Bobby Brier

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@gardenstateequality.org

NJ nonprofits try to fill LGBTQ+ gap in 988 emergency service | NJ Spotlight News The Trump administration ended services for LGBTQ+ youth who call the national 988 suicide prevention hotline.

NJ nonprofits step in after 988 LGBTQ+ option is canceled

“We all do better when we can engage with people who share our lived experience. That has always been the case with the LGBTQ+ community especially.” — Beatrice Simpkins

@njspotlightnews.org

www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/08/nj-n...

NJ’s homeless numbers show big increase | NJ Spotlight News The homeless population in NJ is the largest in more than a decade, according to the latest annual point-in-time count.

The number of people who are homeless in NJ is the highest in over a decade, according to the state’s latest annual point-in-time count.
This sharp rise comes just as state and federal aid and support programs are being slashed.
Important reporting by @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org

Calif., Ore., Wash., Nev., Colo., Minn., Vt., Del., Md., Va., Ill. and N.M. have already passed legislation that requires fees on phone lines — and, in some states, voice-over-internet lines, too — to fund the 988 hotline within each state, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

NJ Supreme Court upholds state takeover of Paterson PD | Video | NJ Spotlight News The ruling leaves authority for similar actions in question

The New Jersey attorney general’s office will continue to run the Paterson Police Department after the state Supreme Court unanimously rejected arguments from city leaders that the state takeover was illegal.

Camden Coalition loses all state funding for housing-first program | NJ Spotlight News Funding for well-established housing program cut completely in the state budget enacted by Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Phil Murphy.

No room in #NJ's $58 billion+ budget for this proven program that saves lives and improves communities. But @camdencoalition.bsky.social is now looking for other funds to sustain #housingfirst.
Via @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/07/zero...

Camden Coalition loses all state funding for housing-first program | NJ Spotlight News Funding for well-established housing program cut completely in the state budget enacted by Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Phil Murphy.

Housing program for homeless people loses all state funding

The Camden Coalition’s housing-first service gets zero in state budget

@njspotlightnews.org

With reporting from @lilohstainton.bsky.social

www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/07/zero...

No charges for police officer who killed Fort Lee woman | NJ Spotlight News Shooting added pressure to change how police respond to mental health emergencies

No charges for police officer who killed Fort Lee woman

“We need tangible changes, measured in lives preserved, not lives mourned.” — Dr. Jason Williams, Montclair State University

@njspotlightnews.org

www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/07/no-c...

Budget diversion of opioid settlement funds outrages advocates | NJ Spotlight News Protesters stage ‘die-in’ over $45M appropriation for four hospitals

Budget diversion of opioid settlement funds outrages advocates

Protesters stage ‘die-in’ over $45M appropriation for four hospitals

@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/07/budg...

“Rest assured, if they do not, my office will be carefully scrutinizing these hospital systems to make sure every single dollar is spent within the terms of the settlements we fought for years to obtain.” — Attorney General Platkin said

“I urge the Legislature and Governor Murphy to reject this proposal and direct these funds to go to their intended purpose: to help the people of New Jersey who are struggling with addiction.” — Attorney General Matthew Platkin said in a statement earlier today @newjerseyoag.bsky.social

Harm reduction advocates protested at the Senate voting session moments ago over a proposal in the upcoming state budget that would divert $45 million in opioid settlement funds to 4 hospitals without identifying what these funds would be used for. @njspotlightnews.org

The "last week in June" portion of NJ's budget process is playing out as we speak and, boy, has it ruffled some feathers...

... so why not talk about it on "Hey, NJ?" @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social joins the pod this week to talk all about the circus leading up to July 1. LMK if you have questions!

Violence intervention programs reel from Trump funding cuts | NJ Spotlight News Some violence intervention programs, including in NJ, have had layoffs or ended services after grant funding was abruptly canceled.

Trump funding cuts deplete violence intervention programs

Community-based violence intervention programs are a key component in reducing and preventing gun violence across the state, advocates, academics and state officials say.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/06/trum...

LGBTQ+ youth 988 suicide prevention help ordered to end | NJ Spotlight News Trump administration orders 988 national suicide prevention hotline to stop specialized support to young LGBTQ+ callers beginning next month.

Trump admin cuts 988 suicide prevention support for LGBTQ+ youth

Crisis hotline ordered to stop specialized support to callers starting next month @njspotlightnews.org

“This decision is both cruel & calculated." — Dr. Perry Halkitis @rutgerssph.bsky.social
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/06/trum...

Toms River church loses zoning bid for homeless shelter | NJ Spotlight News Homeless advocates and residents had clashed over the proposal. Now the church’s attorney says he will recommend filing a lawsuit.

Lawsuit possible after Toms River rejects church plan for homeless shelter

“We’re not surprised that the vote went this way, but we are very disappointed nonetheless." — The Rev. Lisa Hoffman, Christ Episcopal Church

@njspotlightnews.org

www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/06/toms...

More suicide intervention for young in NJ? | NJ Spotlight News Trained 988 operators in NJ could soon be allowed to place follow-up calls to youth with suicidal ideation without permission from the child’s parent.

More 988 intervention for young people with suicidal thoughts?

Trained hotline operators in NJ could soon be allowed to make follow-up calls without parents’ permission

@njspotlightnews.org

www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/06/nj-m...

Teachers union spent $40M+ in leader’s futile run for governor | NJ Spotlight News Sean Spiller, president of NJEA, finished second-last in the Democratic primary to become governor after breaking campaign spending records.

Despite spending more than $40 million in teachers’ dues, the NJEA president landed a fifth-place finish in the race to become the Democratic nominee for governor. Supporters said record-high spending was worth it since Spiller’s campaign elevated issues important to teachers @njspotlightnews.org

NJ primary 2025: A preview of Election Day | NJ Spotlight News The open governor’s seat in New Jersey drew large fields of candidates from both Democrats and Republicans.

NJ, it's election day! Polls open til 8. Get yr VBM postmarked today or put in drop box by 8 & be counted. 481K voted early! Unaffiliated, you CAN vote - choose a party that best reflects yr views. Switch back post-election. It's EZ.
@njspotlightnews.org
www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/06/nj-p...

For decades NJ rep backed AIDS funding Trump wants cut | NJ Spotlight News Rep. Chris Smith says he’s working to protect longstanding program

NEWS: Facing huge funding cuts, a vital program for HIV/AIDS relief is in serious jeopardy.

One New Jersey congressman is trying to protect it.

But he's also been an obstacle to the program in recent years.

www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/06/for-...
@njspotlightnews.org

NJ primary 2025: Candidates for governor on gun rights, abortion | NJ Spotlight News While some voters want answers on affordability and other issues, these remain key to some.

NJ: If affordability, housing and democracy haven't convinced you to vote, how about abortion and gun control, which we have heard comparatively little about this year. Here's where all the candidates stand on the issues from @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/06/nj-p...

Fee hike on NJ’s ‘mansion tax’ is meeting resistance | NJ Spotlight News Gov. Phil Murphy wants to double the state fee to 2% on homes and buildings with sales prices topping $1 million.

In NJ, state govt spends more than it takes in via taxes, and Gov. Murphy is proposing $1B in tax hikes to narrow the gap.
One of his increases would hike fees levied on pricey real estate sales. But industry experts say price inflation means many middle-class buyers now pay this "mansion tax."

Church targeted for seizure is part of homeless shelter debate | NJ Spotlight News Christ Episcopal Church's fight to keep its property is focal point of intense debate in Toms River over land use, public safety and homeless services.

Church at center of homeless shelter debate targeted for seizure

Timing of Toms River Township’s pending eminent domain ordinance cannot be ignored, homeless advocates say

@njspotlightnews.org

www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/06/nj-t...

NJ candidates for governor differ widely on housing | NJ Spotlight News Housing is a key issue for NJ gubernatorial primary voters and the 11 major-party candidates have notable differences on how to deal with it.

Can't say enough good things about how my @njspotlightnews.org colleague @colleenodea.bsky.social is covering NJ's 2025 gubernatorial primary.
In short, she's ignoring the horse race, and instead focusing on the issues people care the most about, like this story on housing affordability . . .

Key NJ budget issues still to be resolved | NJ Spotlight News Gov. Phil Murphy and lawmakers have just over a month to agree on everything from how much should be spent to potential tax increases.

Hike taxes by $1B? Increase spending on direct property-tax relief for senior homeowners? Send more money to NJ Transit?
Gov. Murphy and lawmakers still have to come to an agreement on these and several other key issues before they can schedule a signing ceremony for the FY2026 spending bill.

More access to social workers coming in NJ | NJ Spotlight News Access to more mental health professionals coming in New Jersey, after the state signs onto multistate Social Work Licensure Compact.

Access to social workers will expand in NJ, but not just yet

State joins interstate compact that allows social workers licensed in one participating state to practice in another

@njspotlightnews.org

www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/05/more...

Republicans close in on bill containing massive federal cuts | NJ Spotlight News Republicans are on the verge of passing a major piece of legislation that could have lasting impacts on U.S. society.

NEW: A ginormous bill in Congress could soon become law.

It includes:

--Cuts to food aid
--Removal of millions from Medicaid, ACA
--Temporary tax breaks for people
--End of free tax tool
--Billions for the U.S. military

www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/05/repu...
@njspotlightnews.org

BREAKING: union sources report NJTransit and striking engineers union have reached a deal, in the third day of a strike by locomotive engineers. @govmurphy.bsky.social and agency CEO Kris Kolluri have announced a news conference at 7:45. @njspotlightnews.org will carry the livestream live

Deal ends three-day NJ Transit rail strike, source says | NJ Spotlight News Months of negotiations ended a rail strike between union engineers and NJ Transit Sunday, a walk out that hobbled the state's largest public transit

Gov. Murphy and NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri said they were making an announcement at 7:45 p.m. Sunday.