB.

THEY WERE HERE IN OUR CITY.

THEY MEET WITH INDIVIDUALS AND FILL OUT THE APPLICATION.

BUT, WE ARE INTENDED TO PROVIDE A SAFETY NET THAT CATCHES YOU IN TIMES LIKE THIS.

AND HELPS YOU BACK UP.

AND, I THINK THAT WHAT HAPPENS WITH THESE THIRD PARTY AGENCIES, THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT BUREAUCRACY.

AND I THINK TOGETHER, WE MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

>> Reporter: THE PASSAIC MAYOR SAYS 20% OF THE RESIDENTS HE SERVES ARE NOT U.S. CITIZENS.

AND HIS ENTIRE CITY, HE SAYS, WAS DEVASTATED.

>> I DON'T CARE WHERE YOU STAND ON THE POLITICAL AISLE.

WHERE YOUR POSITION IS, WHEN YOU KNOW THAT THERE'S A MOTHER WHO IS STRUGGLING WITH CHILDREN WHO MAY NOT HAVE ACCESS TO FOOD, THEY DON'T HAVE A BED TO SLEEP ON, YOU WANT TO SEE THAT FAMILY HELPED.

>> Reporter: HE PRAISED EFFORTS BY MURPHY AND FEMA BUT HOPES THE STATE SETS ASIDE MONEY FOR UNDOCUMENTED RESIDENTS LIKE NEW YORK.

IN ONE WEEK'S TIME, THIS MOTHER SAYS THEIR HOTEL STAY IS UP.

AND SHE HAS NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE GOING TO DO NEXT.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I'M LEAH MISHKIN.

>>> ONE NEW JERSEY ACTIVIST TODAY TOOK WHAT HE HOPES WILL BE THE FIRST STEP TOWARD GETTING THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO PASS A POLICE REFORM BILL.

LORI HAM BEGAN A 67-MILE WALK FROM MONTCLAIR TO TRENTON.

THE BILL HE WANTS TO SEE PASSED WOULD PROVIDE MORE TOOLS TO HELP IN THE INVESTIGATIONS OF ALLEGED POLICE MISCONDUCT.

TELL ME ABOUT WHY YOU DECIDED TO EMBARK ON THIS LATEST MARCH.

>> WE DECIDED TO EMBARK ON THIS LATEST MARCH BECAUSE WE WANTED TO CONTINUE THE FIGHT FOR POLICE REFORM IN THIS STATE.

IN PARTICULAR, WE WANT THE PASSAGE OF THE POLICE REVIEW BOARDS WITH SUBPOENA POWER BILL.

AND, OTHER BILLS THAT HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED.

SOME OF WHICH HAVE BEEN RELEASED FROM COMMITTEE.

BUT NONE OF WHICH HAVE BEEN PUT UP FOR A VOTE.

IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE MURDER OF GEORGE FLOYD, EVERYBODY SAID AND I'M TALKING ABOUT OUR POLITICAL LEADERS, SAID IT WAS A TERRIBLE THING.

WHAT HAPPENED TO GEORGE FLOYD.

SOME OF THEM INTRODUCED INITIATIVES TO CHANGE POLICING.

BUT, MOST OF THOSE INITIATIVES A YEAR LATER AFTER THE CONVICTION OF DEREK CHAUVIN, THEY HAVE NOT BEEN IMPLEMENTED.

AND FOR 60 YEARS, IN CITIES ACROSS THE STATE, PEOPLE HAVE DEMANDED COMMUNITY CONTROL OF THE POLICE AND POLICE REVIEW BOARDS WITH SUBPOENA POWER.

SO WE ARE MARCHING TODAY TO CALL UPON THE NEW JERSEY LEGISLATURE TO PASS THAT AND OTHER BILLS FOR POLICE ACCOUNTABILITY, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND ECONOMIC PROGRESS.

>> WHY DO YOU THINK THESE BILLS HAVE STALLED?

>> I THINK WITH REGARD TO THE POLICE REVIEW BOARDS BILL IS BECAUSE THE POLICE ORGANIZATIONS ARE PUTTING A GREAT DEAL OF POLITICAL PRESSURE ON OUR LEGISLATORS AND SOME OF THEM ARE BENDING TO THAT PRESSURE.

BUT, WE HOPE THAT THEY WILL FIND THE STRENGTH NEEDED TO STAND UP AND DO WHAT THE PEOPLE DEMAND.

POLICE BRUTALITY IS NOT GOING AWAY IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE DEATH OF GEORGE FLOYD AND THE CONVICTION OF DEREK CHAUVIN.

PEOPLE CONTINUE TO BE MURDERED AT THE SAME RATE BY THE POLICE.

A THOUSAND PEOPLE A YEAR.

YOU KNOW.

IT IS REALLY ABOMINABLE THAT MORE PEOPLE ARE KILLED IN THE UNITED STATES THAT ARE KILLED IN GREAT BRITAIN IN THE ENTIRE 20th CENTURY.

SO, WE ARE HERE TO SAY IT IS TIME FOR CHANGE.

AND PASS THE BILL POLICE REVIEW BOARDS WITH SUBPOENA POWER.

>> I HAVE TO ASK YOU, YOU ARE NO STRANGER TO DEMONSTRATIONS AND ACTIVISM.

WHAT KEEPS YOU MOTIVATED?

WHAT WILL KEEP YOU GOING ON THIS 67-MILE JOURNEY?

>> WELL, I'M INSPIRED BY THE HISTORY OF ALL THOSE WHO CAME BEFORE ME.

WHO HAVE STRUGGLED FOR JUSTICE.

AND, I'M INSPIRED BY THE VICTORIES WE HAVE EVERY NOW AND THEN.

THE FACT THAT CHAUVIN WAS CONVICTED, ALTHOUGH, THAT CASE IS NOT OVER YET.

BUT THE FACT HE WAS CONVICTED, AND, THE FACT THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OTHER VICTORIES.

AND EVEN WHEN WE DON'T HAVE VICTORIES, EVERY TIME PEOPLE STAND UP AND PROTEST FOR WHAT IS RIGHT, IT INSPIRES ME TO KEEP FIGHTING FOR WHAT IS RIGHT.

>> GOOD LUCK ON YOUR JOURNEY.

THANKS FOR TALKING TO ME TODAY.

>> THANK YOU.

>>> THE LATEST REPORT ON THE JOB MARKET IS A MIXED BAG.

THE U.S. UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FELL TO 4.8% IN SEPTEMBER.

A LEVEL NOT SEEN SINCE EARLY 2020.

BEFORE THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC REALLY TOOK HOLD.

BUT, AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT'S MONTHLY EMPLOYMENT REPORT SHOWED JOB GROWTH WAS BELOW EXPECTATIONS.

ITS COMPANYS ARE STILL HAVING TROUBLE FINDING WORKERS, ADDITIONAL SCHOOLS HAVE HAD DIFFICULTY FILLING POSITIONS.

INTERESTING TO NOTE THOUGH THE EXPANDED UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS ENDED IN SEPTEMBER, IT HAS ONLY HAD A SMALL EFFECT ON THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE LOOKING FOR WORK.

SOME PEOPLE REMAIN RELUCTANT TO RETURN TO THE WORKPLACE DUE TO FEARS ABOUT COVID-19.

WHEN VOTERS GO TO THE POLLS NEXT MONTH, THEY WILL CONSIDER GOVERNOR MURPHY'S RECORD ON TAXES AND SPENDING OVER THE PAST FOUR YEARS.

IT IS SOMETHING THAT NJ SPOTLIGHT BUDGET AND FINANCE WRITER JOHN IS LOOKING INTO.

LET'S START WITH TAXES.

HOW DO YOU VIEW GOVERNOR MURPHY'S RECORD?

>> I THINK IT IS A MIXED RECORD IN TERMS OF, YOU KNOW, TAXES BEING INCREASED FOR SOME GROUPS.

NAMELY THE WEALTHY.

AND ACTUALLY DECREASED FOR SOME GROUPS INCLUDING THE STATE'S LOW WAGE WORKERS.

AND ALSO, INCOME QUALIFIED PARENTS RECEIVED UP TO $500 INCOME TAX REBATE.

THERE WERE OTHER TAX CUTS AS WELL IN THIS ELECTION YEAR BUDGET PASSED BY MURPHY AND LAWMAKERS.

AND SO, HIGH EARNING BUSINESSES.

AND MILLIONAIRES HAVE DEFINITELY TAKEN A HIT ON THE TAX LEDGER WHEN IT COMES TO MURPHY.

BUT THERE HAVE ALSO BEEN TAX DECREASES FOR A NUMBER OF GROUPS AS WELL.

>> ONE THING THAT IS PERHAPS A LITTLE MORE CLEAR IS WHAT HAS HAPPENED TO THE BUDGET UNDER THE GOVERNOR.

IT HAS GROWN.

>> THAT'S FOR SURE.

SPENDING IS UP ABOUT 30% DURING MURPHY'S 40 YEARS IN OFFICE COMPARED TO THE BUDGET HE INHERITED FROM FORMER GOVERNOR CHRIS CHRISTIE.

IT IS GOING TO AREAS THAT HAVE LONG BEEN DEPLOYED BY GOVERNORS AND LAWMAKERS.

THE PUBLIC WORKER PENSION SYSTEM.

SO THERE IS A LOT MORE MONEY GOING INTO THE PENSION FUND WHICH HAS BEEN OVERDUE, FRANKLY.

AND THERE IS ALSO A LOT MORE MONEY GOING TO PUBLIC EDUCATION IN NEW JERSEY.

THOSE ARE AREAS THAT MURPHY HAS IDENTIFIED AS PRIORITIES.

AND WHEN WE LOOK AT THE BIG SPENDING INCREASE, FUNDED IN PART BY THE TAXES WE TALKED ABOUT, A LOT OF IT IS GOING TO THOSE TWO AREAS THAT HAVE LONG BEEN UNDERFUNDED IN NEW JERSEY.

THE SCHOOL FUNDING FORMULA IS STILL UNDERFUNDED, BELIEVE IT OR NOT.

>> JOHN, WHAT IS WALL STREET'S VIEW ON NEW JERSEY?

HAS THAT CHANGED WHEN YOU LOOK AT OUR CREDIT RATINGS?

>> IT HAS BEEN AN INTERESTING LAST FEW YEARS WHEN IT COMES TO THE CREDIT RATING.

AND NEW JERSEY HISTORICALLY HAS ONE OF THE LOWEST IN THE NATION.

THAT IS SOMETHING MURPHY INHERITED.

HE STARTED TO MAKE SOME PROGRESS ON ISSUES THAT HAVE BEEN IDENTIFIED BY THE RATING AGENCIES LIKE ADDING SURPLUS, STRUCTURAL BUDGET GAPS.

BUT THE PANDEMIC HIT.

THE DOWNGRADES REMAIN IN EFFECT.

SO NEW JERSEY'S CREDIT RATING IS LOWER IN THE EYES OF TWO OF THE RATING AGENCIES NOW THAN IT WAS BEFORE MURPHY TOOK OFFICE ABOUT FOUR YEARS AGO.

>> JOHN, THANKS, AS ALWAYS, FOR YOUR INSIGHT.

>> YOU'RE WELCOME.

>>> NOW, LET'S TAKE A LOOK AT THE CLOSING NUMBERS ON WALL STREET.

>>> AND JOIN ME THIS WEEKEND FOR NJ BUSINESS BEAT.

HIGHLIGHTING HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH WITH A LOOK AT THE SURGE IN LATINO OWNED BUSINESSES AND THE IMPACT ON THE STATE'S ECONOMY.

PLUS, EFFORTS TO GET THOSE BUSINESS OWNERS MORE ACCESS TO FUNDING.

WATCH IT ON NJ PBS SATURDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. AND SUNDAYS AT 9:40 IN THE MORNING.

>>> IN CAMDEN, A SCHOOL BASED HEALTH CLINIC HAS BEEN PROVIDING CARE FOR CHILDREN FOR YEARS.

ONCE THE PANDEMIC HIT, MORE FAMILIES TURNED TO THE LEAP ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL FOR MUCH NEEDED MEDICAL CARE.

>> WE STARTED ZERO PATIENT IN 2016.

NOW WE HAVE 2,000 REGISTERED IN OUR OFFICE.

>> Reporter: DR. RIVERA IS THE PEDIATRICIAN AT LEAP ACADEMY UNIVERSITY CHARTER SCHOOL IN CAMDEN.

ITS HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER NORMALLY TREATS CHILDREN ATTENDING THE SCHOOL.

BUT ONCE THE PANDEMIC STARTED, THE NUMBER OF PATIENTS DOUBLED WITH LOW INCOME FAMILIES TURNING TO THE FACILITY FOR CARE.

>> WE DID THOUSANDS OF COVID TESTING.

AND WE STARTED VACCINATING PEOPLE IN JUNE.

VACCINATING NOT JUST OUR PATIENTS, THEIR PARENTS AND SIBLINGS.

THOUGH THEY ARE NOT OUR PATIENTS IT IS A FREE COVID-19.

>> Reporter: IT STARTED AS A WAY TO PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH ACCESS TO THEIR EVERYDAY NEEDS.

>> WE HAD SERIOUS POVERTY ISSUES IN THE CITY OF CAMDEN.

AND WE WANTED TO CREATE A COMPREHENSIVE MODEL THAT WILL BE A ONE SHOT DEAL FOR FAMILIES WHERE THEY CAN COME GET EVERYTHING FROM COLLEGE ACCESS, FAMILY SUPPORT, HEALTH CARE.

>> Reporter: TODAY, IT INCLUDES ITS OWN HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER WITH A FULL TIME POSITION ON SITES.

>> WE MAKE SURE THEY HAVE THEIR PHYSICAL.

THEIR UPDATED VACCINATION.

AND THERE IS A SPECIAL SERVICE.

IF THEY ARE A STUDENT, WE PICK THEM UP FROM THEIR CLASS AND BRING THEM BACK SO THEY WON'T BE ABSENT.

>> Reporter: PARENTS AND KIDS ATTENDING SAY THE ONE STOP MODEL IS THE MAJOR DRAW.

>> BEFORE I HAVE TO STOP WHATEVER I'M DOING TO GO PICK THE KIDS FROM SCHOOL AND TAKE THEM TO THE DOCTOR.

>> INSTEAD OF HAVING TO BE PICKED UP BY PARENTS WHO HAVE TO LEAVE WORK, TAKE THEM TO A DOCTOR'S OFFICE, OUR MEDICAL STAFF TAKE THE KIDS FROM CLASS, BRING THEM IN FOR PHYSICALS, IMMUNIZATIONS AND THEN THEY ARE RETURNED TO CLASS.

IF A CHILD IS SICK, THEY CAN BE TREATED AT THE HEALTH CENTER.

>> Reporter: SOMETHING THIS MOM OF TWO SAYS SHE APPRECIATES.

BOTH HER CHILDREN SUFFER FROM ASTHMA, CAUSING THEM TO BE ABSENT QUITE OFTEN AT THEIR PREVIOUS SCHOOL.

>> MY DAUGHTER FAILED THE SECOND GRADE FOR THE ASTHMA.

SHE MISSED A LOT OF SCHOOL DAYS AND HAD TO STAY HOME.

RIGHT NOW, IF SHE HAS AN ATTACK, THEY GRAB HER FROM THE CLASSROOM.

CHECK HER OUT AND SENT HER BACK TO THE CLASSROOM.

>> Reporter: BECAUSE THE ONE STOP MODEL HAS BEEN SO SUCCESSFUL, STAFF SAYS IT IS IMPORTANT FOR THEM TO BEGIN OPENING UP THEIR SERVICES TO THE REST OF THE PANDEMIC.

>> THERE ARE SO MANY FAMILIES THAT DON'T HAVE THE QUALITY CARE.

WE COULDN'T TURN THEM AWAY.

>> Reporter: ACCORDING TO DATA FROM THE U.S. CENSUS BUREAU IN 2019, THE POVERTY RATE IN CAMDEN IS LISTED AT 36.4%.

THAT IS NEARLY FOUR TIMES THE POVERTY RATE IN THE STATE AT 9.2%.

THE SEVERITY MEANS A LOT OF PEOPLE IN THE COMMUNITY ARE SUFFERING WITH ILLNESSES THAT ARE NEVER DIAGNOSED.

>> OTHER DOCTORS DIDN'T DO ANY BLOOD WORK.

SO SINCE THEY ARE MY NEW PATIENT, I DO SOME CBC.

AND I GO, OH, THIS IS NORMAL.

DO YOU KNOW THIS?

AND NO.

NO.

NOBODY DID THE BLOOD WORK.

>> WHEN THE KIDS GET SEEN, THE PARENTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO GET SEEN.

>> PLANS ARE IN THE WORKS TO OFFER MORE ADDITIONAL SERVICES TO PEOPLE THROUGHOUT CAMDEN.

THE GOAL IS TO SAVE LIVES WITH HOPES OF MAKING A BETTER COMMUNITY.

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

>>> ANOTHER NOBEL PRIZE WINNER HAS JERSEY ROOTS.

ONE OF THE WINNERS OF THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE, MARIA RESSA, IS A 1982 GRADUATE OF TOMS RIVER HIGH SCHOOL AND A 1986 GRADUATE OF PRINCETON UNIVERSITY.

SHE SHARES THE PRIZE WITH DMITRY MURATOV.

SHE IS THE THIRD NOBEL PRIZE WINNER THIS WEEK WITH A JERSEY CONNECTION.

THANKS FOR JOINING US THIS EVENING.

THAT DOES IT FOR US THIS WEEK.

BUT HEAD OVER TO NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG WHERE WE WILL CONTINUE COVERING THE STORIES AFFECTING THE STATE ALL WEEKEND LONG.

HAVE A GOOD NIGHT.

AND A GREAT WEEKEND.

>>> NJM INSURANCE GROUP.

SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY.

AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.

THE PSEG FOUNDATION.

AND BY THE MERCHANT ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY.