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FROM NJPBS, THIS IS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> GOOD EVENING, AND THANKS FOR JOINING US TONIGHT.

I'M BRIANA.

RESIDENTS FOR A PFIZER COVID-19 BOOSTER ARE ALREADY SIGNING UP AND RECEIVE RECEIVING THEIR SHOTS.

AFTER A DECISION LAST FRIDAY BY A DIRECTOR OF THE CDC TO RECOMMEND THE ADDITIONAL DOSE FOR PEOPLE AGE 65 AND OLDER, NURSING HOME RESIDENTS AND ADULTS WITH UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS.

PRESIDENT BIDEN TODAY ROLLED UP HIS SLEEVE FOR A BOOSTER WITH CAMERAS ROLLING.

THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH IS ONLY ADMINISTERING VACCINES FOR THOSE WHO HAVE THEIR SECOND DOSE OF PFIZER SHOT SIX MONTHS AGO.

MORE THAN 5.8 MILLION PEOPLE IN THE STATE ARE NOW FULLY VACCINATED.

PFIZER REMAINS THE MOST ADMINISTER'S SHOT.

NEARLY 63,000 BOOSTERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN GIVEN TO RESIDENTS.

PHARMACIES, VACCINE MEGASITES, AND SUPER MARKETS ARE ALL PREPARING TO MAKE THE SHOTS AVAILABLE, BUT JUST HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE LINING UP.

SENIOR CORRESPONDENT BRENDA FLANAGAN REPORTS.

>> I WAS FULLY VACCINATED BY THE SECOND WEEK OF JANUARY.

>> AND THAT IS MORE THAN SIX MONTHS AGO MAKING BRUCE BROWN ELIGIBLE FOR A COVID BOOSTER.

HE ALSO QUALIFIES AS A HEALTHCARE STAFFER WHOSE JOB PUTS HIM AT HIGHER RISK OF EXPOSURE TO THE VIRUS.

HE THINKS MANY OF HIS COLLEAGUES HERE AT THE MEDICAL CENTER WILL GET BOOSTERS, TOO, NOT THAT THERE WAS A LINE.

>> A LOT OF THEM ARE GOING TO TAKE THEIR TIME, BUT, YES, MOST OF THEM ARE GOING TO JUMP ON BECAUSE THEY KNOW IT IS THE RIGHT THING TO DO.

>> I DON'T KNOW THEY FEEL IT IS AS URGENT AS THEY DID INITIALLY.

NOW THEY FEEL LIKE THEY HAVE THE TWO SHOTS.

I WANT TO GET THE THIRD ONE, BUT I'LL DO IT ON MY SCHEDULE.

>> Reporter: OFFICIALS SAY IT IS A DIFFERENT LANDSCAPE WITH THAN THE FIRST ROLL-OUT WHEN PEOPLE DESPERATE FOR SHOTS LINED UP FOR HOURS.

VACCINE SCARCITY MADE APPOINTMENTS TOUGH TO GET.

NOW, IT IS EASY.

>> WE ARE READY, PREPARED.

WE WERE DOING 1300, 1500 A DAY AT THE HEIGHT OF THE VACCINES BACK IN THE WINTER.

SO WE'RE PRETTY CONFIDENT WE CAN MEET THE NEED.

>> Reporter: ACROSS NEW JERSEY, PEOPLE GOT MORE THAN 14,500 PFIZER BOOSTERS THIS WEEKEND, AND THE STATE WILL REOPEN ITS VACCINATION MEGASITE THIS WEEK.

APPOINTMENTS WILL BE ABLE TO BE SCHEDULED AT THE END OF THIS WEEK, AND WE ARE ALSO ENCOURAGING WALK-INS.

>> NOBODY ASKS PEOPLE TO PROVE THEY ARE ELIGIBLE UNDER C DC THAT RECOMMEND BOOSTERS FOR ADULTS AGE 56 AND OLDER AND RESIDENTS OF LONGTERM CARE FACILITIES.

18 TO 64-YEAR-OLDS WITH UNDERLYING MEDICAL CONDITIONS, AND WORKERS AT INCREASED RISK OF EXCOMPOSURE TO COVID INCLUDING HEALTHCARE WORKERS AND TEACHERS PLUS DAYCARE STAFF, GROCERY STORE, AND TRANSPORTATION EMPLOYEES.

PEOPLE IN GROUP SETTINGS INCLUDING PRISONS ALSO QUALIFY.

>> IF YOU MEET THE ELIGIBILITY, OWE GO EVER GO TO COVID-19 NJGOV/VACCINE TO FIND A PLACE NEAR YOU TO GET A PFIZER BOOSTER.

THIS INCLUDES THE MEGASITE THAT IS REOPENED TO THE EXPECTED DEMAND FOR BOOSTERS AND MORE SIGHTS ACROSS ALL COUNTIES ARE ALSO RAMPING UP CAPACITY.

>> Reporter: THE STATE REPORTS 96% OF COVID DEATHS OVER THE PAST NINE MONTHS WERE DOING UNVACCINATED.

STILL,CONFUSION LINGERS OVER A BOOSTER SHOT.

>> PEOPLE WHO GET THOSE FIRST TWO SHOTS ARE HESITANT.

DO I NEED THIS?

I AM GETTING A LOT OF QUESTIONS FROM PEOPLE WITH OLDER PARENTS AND ASKING ME WHETHER OR NOT I THINK THEIR PARENTS SHOULD GO GET THE VACCINE?

>> PROBABLY PEOPLE ARE JUST QUESTIONING WHETHER THEY REALLY NEED TO GET A BOOSTER OR NOT, I THINK.

>> WHAT CONVINCED YOU?

>> I AM GOING TO FLORIDA NEXT WEEK.

>> Reporter: MEANWHILE, HEALTH OFFICIALS ARE PARTNERING WITH PHARMACIES TO BRING BOOSTERS TO SENIOR APARTMENT COMPLEXES.

>> WE WANTED TO GO TO THE BUILDINGS THIS WEEK AND GET THAT STARTED.

ADD THE PFIZER VACCINE GET THEIR BOOSTER.

>> Reporter: IN NEW JERSEY, THERE HAVE BEEN BREAK-THROUGH INFECTIONS INCLUDING 3.7% OF PATIENTS HOSPITALIZED IN THE SECOND WEEK OF SEPTEMBER.

IT HAPPENED TO NEWBRIDGE CEO DEBORAH VISCONI WHO HAD BEEN FULLY VACCINATED SINCE EARLY JANUARY.

>> IT IS A TERRIFYING MOMENT IN TIME.

YOU DON'T WANT TO GET THIS INFECTION.

I STILL FELT SYMPTOMS.

I STILL FELT TIGHTNESS OF THE CHEST.

I STILL FELT EXHAUSTION.

>> Reporter: SHE RECOVERED WITH MONOCLONAL ANTIBODY TREATMENTS AND INTENDS TO GET A BOOSTER IN NOVEMBER.

UNLIKE EARLY ON IN THE PANDEMIC, THERE IS PLENTY OF VACCINE AVAILABLE.

HEALTH OFFICIALS HERE THINK MORE PEOPLE WILL LINE UP FOR BOOSTERS WHEN IT IS APPROVED FOR THE MODERNA AND J AND J VACCINES.

I'M BRENDA FLANAGAN, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> THIS WEEKEND, THE CEO OF PFIZER SAID THE COMPANY PLANS TO SUBMIT DATA WITHIN DAYS TO FEDERAL REGULATORS.

FOR EMERGENCY USE AUTHORIZATION OF THEIR COE SLID 19 VACCINE FOR KIDS AGE FIVE TO 11.

LAST WEEK, THE DRUGMANGER SHARED DATA REVEALING THE SHOT WAS BOTH SAFE AND EFFECTIVE IN THE AGE GROUP.

IN JERSEY, LESS THAN 60% OF ELIGIBLE KIDS -- THAT IS THOSE 12 TO 17 YEARS OLD, HAVE GOTTEN AT LEAST ONE DOSE.

MANY PUBLIC HEALTH EXPERTS BELIEVE VACCINATING CHILDREN IS STILL KEY TO TURNING THE TIDE ON THE PANDEMIC.

BUT IT IS A TOUGH SALE FOR SOME PARENTS.

THE STORY.

>> I FELT NERVOUS AND EXCITED AT THE SAME TIME.

>> Reporter: EIGHT-YEAR-OLD MILLIE AND HER BROTHER, SIX- YEAR-OLD COOPER AND ONE-YEAR- OLDED BY THE I DON'T KNOW, PARTICIPATED IN THE CLINICAL TRIAL STUDYING THE PFIZER VACCINE FOR KIDS.

THE DECISION WAS EASY.

>> I DID NOT FEEL ANY HESITATION WITH THEM BEING INVOLVED IN THE STUDY.

I HAVE KNOWN KIDS WHO HAVE MISC, AND I TRUTHFULLY FEEL MORE CONCERNED ABOUT THE LONGTERM IMPLICATIONS OF MY KIDS GETTING COVID AND WHAT THAT MEANS FOR THEM LATER ON.

>> Reporter: MISC IS MULTI- SYSTEM INFLAMMATORY SYSTEM IN CHILDREN THAT CAN BE DEADLY BUT ONLY 133 CASES DETECTED SO FAR HERE IN NEW JERSEY.

THE WAGMAN CHILDREN WON'T KNOW IF THEY RECEIVED THE SHOT OR A PLACEBO FOR SIX MONTHS OR UNTIL THE VACCINE IS APPROVED FOR KIDS FIVE TO 11 YEARS OLD.

THEY EXPECT MILLIE AND COOPER RECEIVED THE REAL VACCINE BECAUSE MILLIE HAD A SORE ARM AND COOPER HAD A SLIGHT FEVER AFTER THE SHOT.

AS FORKED BY THE I DON'T KNOW.

>> DID YOU HAVE ANY SIDE EFFECTS.

>> THAT ONE REMAINS UNCLEAR.

>> I FEEL PROUD OF HER FOR WANTING TO DO.

THIS.

>> Reporter: MISHA'S TEN-YEAR- OLD DAUGHTER ASKED TO PARTICIPATE SO SHE COULD JOIN THE REST OF HER VACCINATED FAMILY.

>> SHE WAS DISAPPOINTED SHE DIDN'T HAVE SYMPTOMS.

SHE WAS HOPING SHE WOULD FEEL SOMETHING SO THAT WAY SHE WOULD KNOW SHE GOT THE REAL VACCINE AND NOT JUST THE PLACEBO.

NOW, WE ARE LOOKING TO FIGURING OUT WHEN IT WILL BE APPROVED.

WHEN WE'LL FIND OUT WHETHER SHE ACTUALLY GOT THE VACCINE OR NOT.

>> Reporter: A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL HAD TO RELIEVE HER OWN FEARS BEFORE SIGNING ON.

>> I CALLED HER PEDIATRICIAN AND HER ALLERGIST TO MAKE SURE IT WAS OKAY.

IT WAS SOMETHING SAFE THEY FELT COMFORTABLE WITH PARTICIPATING IN.

AND WHEN THEY GAVE US THE GREEN LIGHT AND WE FELT THAT IT WAS SAFE WE PROCEEDED.

>> THERE IS NO AMOUNT OF CLINICAL TRIALS THAT WOULD CONVINCE STEPHANIE TO HAVE HER KIDS TAKE THE SHOT EVEN IF IT IS APPROVED FOR EMERGENCY USE.

>> THE SHORT AMOUNT OF TIME THIS TRIAL HAS HAPPENED FOR ME IS NOT ENOUGH TIME AT ALL TO BE COMFORTABLE THAT THIS IS SAFE FOR MY KIDS.

THIS HAS BEEN A FEW MONTHS THAT THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING.

SO WE HAVE NO LONGTERM MEANING, THREE OR FOUR OR FIVE YEARS SAFETY STUDIES AS TO WHAT COULD HAPPEN DOWN THE ROAD.

>> AWARE THAT COVID COULD HAVE LONGTERM EFFECTS ON KIDS, SHE IS FOCUSING ON A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE.

>> I AM TRYING NOT TO STRESS OUT.

I AM TRYING NOTH TO STRESS MY KIDS OUT.

I AM JUST TRYING TO DO THE BEST THAT I CAN TO KEEP THEM HEALTHY.

>> Reporter: AS FOR JOSH AND HIS 13 AND 18-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTERS, IT IS A NUMBERS GAME.

>> IF THINGS CHANGE, AND YOU KNOW, IT STARTS HITTING KIDS HARDER THAN IT IS HITTING THEM NOW, THEN WE WOULD DEFINITELY CONSIDER IT.

>> HE DOES PLAN TO TALK TO THE FAMILY PEDIATRICIAN AT THE NEXT APPOINTMENTS.

IF HE HEARS THE DOCTORS SAY SOMETHING LIKE -- I REALLY STRONGLY RECOMMEND YOU GET YOUR KIDS VACCINATED, I THINK THAT WOULD HAVE A DIFFERENT IMPACT ON US THAN IF THEY WERE JUST TO SAY YOU SHOULD GET THEM VACCINATED.

NO REASON NOT TO.

>> THE ADVICE FOR THIS PEDIATRICIAN.

>> THERE IS NOBODY THAT COULD TELL US LONGTERM ANYTHING.

HOWEVER, WE KNOW THAT COVID BY ITSELF COULD BE A PROBLEM LONGTERM.

WE KNOW ABOUT LONG HALLERS.

WE KNOW ABOUT PEOPLE HAVING RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS, AND WE ARE STARTING TO SEEN AFFECT OF CHILDREN THAT ARE BEING HOSPITALIZED AGAIN.

>> HE SAYS ANYONE WE CAN DO TO SUPPORT LITTLE ONES STILL DEVELOPING IMMUNE SYSTEMS IS A GOOD THING.

IFER NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>>> MEANWHILE, VACCINE HANDDATES HAVE FOUND THEIR WAY TO THE STATE HOUSE.

IN A MEMO SENT MID MONTH, ALL 25 OF NEW JERSEY'S DEMOCRATIC SENATORS ARE BEING REQUIRED TO GET VACCINATED BY OCTOBER 18th WITH NO TESTING OPTION.

THE POLICY ALSO APPLIES TO STAFFERS AND DISTRICT OFFICE WORKERS.

THE DEADLINE MIRRORS WHAT GOVERNOR MURPHY PUT IN PLACE FOR STATE AND SCHOOL EMPLOYEES, BUT THERE IS NO REQUIREMENT AS OF NOW FOR DEMOCRATS IN THE ASSEMBLY OR REPUBLICANS IN EITHER CHAMBER.

THOSE STAFFERS IN ALL THREE OFFICES ARE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE PROOF OF VACCINE OR SUBMIT A NEGATIVE PCR TEST EVERY WEEK.

IN BURLINGTON COUNTY, JOINT- BASED MCGUIRE IS NOW A TEMPORARY HOME FOR THOUSANDS OF AFGHAN EVACUEES, ONE OF JUST EIGHT MILITARY INSTALLATIONS IN THE U.S. WHERE DISPLACED AFGHANS WILL GET SECURITY SCREENINGS AND HEALTH CHECK CHECKS BEFORE RESETTLING EITHER IN NEW JERSEY OR ELSEWHERE.

WHILE SECRETARY OF DEFENSE LLOYD AUSTIN TODAY VISITED THE BASE TO TOUR WHAT HAS BEEN NAMED LIBERTY VILLAGE.

ACCORDING TO A PENTAGON SPOKESPERSON, THE SECRETARY MET WITH TROOPS AND OTHER DEPARTMENTAMENTAL PERSONNEL WHO WERE SUPPORTING THE MISSION.

IT IS ONE THAT COULD TAKE MONTHS.

CONGRESSMAN ANDY KIM WHO REPRESENTS THE DISTRICT WAS INVOLVED IN THE EARLY STAGES OF EVACUATING AFGHANI ALLIES.

WE ASKED HIM ABOUT WHAT IS NEXT IN THIS PHASE OF THEIR JOURNEY.

>>> CONGRESSMAN, TALK TO ME ABOUT WHAT LIFE LOOKS LIKE ON THE GROUND AT THIS LIBERTY VILLAGE AND HOW MANY EVACUEES ARE CURRENTLY HOUSED THERE.

>> WE HAVE ABOUT A LITTLE OVER 9,000 EVACUEES FROM AFGHANISTAN AT OUR JOINT BASE IN OUR DISTRICT.

I HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GO OUT THERE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO AS IT WAS GETTING STARTED UP AND KEEPING TABS.

I HAD A TOWN HALL WITH MY DISTRICT JUST LAST WEEK.

WE HAVE A LITTLE OVER 9,000 EVACUEES.

MORE WILL BE LIKELY COMING IN THE COMING WEEKS.

RIGHT NOW, THEY ARE TAKING A PAUSE AND MAKE SURE THAT THOSE THERE ARE GETTING SETTLED.

IT WILL BE MORE OF A FLUID SITUATION AS SOME OF THESE EVACUEES WILL START THE RESETTLEMENT PROCESS AND SOME HAVE ALREADY IDENTIFIED WANTING TO LIVE AND MOVE TO OTHER STATES.

WE ARE GOING TO SEE THAT NUMBER FLUCTUATING IN THAT KIND OF WAY RIGHT NOW.

IT WAS REALLY POWERFUL TO SEE THESE BEAUTIFUL BABIES AND KIDS THAT WERE THERE THAT WERE HAVING A CHANCE TO BE ABLE TO FEEL SAFE FOR THE FIRST TIME.

>>> WE NO LONGER HAVE U.S.

PRESENCE ON THE GROUND IN AFGHANISTAN.

YOU WERE INVOLVED VERY EARLY ON IN HELPING FOLKS GET OUT.

WHAT DOES THAT LOOK LIKE RIGHT NOW?

>> THIS IS SOMETHING THAT IS ONGOING.

I AM STILL TRACKING AND TRYING TO SUPPORT A FEW AMERICAN CITIZENS THAT ARE TRYING TO GET OUT.

THAT HAS BEEN A CHALLENGING DIFFICULT PROCESS, I'LL BE HONEST WITH YOU.

ON TOP OF THAT, THERE ARE LEGAL PERMANENT RESIDENTS BEING CARD HOLDERS AS WELL AS AFGHAN ALLIES THAT WORK ALONGSIDE US.

THEY STILL DON'T KNOW IF THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE A SHOT TO BE ABLE TO GET TO SAFETY.

IT IS REALLY CHALLENGING, AND SOME OF THESE STORIES I AM CONTINUING TO HEAR, ESPECIALLY FROM SOME OF THESE AFGHANS THAT ARE TELLING ME THAT THAL BAN IS THREATENING THEM.

THAT IS VERY ALARMING AND SOMETHING THAT IS HEART- BREAKING AND I REALLY HOPE THAT WE CAN CONTINUE TO KEEP THAT PROMISE.

>> WELL, WHAT IS YOUR LEVEL OF CONFIDENCE THAT THOSE WHO WANT TO GET OUT WILL BE ABLE TO AS HAS BEEN PROMISED BY THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT?

>> AGAIN, I'LL BE HONEST WITH YOU, I DON'T FEEL LIKE I CAN LOOK AT SOME OF THESE AFGHAN ALLIES IN THE EYE AND GUARANTEE THEM THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO COME TO THE UNITED STATES.

IT IS VERY CHALLENGING, AND THERE IS A LOT THAT THEY ARE CONTINUING TO STRUGGLE WITH IN TERMS OF JUST THE LOGISTICS OF THAT.

THE TERMS OF NOT HAVING AN EMBASSY ON THE GROUND AND NOT BEING ABLE TO PROCESS A LOT OF THIS.

I FEEL LIKE IT IS JUST A BUREAUCRATIC HURDLE THAT MAKES IT SO CHALLENGING FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE JUST DESPERATE TO GET TO SAFETY.

TO FIND SOME TYPE OF SHELTER.

AND THESE ARE SOME THINGS THAT I AM TRYING TO FIND WAYS.

THERE ARE LEGISLATIVE EFFORTS THAT WE CAN FIX.

WE ARE LOOKING INTO THAT.

WE CAN TRY TO FIND ALL THEIR METHODS TO BE ABLE TO EASE THIS PROCESS.

IT IS CERTAINLY NOT -- IT IS CERTAINLY NOT GOING THE WAY THAT I WOULD WANT IT TO GO IN FULL.

I AM GLAD THAT WE WERE ABLE TO GET THOUSANDS OF AFGHANS OUT AND WE ARE HAPPY AND PROUD TO HOST THEM IN OUR COMMUNITY, BUT MANY MORE ARE STILL IN DANGER.

>>> CONGRESSMAN KIM, THANKS FOR CHECKING IN WITH US.

WE REALLY APPRECIATE YOUR TIME TODAY.

>> THANK YOU SO MUCH.

>>> WE'RE JUST OVER A MONTH AWAY FROM ELECTIONS IN NEW JERSEY, AND VOTING WILL LOOK A LITTLE DIFFERENT THIS YEAR.

COUNTY CLERKS AND ELECTION WORKERS HAVE HAD THE LAST 18 MONTHS TO ADAPT TO A SLEW OF CHANGES SINCE THE ONSET OF THE PANDEMIC INCLUDING NEW VOTING MACHINES AND THE FIRST TRUE STATE-WIDE EARLY VOTING PERIOD ENABLING RESIDENTS TO CAST A BALLOT IN PERSON USING THE NEW EQUIPMENT.

OUR SENIOR WRITER COLLEEN GETS US UP TO SPEED ON THE UPDATES.

>>> COLLEEN, A LOT TO KNOW RIGHT NOW.

LET'S JUST START WITH EARLY VOTING.

ARE THESE COUNTY OFFICIALS READY?

>> WELL, THEY ARE CERTAINLY GETTING READY.

THEY ARE CLOSE TO BEING REDTY.

LET'S SAY THAT.

YOU KNOW, THEY DIDN'T HAVE A LOT OF TIME.

THIS LAW WAS JUST SIGNED ABOUT SIX MONTHS AGO AND SO THEY HAVE HAD TO BUY LOTS OF NEW EQUIPMENT, GET IT IN HAND, AND NOW THEY ARE TRAINING PEOPLE ON HOW TO USE THAT EQUIPMENT.

SO THEY FEEL CONFIDENT THEY WILL BE READY IN TIME FOR THE ELECTION.

LET'S PUT IT THAT WAY.

>> AND THIS EARLY VOTING IS DIFFERENT THAN JUST THE MAIL-IN EARLY VOTING; YES?

>> SO UP UNTIL THIS YEAR, WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN ABLE TO DO IS GO TO YOUR COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE, YOU KNOW, LET'S SAY THIS SATURDAY BEFORE THE ELECTION AND FILL OUT ESSENTIALLY A MAIL- IN BALLOT, A PAPER BALLOT, AND YOU COULD EARLY VOTE THAT WAY.

THIS IS TRUE EARLY VOTING.

THEY'LL BE BETWEEN 3:00 AND 10:00.

LOCATIONS OPEN IN EACH COUNTY AND YOU'LL BE ABLE TO GO TO ANYONE WITHIN YOUR COUNTY.

AND THEN VOTE ON A MACHINE.

YOU KNOW, IT IS GOING TO BE A DIFFERENT MACHINE MOST LIKELY FROM THE ONE YOU USE NOW BECAUSE THESE MACHINES WILL HAVE A PAPER TRAIL SO THAT WE'LL BE ABLE TO AUDIT THE RESULTS.

>> SO WHAT SHOULD VOTERS KNOW?

I AM ASSUMING PEOPLE MAY HEAR THIS AND SAY I AM SO USED TO MY ROUTINE AND HOW I VOTE EVERY YEAR.

THIS IS SUPPOSED TO BE A CONVENIENCE.

IT IS A GOOD THING.

IF YOU MIGHT NOT BE ABLE TO GET OUT BETWEEN 6:00 AND AL ON THIS TUESDAY.

YOU'LL BE ABLE TO GO ON A SATURDAY OR SUNDAY DURING THE WEEK.

WHAT IS GOING TO HAPPEN IS THERE IS GOING TO BE PROBABLY AGAIN A DIFFERENT MACHINE THAT IS GOING TO SCAN ESSENTIALLY YOUR BALLOT THAT YOU ARE GOING TO MARK OFF.

THAT IS BECAUSE THAT COUNTY VOTING LOCATION NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO HAVE THE BALLOT FOR EVERY SINGLE TOWN AND EVERY SINGLE VOTING DISTRICT WITHIN A TOWN, AND THEN THAT IS GOING TO GO THROUGH A MACHINE.

THE STAFF OF THE POLLING LOCATION SHOULD BE WELL TRAINED BY THAT POINT AND CAN HELP YOU THROUGH IT.

>> COUNTY CLERKS, WHAT ARE YOU HEARING FROM THEM?

THIS TOOK A LOT OF MONEY, TIME, AND TRAINING.

>> THEY ARE VERY HAPPY THEY ARE GETTING REIMBURSEMENT AAT THIS POINT.

MANY ARE HOOKING FOR POLL WORK WORKERS.

IF YOU HAVE SOME TIME, IT IS GOING TO BE $200 FOR THE DAY.

CHECK OUT YOUR COUNTY POLLING WEBSITE, AND THEY'LL BE DETAILS ABOUT IT.

>> THANKS SO MUCH.

>> FOR MORE OF COLLEEN'S REPORTING AND OUR NJ DECIDES 2021 COVERAGE, HEAD TO NJSPOTLIGHT NEWS.

ORG.

>>> JOIN US IN OUR SERIES FOR ELECTION CONVERSATIONS.

BUSINESS CORRESPONDENT AND BUDGET AND FINANCE WRITER JOHN WRIGHTMIRE LEAD A VIRTUAL PANEL FOR A DEEPER LOOK AT THE STATE BUDGET AND TANGS.

THAT IS TOMORROW AT NOON.

TO REGISTER FOR THE ONLINE EVENT, HEAD TO OUR WEBSITE AND SELECT THE NJDECIDES 2021 TAB.

>>> A NEW ROUND OF INCENTIVES TO BRING WORKERS BACK ON THE JOB AS BUSINESS OWNERS STAIR DOWN A CONTINUING LABOR SHORTAGE.

MORE ON THE MURPHY ADMINISTRATION'S PLAN AND TODAY'S HEADLINES.

RHONDA?

>>> GOVERNOR MURPHY TODAY PROVIDED DETAILS ON A NEW PROGRAM DESIGNED TO HELP UNEMPLOYED RESIDENTS LOOKING FOR WORK AND SMALL COMPANIES LOOKING TO HIRE.

THE PROGRAM THE CALLED RETURN AND EARN.

EMPLOYERS WOULD RECEIVE UP TO $10,000 IN SUB CITIES TO HIRE WORKERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH ON-THE-JOB TRAINING.

IF A RESIDENT GETS A JOB THROUGH THE RETURN IN A PROGRAM, THEY WOULD RECEIVE A $500 BONUS IN THEIR FIRST PAYCHECK TO HELP COVER ADDITIONAL COSTS LIKE TRANSPORTATION OR CHILDCARE.

>> RETURN AND EARN IS A WIN/WIN SOLUTION.

IT WILL ASSIST UNEMPLOYED WORKERS IN THEIR RETURN TO WORK AND IT WILL HELP SMALL BUSINESSES FILL THE POSITIONS THEY NEED TO FILL TO GROW, THRIVE, AND LEAD OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY.

>> Reporter: THE GOVERNOR SAYS THE STATE NEEDS TO DO MORE TO HELP THE MOST VULNERABLE JOB SEEKERS SUCH AS THE LONGTERM UNEMPLOYED AND THOSE SWITCHING TO NEW INDUSTRIES.

>>> NEW JERSEY SCHOOL DISTRICTS LIKE NEWARK FACE TEACHER SHORTAGES HEADING INTO THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR AND THE STATE IS TRYING TO COME UP WITH NEW WAYS.

GOVERNOR MURPHY HAS SIGNED A BILL THAT WOULD CREATE ANOTHER AVENUE FOR WORKERS INTERESTED IN TEACHING BUT DO NOT HAVE THE PROPER CREDENTIALS.

THE LAW ASKS THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION TO PROVIDE A PILOT PROGRAM THAT WOULD ISSUE LIMITED CERTIFICATES OF ELIGIBILITY FOR CERTAIN TEACHER CANDIDATES IN ORDER TO FILL VACANCIES IN THOSE DISTRICTS WITH A CRITICAL NEED.

THE CANDIDATES WOULD THEN BE ELIGIBLE FOR A STANDARD TEACHING CERTIFICATE AFTER TWO EVALUATIONS.

THIS PILOT PROGRAM WOULD RUN FOR FIVE YEARS.

>>> WORK IS GETTING UNDERWAY THIS WEEK ON A NEW TERMINAL AT NEWARK LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.

A PORTION OF TERMINAL A WILL BE TORN DOWN STARTING ON THURSDAY.

IT IS PART OF A $2.7 BILLION MODERNIZATION PROGRAM.

THE WORK ON THE TERMINAL WILL TAKE SEVERAL MONTHS AND IS NOT EXPECTED TO BE FULLY COMPLETED UNTIL LATE NEXT YEAR.

>>> NOW, HERE IS A LOOK AT THE START OF A NEW TRADING WEEK ON WALL STREET.

THOSE ARE YOUR TOP BUSINESS STORIES.

>>> IT'S OFFICIAL.

THE PIPELINE PROJECT IS DEAD.

A SPOKESPERSON FOR THE COMPANY TELLS NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS PENNIES WASN'T ABLE TO RESTORE CRITICAL PERMITS NEEDED TO BUILD NEW JERSEY'S SEGMENT OF THE PROPOSED $1 BILLION NATURAL GAS PIPELINE.

THE STATE OF CONTROVERSIAL PROJECT APPEARED ALL BUT CERTAIN LAST WEEK AFTER THE DEVELOPER DROPPED PLANS TO USE IMMINENT DOMAIN TO DISEASE STATE LAND DEVIN SPITE WINNING A COE CASE IN THE U.S. SUPREME COURT.

SAYING IN A STATEMENT THE PARTNERS RECENTLY DETERMINED FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROJECT IS NO LONGER SUPPORTED CEASING ALL FURTHER WORK.

OPPONENTS SPENT SEVEN YEARS FIGHTING THE PROPOSED PIPELINE THAT WOULD HAVE CARRIED NATURAL GAS ALONG A 116-MILE ROUTE FROM PENNSYLVANIA TO NEW JERSEY.

GOVERNOR MURPHY TODAY SAID THE PROJECT WOULD HAVE, QUOTE, WRECKED THE STATE AND HE IS VERY GRATIFIED BY THE DECISION TO PULL THE PROJECT.

>>> JERSEY DRIVERS GOT THEIR FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO SOUND OFF ON THE PROPOSED CONGESTION PRICING PLAN IN NEW YORK CITY.

IF APROVED, MOTORISTS WILL HAVE TO PAY AN EXTRA FEE ANY TIME THEY HEAD OUGHT OF SIXTH STREET IN MANHATTAN'S CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT COSTING COMMUTERS MAINLY IN JERSEY THOUSANDS OF BUCKS A YEAR.

THE PLAN WAS OUT THED AS A WAY TO CUT DOWN ON EMISSIONS BUT WILL IT?

SIGN YOUR POLITICAL CORRESPONDENT DAVID CRUZ REPORTS.

>>> PAINTING HIS NIGHTMARE SCENARIO.

>> I USED TO BE ABLE TO TAKE THE TURNPIKE AND GET OFF AND TAKE THE TUNNEL.

NOW THE TUNNEL IS UNBELIEVABLY CROWDED BECAUSE EVERYBODY WHO HAD A CHOICE TO TAKE THE LINCOLN TUNNEL SAYS THE LINCOLN TUNNEL IS FULL OF PEOPLE WHO USED TO TAKE THE BRIDGE.

NOW, I AM GOING TO THE HOLLAND TUNNEL.

WHAT DOES THAT DO TO THE GUY IN EDISON.

>>> AND ONE OF THE UNPLEASANT CONSEQUENCES THAT OPPONENTS OF CONGESTION PRICING ARE PUTTING OUT THERE AS THE PUBLIC COMMENT PORTION OVER THE PROPOSED POLICY BEGINS.

BY 2023 SUPPOSEDLY IF YOU WANT TO DRIVE INTO NEW YORK CITY'S CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ANYWHERE FROM 60th STREET DOWN TO THE BATTERY, IT IS GOING TO COST YOU.

FRIDAY'S VIRTUAL SESSION BROUGHT OUT THE MANY SIDES OF THIS ALREADY CONTENTIOUS AND SOON-TO-BE EVEN NOISIER DEBATE.

LIKE ZOEY BALDWIN, NEW JERSEY DIRECTOR OF THE REGIONAL PLAN ASSOCIATION.

HE SAYS JERSEY FOLKS SHOULDN'T JUST BE LOOKING AT THIS FROM A WEST BANK OF THE HUDSON PERSPECTIVE.

IMPROVEMENTS TO THE NEW YORK CITY SUBWAY WHICH CONGESTION PRICING IS SUPPOSED TO HELP FUND ARE GOOD FOR JERSEY COMMUTERS, TOO.

>> 70% OF NEW JERSEY IS USING NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT WHEN THEY GET TO THE OTHER SIDE.

AND SO THEY ACTUALLY WILL BE DIRECTLY REAPING THE BENEFITS OF THE BETTER TRANSIT SYSTEM.

THERE ARE PEOPLE THAT ARE GOING TO HAVE TO DRIVER.

THAT IS JUST THE FACT OF THE MATTER.

BUT THEY ARE GOING TO HAVE LESS TRAFFIC WHEN THEY GET THERE.

>> IT IS NOT THE TRAFFIC.

IT IS THE SLOW-MOVING AND STALLED TRAFFIC THAT IS THE PROBLEM.

SO IF WE HAVE VEHICLES THAT WERE NOT IDOLLING WHICH IS AN INEFFICIENT USE OF THAT INTERNAL COMBUSTION OR DIESEL ENGINE, THEN WE WOULD BE SEEING BETTER IMPROVEMENT IN AIR QUALITY.

>> AS IF WE DIDN'T HAVE ENOUGH TO WORRY ABOUT WITH ALL THOSE VIRUSES COMPETING FOR AIR SPACE.

JERSEY ADD HAVETH THATS ARE DOGGED.

>> GET CONGESTION TAX WHEN NEW JERSEY COMMUTERS DRIVE ACROSS THE BRIDGE AND INTO MIDTOWN.

THEY'LL GET WACKED.

>> THERE IS A START OF A YEAR PLUS OF PUBLIC DISCOURSE.

A FORMAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IS NOW UNDERWAY.

OTHER ISSUES REMAIN LIKE WHY ARE NEW JERSEY TRANSIT OR THE PORT AUTHORITY WHICH ARE LIKELY TO SEE INCREASED RIDERSHIP GETTING ANY OF THE PROCEEDS?

AND WHY AREN'T THEY REPRESENTED ON THE SO-CALLED TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT BOARD WHICH WILL SET THE ULTIMATE GUIDELINES, AND WILL THEY DECIDE THAT LIKE THE HOLLAND TUNNEL AND THE LINCOLN TUNNEL.

COMMUTERS ON THE INBOUND GWB WILL GET THE SAME KIND OF CREDIT FOR THE $16 TOLL.

NG ADVANCED MEDIA REPORTER LARRY HIGGS SAYS A LOT OF THESE ISSUES MIGHT HAVE TO BE RESOLVED BY THE FEDS.

>> IF THEY ARE GOING TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, AND PART OF THOSE RECOMMENDATIONS COULD INCLUDE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THIS BOARD.

IT SHOULD BE COMPOSED OF X NUMBER OF NTO REPRESENTATIVES, CITY REPRESENTATIVES, STATE REPRESENTATIVES, AND SOME KIND OF REPRESENTATION FOR NEW JERSEY.

>> BUT LIKE MOST THINGS IN OUR REGION, IT IS POLITICS THAT CAN AFFECT DECISIONS MORE THAN REASON.

AND WHILE THIS PUBLIC PROCESS CONTINUES NEXT WEEK WITH ANOTHER VIRTUAL HEARING, THERE IS A FEAR THAT BY THE TIME 2023 LOCALS AROUND, THERE COULD BE A WHOLE NEW SET OF PLAYERS TO EITHER GET THIS THING INTO THE FAST LANE OR MAKE A TURN INTO MORE TRAFFIC.

I'M DAVID CRUZ, NJ SPOTLIGHT NEWS.

>> THAT DOES IT FOR US TONIGHT.

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