>>> FUNDING FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PROVIDED BY NJM INSURANCE GROUP , SERVING THE INSURANCE NEEDS OF RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES FOR MORE THAN 100 YEARS.

PSE&G, THEY MAKE THINGS WORK FOR COMMUNITIES.

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

♪ >>> THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS WITH BREANA VANNOZZI .

>>> GOOD EVENING AND THANK YOU FOR JOINING US.

I'M BREANA VANNOZZI.

PRESIDENT BIDEN WASTED NO TIME DURING HIS FIRST FULL DAY IN OFFICE, CITING A DOZEN EXECUTIVE ORDERS THAT ACTIONS TODAY AIMED AT FIGHTING THE PANDEMIC, ROLLING OUT A 200 PAGE NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE COVID-19 RESPONSE, URGING AMERICANS TO COMMIT TO WEARING MASKS FOR THE NEXT 100 DAYS, WHILE SIGNING AN ORDER REQUIRING FACE COVERINGS ON ALL PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION AND FEDERAL PROPERTY.

THE ADMINISTRATION IS RAMPING UP SUPPLIES OR VACCINATIONS AND EXPANDING TESTING, CREATING A NATIONAL PANDEMIC TESTING BOARD.

THIS IS MORE THAN 400,000 AMERICANS HAVE LOST THEIR LIVES TO THE VIRUS.

THAT NUMBER IS EXPECTED TO REACH HALF 1 MILLION BY NEXT MONTH.

98 OF THOSE DEATHS WERE REPORTED TODAY ACROSS THE STATE, PUSHING THE DEATH COUNT ABOVE 20,000, WITH JUST OVER 4000 NEW CONFIRMED POSITIVE TEST AND A 580,000 MORE CASES.

WE ARE JUST SHY OF 3400 PATIENTS.

TODAY THE PRESIDENT CALLED THE VACCINATION ROLLOUT, A DISMAL FAILURE THUS FAR, PROMISING HELP IS ON THE WAY, KICKING OFF DAY ONE OF A PLAN TO GIVE 100 MILLION SHOTS IN JUST THE NEXT 100 DAYS.

STATE OFFICIALS ARE HOPEFUL THE NEW ADMINISTRATION WILL INCREASE CAPACITY AS THEY STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP WITH DEMAND.

MICHAEL HILL REPORTS FROM ONE OF THE STATES NEWLY OPENED VACCINE MEGA SITES, READY TO RAMP UP APPOINTMENTS.

THE ONLY THING MISSING IS ENOUGH DOSE IS.

>> Reporter: VACCINATIONS AT THE STATE MEGA SITE IN ROCKAWAY ARE BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

THE WEBSITE OF ATLANTIC HEALTH MANAGING THE MEDICAL MECHANICS READS, AT THIS TIME THERE ARE NO APPOINTMENTS AVAILABLE.

>> BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF SUPPLY OF VACCINES, ARE YOU HAVING TO RESCHEDULE OR CANCEL ANY APPOINTMENTS?

>> WE HAVE BEEN VERY CAREFUL ABOUT MAKING SURE THAT WE ONLY SCHEDULE WHAT WE CAN TAKE CARE OF.

THAT BEING SAID, IT IS SO UNPREDICTABLE AT THIS POINT THAT INEVITABLY WE SOMETIMES HAVE TO DO THAT, WHICH IS VERY UNFORTUNATE.

>> Reporter: WHEN THE GOVERNOR TOURED THE SITE 2 WEEKS AGO, THEY TALKED ABOUT VACCINATING 2400 PEOPLE PER DAY BY MAY, IF AND WHEN VACCINES RELIABLY COME FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

ATLANTIC HEALTH SAYS THAT RIGHT NOW IT IS VACCINATING WAY FEWER THAN THAT, BUT IT IS STILL ENCOURAGING NEW JERSEYANS TO GO ONLINE AND SIGN UP AND ANTICIPATE AN APPOINTMENT ALERT FOR WHEN MORRIS VACCINES COME IN THE NEW PRESIDENTIAL ADMINISTRATION.

>> IF WE HAVE THE VACCINE ON SITE, WE CAN GET IT INTO PEOPLE'S ARMS.

>> Reporter: THE STATE HAS SIX VACCINATION MEGA SITES.

NATIONAL GUARD MEMBERS HELP THE CROWD FLOW BY CHECKING IN PATIENTS WHO WIND THEIR WAY TO AND FROM REGISTRATION, PAST THE AIR FILTER CYCLING THE AIR EVERY 9 MINUTES IN THE OLD SEARS BUILDING IN THE ROCKAWAY TOWN SQUARE MALL, WHERE THE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT DIRECTOR USED TO SHOP.

>> IT IS IDEAL.

IF YOU LOOK AT THE FLOOR PLAN AND THE SPACE THAT WE HAVE, I THINK WE ARE STANDING IN MEN'S RIGHT NOW.

>> Reporter: WHEN PATIENTS SIT FOR AN INJECTION, AND ATLANTIC HEALTH REGISTERED NURSE WILL ASK A SERIES OF QUESTIONS.

>> HAVE YOU EVER HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION TO ANY INGREDIENT AND THAT'S VACCINE?

>> Reporter: EMT DAVE SCHULTZ HAS SEEN THE AGONY OF COVID-19, AND HOW MUCH THE MEDICAL SERVICES INDUSTRY HAS HAD TO ADAPT.

>> IT IS STRANGE.

THERE IS NO LONGER A ROUTINE CALL.

IF THERE IS A DISPATCH FOR EIGHT STUBBED TOE, YOU STILL TAKE ALL PRECAUTIONS.

>> Reporter: HE HAS COME TO THE STATES REGIONAL VACCINATION CENTER MEGA SITE TO GET A COVID- 19 VACCINE THAT HE CONSIDERS MANDATORY.

>> I HAVE DONE MY RESEARCH.

THERE ARE SOME PEOPLE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT WHAT MAY OR MAY NOT BE IN IT.

I CAN TELL YOU THAT FOR ME I KNOW THAT COVID KILLS, AND THE VACCINE DOESN'T WORK I KNOW THAT THERE IS GREAT RESEARCH THAT HAS GONE ON.

IT WAS AN EASY DECISION FOR ME.

I LOOK FORWARD TO THE SECOND DOSE.

>> YOU RECEIVED YOUR PFIZER VACCINE.

>> Reporter: THE PFIZER VACCINE REQUIRES A SECOND DOSE IN 21 DAYS.

ATLANTIC HEALTH SAYS THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT IS HOLDING BACK VACCINES FOR SECOND DOSE IS, BUT ATLANTIC IS NOT.

IT IS GIVING DOSE IS WHEN IT GETS THEM.

>> Reporter: THERE SEEMS TO BE GROWING PRESSURE TO USE THE VACCINES RIGHT AWAY INSTEAD OF HOLDING THEM OFF UNTIL THE SECOND DOSE VACCINE.

I KNOW THAT IS TAKING PLACE IN NEW YORK CITY PEER COURT ABOUT HERE IN JERSEY?

>> I SPOKE WITH THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT THIS MORNING, AND I WAS SURPRISED BY THE ANSWER.

SO, THAT IS NOT ON THE TABLE RIGHT NOW, BUT IT IS A POSSIBILITY COME 3 TO 4 WEEKS DOWN THE ROAD WHEN WE DON'T HAVE ENOUGH VACCINES TO MEET DEMAND.

>> WE HAVE TO HAVE A RELIABLE FLOW OF THE VACCINE.

THE FACT THAT WE HAVE A VACCINE IN 9 MONTHS IS A MIRACLE, BUT IT DOESN'T DO ANY GOOD IF IT DOES NOT GET INTO PEOPLE'S ARMS.

>> Reporter: MICHAEL HILL, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS .

>>> THE STATE HAS GIVEN OUT MORE THAN 455,000 DOSES OF THE VACCINE AS OF TODAY, OUT OF ABOUT 1 MILLION DELIVERED FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.

GOVERNOR MURPHY CONTINUES BLAMING THE PATCHWORK RESPONSE LETTER TRUMPS ADMINISTRATION FOR A SLOWER THAN EXPECTED ROLLOUT, WITH MUCH OF THE SUPPLY TIED UP IN A FEDERAL PROGRAM TO IMMUNIZE THE STATES LONG-TERM CARE RESIDENTS.

THAT BEGAN DECEMBER 28th, BUT CONTINUES TO LAG BEHIND OTHER TOP PRIORITY GROUPS.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS THAT FRUSTRATION IS BUILDING.

>>> SO MANY PEOPLE DON'T EVEN HAVE AN IDEA YET WHEN THEIR LOVED ONES ARE GOING TO BE VACCINATED.

>> Reporter: LYDIA GALVEZ AND HER SISTER BOTH CARE FOR AND WORRY ABOUT THEIR 96-YEAR-OLD MOTHER WHO HAS GOTTEN ONE DOSE OF THE COVID-19 VACCINE, AND IS NOW IN QUARANTINE AT CRANFORD REHAB.

FOR THEM, MOM GETTING VACCINATED MEANS NO MORE TEARFUL VISITS THROUGH A WINDOW.

>> ALMOST 11 MONTHS WE HAVE BEEN TELLING HER TOMORROW, TOMORROW.

>> IT IS A VIRUS AND WE WILL SEE YOU SOON.

HOW LONG COULD IT POSSIBLY TAKE TO VACCINATE EVERYONE IN A NURSING HOME?

>> Reporter: QUESTION.

IT'S A FEDERALLY ORGANIZED PARTNERSHIP THAT TASKED TO MAJOR PHARMACIES, CVS AND WALGREENS, WITH SCHEDULING AND ADMINISTERING VACCINATIONS TO NEW JERSEY'S MORE THAN 1500 LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES.

GOVERNOR MURPHY HAS BEEN INCREASINGLY CRITICAL OF THE PROGRAM THAT HAS LEFT MORE THAN 160,000 DOSES UNUSED AS OF TUESDAY.

>> THEY BASICALLY AMASSED THESE DOSES MY SCHEDULED VISITS TO LONG-TERM CARE, NURSING HOMES, EXTENDED LIVING, AND THEY ARE PUNCHING UNDER THEIR WEIGHT, PARTICULARLY WALGREENS.

THAT IS WHERE MOST OF THE YET TO BE USED TO DOSES ARE.

>> Reporter: ALMOST SAY THEY WILL MEET A JANUARY 25th DEADLINE TO GIVE INITIAL VACCINE DOSES AT SKILLED NURSING HOMES, MANY OTHER LONG- TERM CARE FACILITIES DON'T EVEN HAVE APPOINTMENTS.

CVS HAS NOT SCHEDULED CLINICS YET .24% OF THOSE CLIENTS, AND WALGREENS, A WHOPPING 60% ARE STILL WAITING FOR APPOINTMENTS.

OTHER LONG-TERM CARE AND ASSISTED LIVING FACILITIES, CVS HAS GIVEN FIRST VACCINE DOSES AT ABOUT A THIRD OF ITS 821 REGISTERED CLIENTS, WITH MORE THAN 300 SCHEDULED OVER THE COMING WEEK.

WALGREENS VACCINATED JUST ABOUT A FIFTH OF ITS 353 CLIENTS WITH 65 SLATED DURING THE NEXT WEEK.

>> WE ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THESE EARLY BOTTLENECKS TO.

>> Reporter: AARP SAYS THEY ARE HEARING ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH VACCINE AND STAFF SHORTAGES, BUT ALSO PAPERWORK.

>> SOME RESIDENTS ARE BEING ASKED TO PROVIDE TWO CONSENT FORMS, ONE FOR THE INITIAL DOSE , AND A SECOND CONSENT FORM FOR THE SECOND DOSE.

THESE TYPES OF PROCESSES COULD BE STREAMLINED TO IMPROVE THE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM.

>> Reporter: AT LAKELAND HEALTHCARE IN HASKELL, CVS JUST FINISHED GIVING SECOND DOSES OF THE MODERNA VACCINE TO RESIDENTS AND STAFF.

THE ADMINISTRATOR DESCRIBED INTENSE PREPARATIONS.

>> THERE ARE ALL KINDS OF THINGS YOU HAVE TO DO.

YOU HAVE TO FILL OUT FORMS.

ONCE THEY COME IN, IT IS LIKE CLOCKWORK.

HOW MANY STAFF AND RESIDENCE DO YOU THINK ARE GOING TO GET THE DOSE, BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO COME BACK WITH TOO MANY.

>> Reporter: CVS EXPECTS TO FINISH THE PROGRAM IN 12 WEEKS, AND SAID IN A STATEMENT, WE REMAIN ON SCHEDULE AND THE NUMBER OF VACCINES WE ADMINISTER WILL CONTINUE TO RISE.

WALGREENS SAID, WHILE WE KNOW THERE ARE AND WILL BE BUMPS ALONG THE WAY THAT IMPACT VACCINE DISTRIBUTION AND ADMINISTRATION, WE ARE COMMITTED TO ADAPTING OUR PROCESSES TO HELP MEET THE NEED OF OUR COMMUNITIES AND THE PATIENTS WE SERVE.

>> I THINK ONCE THE SECOND DOSES HAVE BEEN ADMINISTERED, CERTAINLY THAT THE DESIGNATED FAMILY MEMBERS SHOULD BE ABLE TO COME IN.

>> Reporter: THE LONG-TERM CARE SAYS THEIR PRIORITY IS GETTING LONG-TERM RESIDENCE VACCINATED QUICKLY.

SOME 40% OF THE COVID DEATHS OCCURRED IN LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES, AND OUTBREAKS ARE STILL OCCURRING.

VACCINATION IS KEY TO GETTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO REOPEN THE DOOR FOR FAMILY VISITS.

>> WE ARE GOING INTO THE DARKEST AND COLDEST PART OF WINTER.

THE HOLIDAYS ARE OVER.

PEOPLE'S MENTAL HEALTH AND PHYSICAL HEALTH IS ABSOLUTELY DETERIORATING.

>> MY MOTHER CRIES WHEN WE ARE BY THE WINDOW AND WE SAY GOODBYE.

IT IS ALMOST LIKE, PLEASE DON'T LEAVE ME.

I DON'T WANT TO DIE ALONE.

ISOLATION IS DEFINITELY KILLING MY MOTHER, AS MUCH AS EVERY OTHER ELDERLY PERSON.

IT IS A BIG HEART ACHE TO US.

>> Reporter: HER MOM IS SCHEDULED TO GET A SECOND VACCINATION DOSE NEXT WEEK.

I AM BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> A COUNTY COMMISSIONER WHO ATTENDED THE PROTEST THAT TURNED INTO A VIOLENT RIOT AT THE CAPITAL JANUARY 6th IS REFUSING TO STEP DOWN FROM HER SEAT.

FOR DIRECTOR SUSAN SAW THE WAY REPORTEDLY SAID SHE LEFT THE AREA ONCE IT TURNED VIOLENT AND DID NOT TAKE PART IN THOSE EFFORTS AT THE C SHE SAYS HE SUBMITTED VIDEO FOOTAGE OF THE RIOTS TO THE FBI AND PUBLICLY DENOUNCED THE INSURRECTION PICK RESIDENTS AND LOCAL OFFICIALS HAVE CALLED FOR HER TO RESIGN OR BE REMOVED AS DIRECTOR, POINTING AND PART RESPONSIBILITY OVERSEEING KEY AREAS OF ELECTIONS.

MEANTIME, OTHERS INCLUDING THE ENTIRE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS SHOWED SUPPORT, DEFENDING HER FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS.

>>> PRESIDENT BIDEN CONTINUING TO TARGET THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S LEGACY TODAY, OVERHAULING U.S. IMMIGRATION LAWS.

AMONG THE ACTIONS, SENDING LEGISLATION TO CONGRESS OFFERING A PATH TO CITIZENSHIP FOR MILLIONS OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS, DIRECTING THE DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY TO PAUSE DEPORTATION FOR 100 DAYS STARTING TOMORROW, AND TAPPING NEW JERSEY'S SENIOR U.S.

SENATOR TO HELP LEAD THE FIGHT.

RAVEN SANTANA REPORTS.

>>> WE ARE FIGHTING FOR PATHWAYS TO CITIZENSHIP FOR 11 MILLION.

>> WHAT WE WANT, CITIZENSHIP FOR ALL.

>> Reporter: GOLDONNA JOINED NEARLY 20 PEOPLE IN FRONT OF THE U.S. IMMIGRATION COURT IN NEWARK WHERE SHE PRAISED PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN FOR DEFENDING THE RIGHTS OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS.

>> WE WANT TO CELEBRATE THIS AND RECOGNIZE THIS IS A FIRST STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.

>> Reporter: THE CELEBRATIONS ARE A RESULT OF PRESIDENT BITING SIGNING SIX EXECUTIVE ACTIONS ON WEDNESDAY HALTING SOME OF TRUMP'S MOST CONTROVERSIAL IMMIGRATION POLICIES WHICH INCLUDE EXTENDING TEMPORARY PROTECTION FROM DEPORTATION, AND WORK AUTHORIZATIONS FOR LIBERIANS.

PRESERVING AND REAFFIRMING PROTECTIONS FOR.GOV RECIPIENTS, ENDING THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TRAVEL BAN FOR MUSLIMS, ROLLING BACK EFFORTS TO RAMP UP IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IN THE U.S., RESCINDING TRUMP'S ATTEMPTS TO EXCLUDE UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS FROM CENSUS COUNTS, AND HALTING CONSTRUCTION OF TRUMP'S BORDER WALL.

>> I AM NOT NACVE ENOUGH TO THINK THAT IT WILL BE EASY, BUT IT ACTUALLY MEANS THAT THERE IS A WILL, I THINK, ON THE PART OF THE ADMINISTRATION TO MOVE FORWARD AS THEY HAVE DEMONSTRATED ALREADY.

, TO MOVE FORWARD WITH COMPREHENSIVE IMMIGRATION REFORM.

>> Reporter: JoANNE IS A PROFESSOR OF THE IMMIGRANT JUSTICE CLINIC.

WHILE SHE SAYS SHE IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE EXECUTIVE ACTIONS, SHE CAUTIONS THAT THINGS THAT REQUIRE LEGISLATION, LIKE CREATING A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP, WILL REQUIRE BIPARTISAN SUPPORT.

>> EVEN THOUGH THE DEMOCRATS, YOU KNOW, CONTROL CONGRESS, YOU KNOW I'M A JUST BARELY.

I THINK AS A PRACTICAL MATTER WAS SOMETHING AS COMPLICATED AND POTENTIALLY DEVICES AS IMMIGRATION REFORM, THE LEGISLATION IS GOING TO NEED BIPARTISAN SUPPORT IN ORDER TO HAVE IT HAPPEN.

SO, FOR THOSE THINGS, I AM NOT ANTICIPATING ANY QUICK CHANGES.

ONE OF THE THINGS IT COULD DO IS IT COULD EXTEND THE PERIOD OF TIME FOR THE EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION THAT INDIVIDUALS GET WHEN THEY ARE APPROVED FOR DACA , BUT THEY CAN'T, BECAUSE IT WOULD REQUIRE LEGISLATION, THEY CANNOT JUST CREATE A PATHWAY TO CITIZENSHIP.

>> Reporter: THAT IS WHY PRESIDENT BIDEN TAPPED NEW JERSEY'S SENATOR MENENDEZ TO SPEARHEAD HIS IMMIGRATION REFORM PLAN.

HE JOINED THE AMERICAN BUSINESS IMMIGRATION COALITION AND IMMIGRANT ADVOCATES TO PRESENT THE U.S.

CITIZENSHIP ACT 2021.

>> UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS WHO PASS CRIMINAL BACKGROUND THE NATIONAL SECURITY CHECKS AND PAY THEIR TAXES WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR A NEW 6 YEAR LAWFUL ACTIVE IMMIGRANTS, ARE WHAT WE CALL LPI STATUS.

LAWFUL PERSPECTIVE IMMIGRANTS WILL BE AUTHORIZED TO WORK, TO JOIN THE MILITARY, TO TRAVEL, TO LIVE WITHOUT THE FEAR OF DEPORTATION.

THIS WILL ENCOMPASS BOTH THEIR SPOUSES AND THEIR CHILDREN.

AND DREAMERS, PRESENT TPS HOLDERS, AND FARMWORKERS TO MEET SPECIFIC CRITERIA WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR GREEN CARDS IMMEDIATELY.

>> Reporter: SENATOR MENENDEZ SAYS THE BILL ADDRESSES THE ROOT CAUSES OF MIGRATION AND IS CONFIDENT, BECAUSE OF THE STRONG SUPPORT FROM PRESIDENT BIDEN AND VICE PRESIDENT HARRIS.

WHILE ADVOCATES RECOGNIZED THE ROAD AHEAD WILL NOT BE EASY, THEY SAY THEY ARE HAPPY TO HAVE SOMEONE IN OFFICE WHO IS NOW TRYING TO CREATE A PATH TO CITIZENSHIP, AND NOT A WELL.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM RAVEN SANTANA.

>>> WITH A LIFELONG TEACHER AS THE NEW FIRST LADY, PRESIDENT BIDEN IS MAKING EDUCATION A PRIORITY IN HIS FIRST 100 DAYS OF OFFICE.

PROPOSING A MASSIVE $175 BILLION PLAN TO GET STUDENTS BACK INTO THEIR K-12 CLASSROOMS , AND HELP COLLEGES STAY AFLOAT AS THE PANDEMIC LINGERS.

THE ADMINISTRATION IS ASKING FEMA TO HELP REIMBURSE THE COST OF EMERGENCY SUPPLIES NEEDED TO REOPEN THOSE SCHOOLS.

IT IS JUST ONE PART OF THE PRESIDENTS SWEEPING COVID RECOVERING PLAN.

FOUNDING EDITOR JOHN MOONEY JOINS US NOW WITH THE LATEST.

>> Reporter: JOHN, IT SEEMS LIKE PRIORITY NUMBER ONE IS SIMPLY GETTING OUR STUDENTS BACK TO SCHOOL IN SOME SHAPE OR FORM.

>> Reporter: HE HAS BEEN, PRESIDENT BIDEN HAS TALKED A LOT ABOUT THAT THROUGHOUT THE CAMPAIGN, AND OBVIOUSLY TAKING IT ONE OF THE PRIORITIES IN HIS TALK TODAY, HIS SPEECH TODAY OUTLINING HIS WHOLE COVID PLAN.

ONE OF HIS GOALS IS TO HAVE MORE THAN HALF THE SCHOOLS, AND I THINK IT IS PRECISELY THE K-8 SCHOOLS, REOPEN IN THE FIRST 100 DAYS, OR AT LEAST BE OPEN.

HOW HE IS MEASURING THAT IS UNCLEAR.

I THINK MORE THAN HALF, PROBABLY NOW, ARE OPEN.

SO WHETHER THAT IS TRYING TO PRESS THOSE THAT ARE NOT OPEN TO COME BACK, WE HAVE A LOT OF LARGE DISTRICTS, L.A., CHICAGO, NEW YORK, THAT HAVE SPENT A LOT OF TIME OUT OF THE BUILDING, AND BRINGING THOSE LARGE DISTRICTS BACK IS A REAL TASK AHEAD.

HE IS PUTTING A LOT OF MONEY AND A LOT OF WORDS AND A LOT OF FEDERAL POWER, AT LEAST FROM THE PULPIT, TOWARDS THAT GOAL.

>> Reporter: COST HAS BEEN A BIG ISSUE FOR THE SCHOOLS AS WELL AS TESTING.

WHAT IS HE OUTLINING THERE, AND WHY DO WE KNOW ABOUT HOW MUCH FEMA COULD OFFER THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS?

>> Reporter: HE HAS A COUPLE DIFFERENT PIECES TO IT.

THE MONEY, HE IS ASKING CONGRESS AS PART OF A $1.9 TRILLION PACKAGE OF COVID RELIEF , HE IS ASKING FOR $130 OF THAT TO GO TO MEDICAID TO 12 SCHOOLS.

THAT IS A LOT OF MONEY.

NOW THEY AREN'T GETTING EVEN HALF OF THAT FROM THE VARIOUS FEDERAL SOURCES.

WHETHER CONGRESS GOES ALONG WITH THAT LARGE PACKAGE IS A BIG QUESTION.

SO, WE WILL SEE WHERE THAT GOES.

THE THINGS HE CAN IMMEDIATELY ADDRESS HIS DIRECTING, YOU KNOW , SOME GUIDANCE FROM THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT, SOME ADDITIONAL MONEY FROM FEMA.

AS YOU MENTIONED, WE ARE NOT ALL THAT SURE HOW MUCH MONEY THAT IS GOING TO BE.

THERE ARE SOME THINGS HE CAN DO IN TERMS OF LAYING OUT A PLAN.

WHAT MAKES IT INTERESTING IS, YOU KNOW, IS THIS GOING TO BE A FEDERAL PLAN THAT SCHOOLS HAVE TO FOLLOW?

OR WILL IT BE LIKE NEW JERSEY'S OWN STATE PLAN, WHICH LAID OUT SOME GUIDANCE AND YOU MAY FOLLOW?

THESE AREN'T IDEAS THAT WE HAVEN'T HEARD ABOUT.

TESTING, SOCIAL DISTANCING, MASKS, SANITIZING, BUT HOW MUCH MORE WHEN IT COMES FROM THE PRESIDENT WILL IT DIRECT SCHOOLS?

WE WILL SEE.

>> Reporter: THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR INPUT TODAY.

>> Reporter: THANK YOU.

>>> AFTER WEEKS OF RISING UNEMPLOYMENT, SHOULD WE BRACE FOR THE WORST TODAY?

RHONDA SCHAFFLER HAS THE LATEST JOBS NUMBERS AND TODAY'S TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>> Reporter: THE LATEST SNAPSHOT OF NEW JERSEY'S JOB MARKET SHOWS FEWER WORKERS ARE FILING NEW JOBLESS CLAIMS.

THE STATE LABOR DEPARTMENT SAYS JUST UNDER 17,000 WORKERS APPLIED FOR UNEMPLOYMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE MOST RECENT WEEK.

THAT IS A DROP OF 23% FROM THE PRIOR WEEK.

OR THAN HALF 1 MILLION UNEMPLOYED WORKERS IN THE STATE ARE NOW RECEIVING THEIR SUPPLEMENTAL FEDERAL JOBLESS BENEFITS, WHICH AMOUNT TO $300 PER WEEK.

STUDENT LOAN BORROWERS ARE GETTING A BREAK UNDER ONE OF THE EXECUTIVE ORDERS SIGNED BY PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN ON HIS FIRST DAY IN OFFICE.

HE HAS EXTENDED THE PAUSE ON FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN PAYMENTS THROUGH AT LEAST SEPTEMBER.

IT HAD BEEN SET TO EXPIRE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.

PRESIDENT BIDEN ALSO SIGNED AN EXECUTIVE ORDER EXTENDING THE MORATORIUM ON EVICTIONS AND FORECLOSURES THROUGH THE END OF MARCH.

REVENUE COLLECTIONS SURGED IN NEW JERSEY IN DECEMBER, BUT THE STATE TREASURY DEPARTMENT CALLS THAT A TEMPORARY BOOST, AS IT REFLECTED A CHANGE IN THE TIMING OF WHEN SOME BUSINESSES ARE PAYING THEIR TAXES.

INCOME TAX COLLECTIONS ARE LAGGING BEHIND LAST YEAR'S NUMBERS, BUT SALES TAX COLLECTIONS ARE UP.

OUR JOHN REITMEYER TOOK A LOOK AT THE DATA.

>> Reporter: IF YOU WANT TO TAKE THE OPTIMISTIC VIEW, THERE ARE DEFINITELY TAX SOURCES WITHIN THE BROADER REPORT THAT SUGGEST THE DOOMSDAY PROJECTIONS THAT WE HEARD, YOU KNOW, SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, MAY NOT BE COMING TO FRUITION.

>> Reporter: READ HIS FULL REPORT ON NJSPOTLIGHTNEWS.ORG.

THERE IS AN OPENING FOR SOME COMPANIES TO PARTICIPATE IN NEW JERSEY'S GROWING WIND ENERGY INDUSTRY INDUSTRY.

ORSTED, THE COMPANY SELECTED BY THE STATE TO BUILD A WIND FARM OFF THE SOUTH JERSEY COAST , TODAY ANNOUNCED A $15 MILLION TRUST THAT WILL PROVIDE BUSINESSES WITH GRANTS.

DAVID HARDY IS CEO OF ORSTED OFFSHORE NORTH AMERICA.

>> THE PRINCIPLES OF THE TRUST ARE TO HELP ENABLE SMALL BUSINESS, WOMEN OWNED AND MINORITY OWNED BUSINESSES, TO PARTICIPATE IN THE OFFSHORE WIND SUPPLY CHAIN AND SERVICES INDUSTRY , AS WELL AS SOME SPECIFIC SURE RESILIENCY PROJECTS.

>> Reporter: THE FIRST APPLICATION WINDOW FOR THE GRANT OPENS ON FEBRUARY 1st.

NOW HERE IS A CHECK ON OUR WALL STREET TRADING DAY.

I AM RHONDA SCHAFFLER , AND THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> THIS WEEKEND, JOIN RHONDA SCHAFFLER ON "NJ BUSINESS BEAT" AS SHE TAKES A DEEPER LOOK AT THE STATES REVAMPED TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM.

WILL IT HELP MY RECOVERY?

WATCH IT ON OUR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL SATURDAY MORNINGS AT 10:00 A.M. >>> STATE AND FEDERAL DATA SHOW WOMEN ARE AMONG THE FASTEST GROWING GROUP OF PEOPLE BEING INCARCERATED.

THEY ARE ALSO MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM ABUSE TRAUMA AND SUBSTANCE ADDICTION ONCE THEY ARE RELEASED.

THE NEW JERSEY REENTRY CORPORATION IS LAUNCHING A NEW PROGRAM THIS WEEK CALLED THE WOMEN'S PROJECT, CONNECTING FEMALE EX-PRISONERS WITH BETTER SERVICES AND EMPLOYMENT OPTIONS.

AS JOANNA GAGIS REPORTS, IT TAKES A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO REENTRY.

>>> I HAVE SUCH BAD PTSD , LIKE MY SON IS ONLY 9 MONTHS, WHEN HE DROPS HIS TOY TOO LOUD, I JUMP AND MY HEART RACES BECAUSE I AM CONSTANTLY THINKING THAT IT IS AN OFFICER COMING, OR, YOU KNOW, THE DOORS SLAMMING.

IT IS A DAY-TO-DAY BATTLE FOR ME.

I WILL FOREVER BE SCARRED BY THAT.

>> Reporter: TONY JOINED A GROUP OF FORMALLY INCARCERATED WOMEN HOSTED BY THAT NEW JERSEY REENTRY CORPORATION TO SHARE THE TRUTH ABOUT WHAT GOES ON BEHIND THE WALL, LIKE SEXUAL ASSAULT AND ABUSE AT AN OVERALL NEGLECT OF MEDICAL NEED.

>> I WATCHED A LOT OF WOMEN GET BEAT UP FOR NO REASON, AND THE OFFICER WOULD LAUGH ABOUT IT.

THEY LAUGH ABOUT IT LIKE IT IS OUR FAULT BECAUSE WE ARE AN INMATE, YOU KNOW.

WE ARE NOT HUMAN BEINGS TO THEM.

I HAVE WATCHED WOMEN DIE DOWN THERE FOR HEALTH REASONS THAT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED.

>> Reporter: DON BROOKS HAS AN AUTOIMMUNE DISEASE BUT NEVER RECEIVED MEDICATION DURING HER 14 MONTHS IN FEDERAL PRISON.

>> I NEVER SAW A RHEUMATOLOGIST THE ENTIRE TIME I WAS THERE.

I NEVER SAW A PULMONOLOGIST FOR MY ASTHMA.

I DID NOT HAVE MY WRIST SCREENING, AND ANNUAL, NEVER MIND THE FACT THAT I WAS SUPPOSED TO HAVE ON EVERY 6 MONTHS BASED ON NEED IN MY MEDICAL INFORMATION BECAUSE I HAD SOMETHING THEY WERE WATCHING.

>> Reporter: HOW DID YOU FEEL IS A PERSON, AS A HUMAN, AS A WOMAN?

>> YOU DON'T REALLY FEEL LIKE A PERSON.

ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE A PERSON.

YOU ARE A NUMBER.

YOU DON'T REALLY HAVE ANY RIGHTS.

IT'S PRETTY MUCH THAT YOU JUST TRY TO FIGURE OUT HOW TO SURVIVE.

>> I WAS AWAY FOR 3 YEARS THAT I SAW NOTHING BUT A REVOLVING DOOR IN PRISON.

GIRLS WERE LEAVING AND COMING BACK REALLY FAST, AND I JUST, I DON'T THINK ANYTHING IS SET UP FOR THEM PROPERLY AS FAR AS MEDICAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL.

IT IS A TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE, AND YOU NEED COUNSELING WHEN YOU COME OUT.

IF YOU DID NOT GO IN WITH SOMETHING, YOU WILL COME OUT WITH SOMETHING AS FAR AS TRAUMA GOES.

MAC THE NEW JERSEY REENTRY CORPORATION LAUNCHED AN INITIATIVE CALLED THE WOMEN'S PROJECT TO ADDRESS THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF THESE WOMEN AS THEY SERVE THEIR TIME, AND WHEN THEY REENTER SOCIETY.

>> MANY WOMEN ARE AFFECTED BY DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ABUSE , AND ADDICTION.

THE GOAL OF THE WOMEN'S PROJECT IS TO UNDERSTAND THAT PRISON, UNFORTUNATELY, HAS ONLY EXACERBATED THE TRAUMA THAT WOMEN HAVE SUFFERED.

>> THE NUMBER OF WOMEN WHO ARE INCARCERATED IN THIS COUNTRY HAS GROWN 8 TIMES BETWEEN 1980 AND TODAY.

60% OF THEM HAVE CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 18, WHICH MEANS THAT OUR FAILURE TO GIVE THEM THE HEALTHCARE THAT THEY NEED AND DESERVE NOT ONLY IMPACTS THEIR HEALTH, BUT THEIR CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND THEIR CHILDREN CHILDREN'S HEALTH.

>>> DR. GLORIA BACHMANN IS DEVELOPING A HEALTHCARE SCREENING THAT IS ONE PART OF WHAT IS BEING CALLED A TOOLBOX OF WELLNESS.

>> IT DOES NOT MEAN FOCUSING ONLY ON ONE ASPECT OF THEIR HEALTH.

SUCH AS PROVIDING THE MEDICATIONS THAT THEY MAY NEED, OR THE HEALTHCARE SERVICES, BUT ALSO THE PREVENTATIVE HEALTHCARE SERVICES.

>> Reporter: THAT INCLUDES VACCINATIONS.

THE INITIATIVE WILL ALSO ADDRESS CHALLENGES LIKE EMPLOYMENT AND HOUSING THAT CONTRIBUTE TO THE OVERALL WELLNESS OF THE WOMEN AND THEIR FAMILY.

FOR NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS, I AM JOANNA GAGIS.

>>> IF YOU MISSED ANY OF THE BIG STORIES THIS WEEK , AND THERE WERE QUITE A FEW, CATCH THE REPORTERS ROUNDTABLE WITH DAVID CRUZ LIVE TOMORROW MORNING AT 10:00 A.M. ON THE NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

ECONOMIST AND RUTGERS UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR ROGERS GOES IN DEPTH ON PRESIDENT BIDEN'S ECONOMIC GOALS, AND A VETERAN PANEL OF REPORTERS WEIGH IN ON THE BIDEN/HARRIS INAUGURATION AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR THE STATE.

THAT DOES IT FOR US TO NICE.

I AM BREANA VANNOZZI.

FOR THE ENTIRE NEWS TEAM, THANK YOU FOR BEING WITH US.

WE WILL SEE YOU TOMORROW.

>>> THE MEMBERS OF THE NEW JERSEY EDUCATION ASSOCIATION, ACHING PUBLIC SCHOOLS GRADE FOR EVERY CHILD.

RWJ BARNABAS HEALTH , LET'S BE HEALTHY TOGETHER.

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

>>> THE ORSTED VISION IS A WORLD THAT RUNS ENTIRELY ON GREEN ENERGY .

LOCATED OFF OF THE COAST OF ATLANTIC CITY, ORSTED'S OCEAN WIND PROJECT WILL PROVIDE RENEWABLE , OFFSHORE WIND ENERGY, JOBS, EDUCATIONAL, SUPPLY-CHAIN, AND ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GARDEN STATE.

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

♪