>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS IS SPONSORED BY NJ INSURANCE GROUP, SERVING THE NEEDS OF BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.
HORIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.
THE PSC G FOUNDATION, AND BY THE HUME URCHINS ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY AND SMARTLY NJ.
♪ >> FROM NJ PBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BRIANA VANNOZZI.
>> GOOD EVENING.
THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.
I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER IN FOR BRIANA VANNOZZI .
CLIMATE CHANGE IS DRIVING SEE LEVELS STEADILY HIGHER, MAKING HOMES MORE LIKELY TO FLOOD EACH YEAR.
IN MANY CASES, THE MOST VULNERABLE PLACES ARE WHERE THE POOREST LIVE.
RESEARCHERS PUBLISHED LAST YEAR THAT NEW JERSEY LEADS THE NATION IN THE NUMBER OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS THAT ALREADY RISK FLOODING ONCE A YEAR.
THAT NUMBER IS PROJECTED TO TRIPLE BY 2050.
SENIOR CORRESPONDENT, BRENDA FLANAGAN WAS IN ATLANTIC CITY WHERE WORK TO REBUILD A TAPE A FLOOD PRONE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT BUILT DECADES AGO IS NOW UNDERWAY.
SHE REPORTS AS PART OF OUR ONGOING SERIES, PERIL IN PROMISE, TELLING THE HUMAN STORIES OF CLIMATE CHANGE.
>> ONE, TWO, THREE.
>> Reporter: THE SYMBOLIC GROUNDBREAKING LAUNCHED A MASSIVE REHAB PROJECT FOR THE 26 AFFORDABLE UNITS LOCATED RIGHT OFF THE BAY.
PLANS INCLUDE A TOP TO BOTTOM BRIEF REDO, AC, BATHROOMS TOO, BUT THEY WILL GET HARDENED AGAINST STEADILY ENCROACHING SEAWATER.
>> LIKE THE FULL MOON WHEN IT RAINS A LOT OR SNOWS A LOT, THAT'S WHEN YOU GET WATER IN THE STREETS?
>> YEAH.
MY FRIEND ALMOST LOST HIS CAR.
>> I HAVE ELDERLY RESIDENTS THAT I LOOK OUT FOR.
I SEE IF THEY NEED ANYTHING DURING THAT TIME.
I SEE IF THEY CAN'T GET OUT.
WE ALL LOOK OUT FOR EACH OTHER.
>> Reporter: AFFORDABLE HOUSING IS HARD TO FIND IN NEW JERSEY'S AREA.
AND THIS IS BUILT IN A PRECARIOUS ENVIRONMENTAL SPOT.
CLIMATE CHANGE ONLY UPS THE ANTE.
SOME FLOORS DO SIT ABOVE FLOOD LEVELS, BUT SUPPORT PILINGS UNDER NEEDS THAT WILL GET REINFORCED AND FLOOD VENTS WILL GET INSTALLED.
THE REMAKE OVER INCLUDES STORM RESILIENCY.
>> THEY NEED A PLACE TO STAY.
WE WILL HAVE A NATURAL GENERATOR SERVING THE BUILDING.
WE WILL HAVE SHOWERS AND PORTABLE WATER.
ALL TYPES OF FLOORING PROJECTS THAT ARE MOLD RESISTANT, INCAPABLE OF WATER DAMAGE.
>> WE HAVE WONDERFUL, SUBSIDIZED HOUSING FOR PEOPLE WHO NEED SOME HELP.
I'M THRILLED THAT THERE IS A RESILIENCY CENTER BECAUSE WE KNOW IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE OUR NEXT STORM, BEFORE THE NEXT NOR'EASTER, BEFORE THE NEXT HURRICANE.
>> OCEAN LEVELS OF THE JERSEY SHORE HAVE RISEN AROUND A FOOT SINCE BUSBY VILLAGE WAS HELD AND THE WATER IS STILL RISING.
BIG STORMS HIT MORE OFTEN.
IT IS A PROBLEM FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING ALONG THE JERSEY COAST.
>> IN THE NORTHEAST, YOU SEE ALL LEVELS OF HOUSING EXPOSED TO FLOOD RISK.
AND THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS THAT ARE AT RISK FOR COASTAL FLOODING AS OCEANS RISE.
>> Reporter: A RECENT STUDY FOUND 640 AFFORDABLE HOMES IN NEW JERSEY ARE VULNERABLE TO COASTAL FLOODING AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR.
THAT NUMBER IS PROJECTED TO MORE THAN TRIPLE BY 2050, INCLUDING MORE THAN 3000 UNITS IN ATLANTIC CITY, ESPECIALLY CHEAPER HOUSING LIKE BUSBY AND STANLEY HOMES BUILT ON LANDFILL ALONG THE BACK BAYS.
>> PEOPLE THAT WORKED IN THE COMMUNITY WERE FORCED TOWARDS THE BACK BARRIER SIDE OF THE ISLANDS.
THEY WERE THE LOW-LYING MARSH AREAS.
>> Reporter: THEY NOTED THAT IT IS GOOD AS FAR AS IT GOES, BUT IT PROTECTS THE BUILDINGS.
>> SO, WHEN FLOODS COME, THE ACID, ITSELF MIGHT NOT DAMAGE AS MUCH, BUT PEOPLE STILL CAN'T GET OUT.
THEIR SAFETY IS AT RISK.
THEIR HEALTH IS AT RISK.
IT IS VERY DISRUPTIVE.
>> Reporter: $15.4 MILLION PROJECT WILL TAKE MORE THAN A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
MICHAEL'S GROUP WILL GET MILLIONS IN LOW INCOME HOUSING TAXES, CREDITS, AND HAS PROMISED TO TEMPORARILY RELOCATE EVERY TENANT FOR THE THREE OR SO WEEKS IT WILL TAKE TO REVAMP EACH UNIT.
>> I'M SO EXCITED ABOUT THE WHOLE PROJECT AND THEY KEPT US IN THE LOOP.
YOU KNOW?
THEY DIDN'T JUST TELL US WHAT THEY WERE GOING TO DO.
>> I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.
>>> FOR HUNDREDS OF STUDENTS IN CRESCO, YET ANOTHER WEEK HAS GONE BY WITH THEM OUT OF THE CLASSROOM, FORCED TO LEARN REMOTELY.
FIRST, COVID KEPT THEM OUT.
JUST AS THEY WERE BACK IN PERSON EARLIER THIS YEAR, HURRICANE IDA RUMBLED THROUGH, CAUSING EXTENSIVE DAMAGE THAT FORCED THEIR SCHOOL TO CLOSE.
TODAY, A GROUP OF PARENTS AND STUDENTS RALLIED IN TRENTON, SEEKING THE GOVERNOR'S HELP TO GET MONEY IN PLACE TO MAKE NECESSARY BUILDING REPAIRS AND REOPEN.
WHILE THE MONEY MATTERS WERE SORTED OUT, KIDS AND PARENTS ARE BRACING FOR THE UNBEATABLE.
HE MAY NOT BE BACK INTO THE CLASSROOM UNTIL NEXT FALL.
JOANNA GAGIS HAS OUR REPORT.
>> GET US BACK TO SCHOOL -- >> THERE IS 1000 KIDS OUT OF SCHOOL.
>> Reporter: THEY ROLLED A FEW HUNDRED DEEP, PARENTS AND KIDS WHO TOOK TO THE STATEHOUSE TODAY, CALLING ON GOVERNOR MURPHY TO HELP REOPEN THEIR SCHOOL.
IT WAS DESTROYED BY FLOODING DURING TROPICAL STORM IDA, LEAVING 1000 MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLERS LEARNING REMOTELY.
>> I BARELY LEARNED ANYTHING.
IT WAS CUTTING IN AND OUT.
>> I AM TIRED AND ANNOYED.
>> IS IT DEPRESSING TO BE BY YOURSELF ALL DAY?
WOULDN'T IT BE BETTER IF YOU WERE IN A CLASSROOM WITH 15 OR 17 OTHER KIDS?
>> YES.
>> OF COURSE IT WOULD BE, BECAUSE THAT WOULD BE NORMAL.
>>'S AND SINCE SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN CLOSED, I'VE HAD A LACK OF TEACHER INTERACTION.
IT REALLY GETS DEPRESSING.
I CAN BARELY INTERACT WITH MY FRIENDS THAT I SHOULD BE INTERACTING WITH EVERY DAY.
>> THE PROTEST WAS ARGUED BY A PARENT GROUP THAT HAS BEEN TRYING TO NAVIGATE THE COLLOCATED RULE OF TRENTON POLICY.
BY LAW, THE DISTRICT NEEDS NEW BOILERS TO REOPEN AND IT CAN GET REIMBURSED BY FEMA AND THE STATE ONCE IT HAS PURCHASED THE UNITS, BUT THE PRICE TAG, $19 MILLION.
>> IT IS NOT AN OPERATING BUDGET.
WHO WOULD HAVE A $20 MILLION SURPLUS IN THEIR OPERATING BUDGET?
>> THEY WOULD HAVE TO GET A LOAN FROM A BANK.
THE STATE REQUIRES THEY GO OUT TO BID FOR THE BANK, AND THAT PROCESS WOULD TAKE MONTHS.
THESE PARENTS ARE LAYING THE FIX AT THE FEET OF THE GOVERNOR.
>> THE PURCHASING LAWS IN NEW JERSEY ARE SPECIFIC TO EDUCATIONAL BUILDINGS THAT CAN BE CIRCUMVENTED UNDER EMERGENCY PRETENSES.
THAT IS NOT BEING DONE.
>> IF HE GAVE AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO ALLOW THE SCHOOL TO ORDER THESE PARTS, THESE BOILERS AND VENTS, WE COULD START CONSTRUCTION IMMEDIATELY.
WE CAN ORDER THOSE PARTS.
UNTIL THAT HAPPENS, WE ARE BY LAW, NOT ALLOWED.
>> Reporter: BUT THE GOVERNOR'S AUTHORS SAID HE DOES HAVE THE POWER TO INTERVENE, AND THERE IS NO PROCESS THAT COULD GRANT A WAIVER WITHOUT BONDING OR A REFERENDUM.
BUT THERE IS NO WORD YET AS TO WHETHER HE CAN PASS AN EXECUTIVE ORDER TO CLEAR THE PATH.
IF NOT, THE PARENTS ARE ASKING FOR EMERGENCY FUNDING FROM THE STATE TO MAKE THE PURCHASE.
>> I'M WATCHING OTHER KIDS GOING BACK TO SCHOOL.
IT MAKES ME SAD.
WE CAN DO THAT.
>> I'M GOING TO SCHOOL ONCE A WEEK.
THAT ONE DAY, I'M LEARNING MORE THAN ANY OF THE OTHER DAYS, BECAUSE THE TEACHERS CAN HELP ME.
>> I REALLY HOPE GOVERNOR MURPHY CAN HELP US.
I WANT TO BE BACK IN SCHOOL WITH MY FRIENDS.
IT'S BEEN A MOST TWO YEARS NOW.
>> Reporter: IF THE REFERENDUM PASSES ON JANUARY 25th, THE EARLIEST THESE KIDS ARE LOOKING INTO GETTING BACK TO SCHOOL IS SEPTEMBER.
IN TRENTON, JOANNA GAGIS, SPOTLIGHT NEWS.
>>> HEADING INTO THE WEEKEND, THE STATE HAS REPORTED THE HIGHEST SINGLE DAY TALLY OF NEW COVID CASES SINCE LAST JANUARY.
NEARLY 4800 NEW CASES WERE REPORTED TODAY ALONG WITH 17 DEATHS.
THE SEVEN DAY AVERAGE FOR CONFIRMED POSITIVE TESTS IS UP 41% FROM A WEEK AGO.
ALL 21 COUNTIES IN THE STATE HAVE A HIGH RATE OF TRANSMISSION.
AS THE OMICRON VARIANT SPREADS, WE ARE LEARNING THE NEW VARIANT WAS IN THE UNITED STATES EARLIER THAN FIRST REPORTED.
THE CDC HAS NOW TRACED AN OMICRON CASE TO NOVEMBER 15th.
THE SPREAD OF THE VARIANT HAS STATE LEADERS URGING EVERYONE TO GET A VACCINE OR BOOSTER.
LATE YESTERDAY, THE CDC SIGNED OFF ON BOOSTERS FOR CAGE KIDS AGES 16 OR 17.
6.3 MILLION PEOPLE ARE VACCINATED WITH ABOUT 1.6 MILLION GETTING A BOOSTER.
>>> SUPPORT FOR THE MEDICAL REPORT IS PROVIDED BY VERIZON BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF NEW JERSEY, AN INDEPENDENT LICENSEE OF THE BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD ASSOCIATION.
>> NEW JERSEY TENANTS ARE FACING AN EVICTION CLOSE COME JANUARY 1st WHEN A MORATORIUM EXPIRES FOR LOW INCOME RESIDENTS WHO DID NOT PAY RENT DURING THE PANDEMIC.
BUT RENTERS AREN'T AUTOMATICALLY PROTECTED FROM EVICTION.
THEY HAVE TO TAKE ACTION BEFORE A DEADLINE NEXT WEEK.
JOINING ME TO EXPLAIN HIS DEAN'S OFFICE WHO OVERSEES EVICTION PREVENTION EFFORTS AT THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
>> DEAN, WHAT DO TENANTS NEED TO DO RIGHT NOW TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM BEING EVICTED?
>> TENANTS NEED TO APPLY FOR RENTAL ASSISTANCE, IMMEDIATELY.
DO IT, TODAY.
THE STATE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PORTAL, AFTER BEING OPEN FOR THE ENTIRE TIME DURING THE PANDEMIC IS BEING CLOSED ON DECEMBER 15th.
THAT IS NEXT WEEK.
SO WE URGE HOUSEHOLDS STRUGGLING TO PAY BACK RENT THAT THEY OWED DURING THE PANDEMIC, AND HOUSEHOLDS WHO THINK THEY WILL NEED HELP STARTING IN JANUARY TO APPLY FOR STATE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
DO IT, TODAY.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS IS VERY EASY.
IT CAN GO ON OUR WEBSITE AT NJ.GOP/DCA FOR INFORMATION.
>> ONCE TENANTS DO THAT, ARE THEY PROTECTED PAST THE EVICTION MORATORIUM ON JANUARY 1st?
>> SO, THE WAY HOUSEHOLDS CAN PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM EVICTION, FOR RENT THEY COULD NOT MAKE DURING THE PANDEMIC, IS TO SELF CERTIFY THEIR HOUSEHOLD INCOME.
A LITTLE HOUSEHOLDS ARE PROTECTED FROM EVICTION, WHICH INCLUDES HAVING THOSE CASES DISMISSED AGAINST THEM.
>> HOW MUCH ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN GIVEN OUT?
COULD THERE BE MORE COMING?
>> RHONDA, WE CERTAINLY HAVE APPLIED FOR MORE FOR U.S. TREASURY.
WE ARE HEARING GOOD NEWS.
THERE IS POSITIVE NEWS THAT COULD BE COMING.
AND WE HAVE TO OPEN A PORTAL AGAIN SOON IN THE COMING MONTHS.
BUT WE HAVE ALREADY ADMINISTERED OVER $460 MILLION THAT HAS SERVED CLOSE TO 60,000 HOUSEHOLDS, AND AS YOU HAVE PROBABLY SEEN IN THE NEWS, WE ARE VERY PROUD THAT NEW JERSEY RANKS, CURRENTLY, NUMBER ONE IN THE NATION IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THESE NECESSARY FEDERAL FUNDS THAT WERE GIVEN TO STATES TO HELP HOUSEHOLDS FROM EVICTIONS DURING THE PANDEMIC, THE EMERGENCY RENTAL ASSISTANCE.
WE ARE REALLY PROUD OF THAT.
WE ARE ON TRACK TO REMAIN AT THE TOP SPOT IN THE SECOND ROUND.
AS I STATED EARLIER, DUE TO THE LEGISLATION THAT WAS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR MURPHY, ON AUGUST 4th OF THIS YEAR, THE CURRENT EVICTION PROTECTIONS THAT ARE AVAILABLE ALSO APPROPRIATED AN ADDITIONAL $500 MILLION, THAT IS, TO HELP PEOPLE WITH RENT STARTING IN JANUARY.
WE HAVE BEGUN ALREADY PROCESSING SOME OF THOSE APPLICATIONS, I BELIEVE, SOMEWHERE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD OF $117,000 OR SO.
SO, THE MONEY IS AVAILABLE.
WE WILL PROBABLY NOT SEE THIS LEVEL OF INVESTMENT IN HOUSING STABILITY FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IN OUR LIFETIME.
SO WE ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO ACT NOW.
DO NOT WAIT.
EVEN IF THEY DON'T HAVE AN EVICTION PENDING AGAINST THEM, AND EVEN IF THEY THINK THAT THEIR LANDLORD IS KIND AND WILL NEVER DO THAT TO THEM, IN OUR EXPERIENCE, WHEN YOU OWE A LOT OF MONEY, IN THE LONG TERM, YOU ARE JEOPARDIZING THE STABILITY OF YOUR HOUSING BY NOT PROTECTING YOURSELF AGAINST EVICTION.
>> DEAN, THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR TIME TODAY.
WE APPRECIATE IT.
>>> COMMUNITY ACTIVISTS AND FAITH LEADERS DEMONSTRATED OUTSIDE THE ELIZABETH DETENTION CENTER TODAY TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON THE PLIGHT OF IMMIGRANT DETAINEES.
THE ELIZABETH CENTER IS THE ONLY FACILITY IN THE STATE THAT STILL HOUSES DETAINEES.
COUNTY JAILS ARE NO LONGER ABLE TO HOUSE IMMIGRANTS HELD BY ICE AS THEY FACE DEPORTATION.
AS JAILS HAVE ENDED THEIR CONTRACTS WITH ICE, FEDERAL AUTHORITIES HAVE TRANSFERRED DETAINEES TO OTHER FACILITIES, OFTEN IN OTHER STATES, FAR AWAY FROM THEIR FAMILIES.
ACTIVISTS TODAY CALLED FOR THE RELEASE OF IMMIGRANTS, NOT TRANSFERS.
THEY ALSO WANT TO BRING PEOPLE ICE HAS ALREADY TRANSFERRED OUT OF STATE BACK HOME TO THEIR FAMILIES, HERE.
THE ELIZABETH DETENTION CENTER CURRENTLY HOUSES 121 IMMIGRANTS.
ACTIVISTS SAY THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE HOUSED THERE ARE SEEKING ASYLUM.
WITH THE STATE LEGISLATURES LAME-DUCK SESSION COMING TO A CLOSE SHORTLY, LAWMAKERS ARE ALREADY LOOKING AHEAD TO WHAT IS ON THE DOCKET NEXT MONTH.
BUT IN THESE FINAL WEEKS, THE RUSH TO PASS LEGISLATION HAS BEEN OVERSHADOWED BY A SHOWDOWN OVER A STATEHOUSE VACCINE MANDATE THAT SOME REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS ARE FIGHTING.
CHIEF POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, MICHAEL AARON, SAT DOWN WITH A SENATE MAJORITY LEADER, LOU GREENWALD, TO TALK ABOUT THESE AND OTHER ISSUES.
>> ASSEMBLY MAJORITY LEADER, LOUIS GREENWALD, THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.
THERE IS ABOUT A MONTH LEFT IN THE LAME-DUCK SESSION OF THE LEGISLATURE.
IS THERE ANYTHING BIG THAT YOU ARE GOING TO BE TACKLING IN THESE 30 DAYS?
>> MICHAEL, GOOD TO SEE YOU.
THANKS FOR HAVING ME AGAIN.
YES.
I THINK IN OUR PRIORITY OF THIS SESSION IS TO DO A COUPLE THINGS.
ONE, WE JUST PASSED AT THE ASSEMBLY WHICH WAS TO GIVE WORKING FAMILIES UP TO $150,000 A YEAR INCOME TAX CREDIT AGAINST CHILD CARE, CHILD DAY CARE EXPENSES.
ONE OF THE THINGS WE HAVE LEARNED AND WHAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO AS WE COME THROUGH THE PANDEMIC IS TAKE LESSONS WE HAVE LEARNED FROM THE PANDEMIC, BUT ALSO MARRIED HIM TO CERTAIN THINGS WE HAVE SEEN BEFOREHAND.
SO THE EXAMPLE OF DAYCARE IS A CLASSIC EXAMPLE OF FAMILIES STRUGGLING WITH THIS BEFORE, AND THE EXPENSE AND SEPARATION FROM THEIR KIDS.
THAT'S A KEY ONE.
THE SECOND ONE WE HAVE LEARNED DURING THE PANDEMIC IS THAT CHILDREN HAVE BEEN SEVERELY IMPACTED BY THIS.
WE WATCHED AS UNEMPLOYMENT ROSE TO 16%.
PEOPLE LOST THEIR JOBS.
THEY LOST HEALTH INSURANCE.
WHILE THOSE NUMBERS HAVE COME DOWN AND THE NUMBER IS CREEPING DOWN BELOW 7%, WE ARE STILL SEEING SOME OF THE AFTEREFFECTS OF THAT.
WE SELL MENTAL HEALTH STRESS ON CHILDREN IN A VERY UNIQUE WAY.
AND WE HAVE A PACKAGE OF BILLS DEALING WITH MENTAL HEALTH THAT WE ARE LOOKING TO MOVE FORWARD.
>> WHAT DO YOU SAY TO YOUR REPUBLICAN COLLEAGUES WHO DON'T WANT TO SHOW PROOF OF VACCINATION IN ORDER TO GET TO THE CHAMBER?
THEY SAY IT'S UNCONSTITUTIONAL TO DEPRIVE THEM OF THE REPRESENTATION THAT THEIR CONSTITUENTS NEED.
WHAT DO YOU SAY BACK?
>> YOU KNOW, MICHAEL, I AM JUST DISAPPOINTED.
THIS IS NOT OUR FIRST TIME THROUGH THE CYCLE ON THIS PANDEMIC.
IT'S NOT OUR FIRST LAP AROUND THE TRACK.
WE KNOW, HISTORICALLY NOW AT THE HOLIDAY SEASONS, HANUKKAH, THANKSGIVING, CHRISTMAS, NEW YEAR'S, WE ARE GOING TO SEE SPIKES.
THE SPIKES ARE PLAYING OUT IN 12 STATES ACROSS THE COUNTRY RIGHT NOW.
WE HAVE HOSPITALIZATIONS AND ICU VISITS INCREASING TWOFOLD.
THIS IS ABOUT PROTECTING YOUR COLLEAGUES.
IS THERE A CONSTITUTIONAL ISSUE?
I DON'T SEE ANY MERIT IN THIS AT ALL.
>> PEOPLE ARE STILL LOOKING TO THE ELECTION TO FIGURE OUT WHAT MESSAGE THE ELECTORATE WAS SENDING.
THE SOUTH JERSEY DEMOCRATS, OF WHICH YOU ARE A LEADER, LOST A NUMBER OF SEATS IN THIS RECENT ELECTION, SURPRISINGLY SO.
WHAT IS GOING ON IN SOUTH JERSEY?
IS IT BECOMING MORE BREAD?
>> I THINK THIS ELECTION WAS REFLECTIVE OF A COUPLE THINGS.
NO DOUBT, IN WASHINGTON, THE FAILURE TO PASS TWO KEY CRITICAL PIECES OF LEGISLATION THAT WOULD HELP WORKING FAMILIES AND AMERICANS WORKING ACROSS THE COUNTRY WADE INTO NEW JERSEY, WE ARE SO CLOSE TO WASHINGTON, D.C.
IT IS SO PREVALENT AND PRESENT IN OUR LIFE EVERY DAY.
AND THEN, I THINK YOU COMBINE THAT WITH, THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION HAD GREAT SUCCESS.
I THINK, IN NAVIGATING THE PANDEMIC AND HANDLING THE DISTRIBUTION OF THE VACCINES AND CONTROLLING THE SPREAD OF THE VIRUS, I THINK, AS WE STARTED TO COME OUT THE OTHER END, ANGER OVER PROBLEMS WITH THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, GETTING UNEMPLOYMENT CHECKS OUT, OPENING THE DIVISION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, THOSE ISSUES COMBINED WITH WHAT WAS GOING ON IN D.C.
CREATED ANGER IN THE COMMUNITY.
>> ASSEMBLYMAN LOU GREENWALD, SOME WOMEN MAJORITY LEADER, THANK YOU FOR GIVING US YOUR THOUGHTS.
>> THANK YOU FOR HAVING ME.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS, EVERYBODY.
>>> IN TONIGHT'S SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS, DOZENS OF LOCAL LIBRARIES WILL SHARE NEARLY $40 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING.
THE MONEY COMES FROM A $275 MILLION BOND ISSUE APPROVED BY STATE VOTERS IN 2017.
THIS IS THE LATEST ROUND OF GRANTS FROM THAT.
NJ SPOTLIGHT BUDGET AND FINANCE WRITER JOHN SAYS, THE MONEY WILL PAY FOR 36 PROJECTS AT LIBRARIES IN 13 COUNTIES ONCE THE GOVERNOR AND STATE LAWMAKERS GIVE FINAL APPROVAL.
IT IS VERY MUCH NEEDED.
>> THE LAST TIME THAT A BIG POT OF MONEY WAS CREATED FOR THESE TYPES OF LIBRARY UPGRADES WAS NEARLY 2 DECADES AGO.
SO, LIBRARIES HAVE BEEN BASICALLY CALLING FOR MORE MONEY SO THEY CAN MEET ALL THE TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGES AND ADVANCEMENTS THAT HAVE OCCURRED DURING THOSE TWO DECADES.
IF YOU THINK ABOUT ALL THE ADVANCEMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE WITH THE INTERNET AND COMPUTERS JUST SENDS LIBRARIES LAST HAD A BIG BOND ISSUE LIKE THIS, THE MONEY WAS USED UP PRETTY QUICKLY.
>> COSTS CONTINUE TO RISE SHARPLY FOR EVERYDAY ESSENTIALS, PUTTING A HEAVY BURDEN ON HOUSEHOLDS.
CONSUMER PRICES JUMPED 6.8% IN NOVEMBER.
IT IS THE HIGHEST ANNUAL INFLATION RATE IN 39 YEARS.
PRICES FOR FOOD, SHELTER, GASOLINE AND CARS WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR MUCH OF THE INCREASE.
THERE ARE A NUMBER OF REASONS BEHIND THE INCREASE IN INFLATION, INCLUDING SUPPLY CHAIN DISRUPTIONS, HIGHER POST PANDEMIC A MAN FOR PRODUCTS, AS WELL AS POLICIES FROM WASHINGTON, SUCH AS A FLOOD OF PANDEMIC RELIEF MONEY, AND ULTRALOW INTEREST RATES.
DATA SHOWS WAGES ARE NOT KEEPING UP WITH THOSE RISING PRICES.
NOW, HERE IS A CHECK ON THE CLOSING NUMBERS FROM WALL STREET.
AND MAKE SURE YOU TUNE INTO NJ BUSINESS BEAT WITH ME THIS WEEKEND.
WE WILL FOCUS ON THE BUSINESS BEHIND YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATION, ANALYZING THE FINANCIAL SUPPORT YOUR KIDS GET FROM THE STATE, HOW PRIVATE SCHOOLS OPERATE, AND THE PUSH FOR TRANSPARENCY IN HIGHER EDUCATION COSTS.
WATCH IT ON NJ PBS SATURDAYS AT 5:00 P.M. AND SUNDAYS AT 9:30 A.M. ♪ >>> SINCE THE START OF THE PANDEMIC, MANY OF US HAVE EXPERIENCED HEIGHTENED ANXIETY, INCLUDING CHILDREN WHO WERE FORCED OUT OF THE CLASSROOM.
ONE RURAL, SUSSEX COUNTY SCHOOL HAS COME UP WITH A UNIQUE WAY TO HELP STUDENTS COPE.
THEY HAVE BEEN SPENDING TIME WITH A SMARTLY DRESSED GENTLE GIANT WHO GOES BY THE NAME OF TYLER.
HE IS A FOUR-LEGGED FRIEND, BIG AND FLUFFY, WHO IS MENDING HEARTS AND PROVIDING WELCOME COMFORT TO KIDS.
MELISSA ROSE COOPER REPORTS.
>> Reporter: DOGS ARE KNOWN TO BE MAN'S BEST FRIEND.
BUT FOR STUDENTS AT THIS CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL IN SUSSEX COUNTY, TYLER IS PROVING TO BE MORE LIKE FAMILY.
>> HE IS BIG, FLUFFY AND COOL.
HE IS NICE.
HE JUST KIND OF GIVES A HAPPIER MOOD.
>> Reporter: THAT'S WHAT SCHOOL LEADERS ARE HOPING TO ACHIEVE WITH TYLER'S HELP.
THE 4-YEAR-OLD, 150 POUND GREAT PYRENEES IS A CERTIFIED THERAPY DOG, DECKED OUT IN HIS TIE AND TOP HAT, TYLER STROLLS THE HALLS OF THE SCHOOL EVERY FRIDAY, TAKING IN PART OF READING SESSIONS WITH KIDS.
THE PROGRAM WAS IMPLEMENTED AT THE SCHOOL AS A WAY TO HELP STUDENTS COPE WITH THE PANDEMIC.
>> I THINK IT IS SAFE TO SAY DURING THE PANDEMIC, STUDENTS WERE DEALING WITH ALL SORTS OF PROBLEMS AND SITUATIONS.
ULTIMATELY, WE WANTED TO MAKE SURE FROM A SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL LEARNING PERSPECTIVE THAT THEY WERE TAKEN CARE OF.
THAT'S OUR NUMBER ONE PRIORITY.
FROM AN ACADEMIC STANDPOINT, IT IS IMPORTANT FOR US THEY DON'T MISS A BEAT THROUGHOUT THE COURSE OF THE PANDEMIC.
>> Reporter: TYLER'S OWNER AND HANDLER SAYS, SHARING HIS BEST FRIEND WITH THE SCHOOL HAS BEEN A BEAUTIFUL EXPERIENCE.
>> I ENJOY DOING THE READING PROGRAM FOR THE CHILDREN.
WE SEE THAT WE ARE REALLY ADVANCING WITH THE READING.
I HAVE PARENTS COMING UP TO ME NOW STATING HOW MUCH THEY LOVE HAVING A DOG THERE.
THE CHILD HAS IMPROVED IN READING.
THEY SEE A BIG PERFORMANCE AT HOME AS WELL AS GRADES.
>> Reporter: TYLER IS GREAT AT MAKING PEOPLE FEEL AT EASE.
HE EVEN GAVE ME A HUG.
>> Reporter: SO AS YOU CAN SEE, TYLER IS REALLY A GENTLE GIANT.
HE HAS BEEN WALKING UP AND DOWN THESE HALLWAYS, PUTTING SMILES ON KIDS FACES.
THEY SAY THEY ARE JUST HAPPY TO HAVE HIM AROUND.
RIGHT?
TYLER?
>> HE IS A VERY NICE DOG.
AND HE IS FUNNY WITH HIS TOP HAT, AND I LIKE HOW HE IS SO CALM.
HE, LIKE, LETS EVERYONE PUT IN.
>> IT JUST BRINGS A BREATH OF FRESH AIR AND POSITIVITY, NOT JUST FOR THE STUDENTS, BUT ALSO FOR A LOT OF THE STAFF.
IT IS HARD NOT TO SMILE AND NOT TO BE POSITIVE WHEN YOU SEE TYLER WALKING DOWN THE HALLWAY.
I KNOW FOR KIDS AND STUDENTS, IT HAS REALLY INCREASED THEIR LOVE OF LEARNING, THE LOVE OF READING, AND WE HAVE HEARD MANY STORIES WHERE THEY ARE GOING HOME AND READING TO THEIR DOGS.
SO, NOT ONLY IS IT HELPING, ACADEMICALLY, IT IS ALSO HELPING SOCIALLY AND EMOTIONALLY, AND GIVING THEM A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE OF SCHOOL, SOMETHING A LITTLE BRIGHT TO LOOK FORWARD TO.
>> AS A PRINCIPAL AND FORMER STUDENT WHO STRUGGLED AS A LEARNER WHEN I WAS A CHILD, I WANT TO MAKE SURE NO STUDENT AT MY SCHOOL HAS THAT TYPE OF EXPERIENCE.
SO BRINGING TYLER INTO OUR SCHOOL ESSENTIALLY ALLOWS US TO MAKE SURE NO STUDENT FALLS THROUGH THE CRACKS AND THEY CAN HAVE AN ENJOYABLE LEARNING EXPERIENCE.
YOU CAN SEE THE SMILES UNDER THEIR MASK DURING THE PANDEMIC.
>> Reporter: WARM AND HAPPY FEELINGS CREATING MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME.
FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM MELISSA ROSE COOPER.
>>> FINALLY, THE RUTGERS MEN'S BASKETBALL TEAM SCORE AND HISTORIC VICTORY ON SUNDAY NIGHT, DEFEATING PERDUE, THE TOP-RANKED TEAM IN THE NATION, 7268 ON A THRILLING HALF COURT BUZZER BEATER FROM SENIOR FORWARD RON HUBBARD JUNIOR.
IT IS THE FIRST TIME RUTGERS HAS EVER BEATEN A NUMBER ONE RANKED TEAM.
RUTGERS BIG WIN CAME ON THE SAME NIGHT THE 23rd RANKED SETON HALL UPSET TEXAS AT THE PRUDENTIAL CENTER IN NEWARK.
IT WAS A HUGE NIGHT FOR COLLEGE BASKETBALL FANS IN NEW JERSEY.
THE TWO SCHOOLS ARE NOW SET TO FACE EACH OTHER IN NEWARK ON SUNDAY NIGHT IN A MASHUP THAT WILL GARNER NATIONAL ATTENTION.
THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT.
IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE BIG POLITICAL HEADLINES THIS WEEK, TUNE INTO REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE WITH SENIOR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT, DAVID CRUZ, SATURDAY AT 6:00 P.M. AND SUNDAY AT 10:00 P.M. YOU CAN ALSO CATCH DAVID'S DISCUSSION ON REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS IN OUR STATE, AND THE LOOMING DECISION OVER ROE V. WADE ON CHAT BOX ON SATURDAY AT 6:30 P.M. AND SUNDAY MORNING AT 10:30 A.M.
I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER.
THANK YOU FOR WATCHING.
YOU HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.
>>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, MAKING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GREAT FOR EVERY CHILD.
OUR WJ BARNABAS HEALTH, LET'S BE HEALTH SAFE TOGETHER.
AND THE OCEAN WIND PROJECT, AND ESA G, COMMITTED TO THE CREATION OF A NEW, LONG-TERM SUSTAINABLE CLEAN ENERGY FUTURE FOR NEW JERSEY.
LEAD FUNDING FOR PARAM AND PROMISE IS PROVIDED BY DR. P LLOYD DOUGLAS AND DIANA T DOUGLAS.
MAJOR SUPPORT IS PROVIDED BY THE MARK HAAS FOUNDATION AND SUE A NUMBER WALKING BEHIND THE THIRD, AND THE SHERIFF AND