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Bobby Brier

@bobby-brier.bsky.social
203 followers 246 following 92 posts

Former mental health reporter @njspotlightnews.org Alum @reportforamerica.bsky.social

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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 20/05/2026
Great to see Sydney joining NJ Urban News and @reportforamerica.bsky.social She will be a great addition to the team! www.linkedin.com/posts/sydney...
linkedin.com
#rfaday | Sydney Salomon
Excited to announce that I’ve joined Report for America as a corps member and will be serving as the Community Impact Reporter at New Jersey Urban News. I’ll be covering housing, health equity, educa...
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
As Gov. Mikie Sherrill prepares to introduce her first spending plan next week, the Legislature has yet to pass a bill that would add a 40-cent fee to each New Jersey telephone bill to fund the state’s 988 Suicide & Crisis hotline. @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/03/as-s...
njspotlightnews.org
As suicides rise, NJ lacks permanent funding for 988 crisis hotline | NJ Spotlight News
Trump cut funding for young LGBTQ+ callers, and the state lacks revenue to provide some longer-term services for users of all ages
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John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
The legislation moving this year's gubernatorial budget message to March 10 has now been approved by both full houses of the NJ Legislature. @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Sherrill to get extra time to deliver first budget | NJ Spotlight News
First-year governors have customarily been granted an extension under a decades-long bipartisan tradition
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 10/02/2026
“My life has been profoundly impacted by the opioid crisis,” said Rocky Schwartz of Hunterdon County. “I can’t even count how many funerals I have attended.” @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/rest...
njspotlightnews.org
Restore addiction funding, NJ lawmakers urged | NJ Spotlight News
Lawmakers diverted $45 million from lawsuit settlement fund to hospitals
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 09/02/2026
The Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee hearing here in Trenton is set to begin shortly. On the agenda today are two bills addressing the 988 system of care and millions of dollars in opioid funding. Story to come soon. @njspotlightnews.org
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Colleen O'Dea @colleenodea.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
Wow what a night in NJ CD 11. Malinowski not ready to concede, but the progressive Mejia has the lead. It could take a while for a final decision
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John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
The funding worries come as prolonged record-breaking cold grips parts of the United States . . . In Toms River, an elderly homeless woman last month was found dead in her snow-covered car. Reporting by @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Trump proposal imperils $8 million for New Jerseyans' rental aid | NJ Spotlight News
Social-service groups say they're turning to the state -- and tapping credit lines -- to help prevent disaster for almost 900 households
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
Residents of nearly 900 New Jersey households are at risk of homelessness as President Donald Trump’s proposed policy changes sow uncertainty about millions of dollars in annual federal rental assistance. @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/02/trum...
njspotlightnews.org
Trump proposal imperils $8 million for New Jerseyans' rental aid | NJ Spotlight News
Social-service groups say they're turning to the state -- and tapping credit lines -- to help prevent disaster for almost 900 households
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NJ Spotlight News @njspotlightnews.org · 30/01/2026
As mounting economic pressures push more people into homelessness, volunteers and outreach workers traversed NJ this week for the state’s annual count of the homeless. NJ homelessness is on a five-year upswing, according to Monarch Housing Associates, and advocates expect another increase in 2026.
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
“Ultimately, this approach supports better care coordination, improves the patient experience, and expands access to comprehensive services across the state.” — Kate Shamszad @qualityinstitutenj.bsky.social
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
One former state health official said that while this is a step in the right direction for NJ, challenges could still remain in implementing this policy change.
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
As a result, patients were often forced to visit multiple places to receive complete care. This will now change and patients will be able to receive primary health care, mental health care and addiction treatment services in the same location.
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
Under the previous system, facilities offering primary care, mental health and addiction treatment services in a single location were required to use three separate licenses, each with different regulatory requirements.
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
NJ has revised its license requirements for outpatient treatment, writing new rules to allow for integrated outpatient care, a move hailed as landmark reform after NJ officials & health advocates had been trying to do so for years. @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-r...
njspotlightnews.org
NJ rewrites license rules for outpatient treatment centers | NJ Spotlight News
State creates one license for providers offering primary care, mental health and addiction services
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Michael Sol Warren @michaelsolwarren.com · 21/01/2026
Honored to have worked the past few years with @bflanagannj.bsky.social — today was her last day before a well deserved retirement. What a career, we’ll miss you! youtu.be/HyY2dJAGTo8?...
youtu.be
Brenda Flanagan's final sign-off from NJ Spotlight News
YouTube video by NJ Spotlight News
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
“We are counting on the Sherrill admin. & the Leg. to do the right thing & reintroduce the $45 million, move it swiftly & ensure opioid settlement funds are used as intended. Lives depend on getting this right.” — Elizabeth Burke Beaty @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/sher...
njspotlightnews.org
Sherrill administration under pressure to restore $45M in opioid settlement funding | NJ Spotlight News
Money was diverted to four hospital systems before Gov. Murphy signed state budget in June
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
www.njspotlightnews.org/live/
njspotlightnews.org
LIVE: Gov. Phil Murphy’s 2026 State of the State address - NJ Spotlight News
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
Gov. Murphy’s final State of the State address is set to begin at 3 pm EST. Stay with @njspotlightnews.org as we continue to cover the speech live and with additional coverage throughout the week.
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John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
As lame duck comes to an end, NJ's majority Democratic lawmakers approve spending millions on World Cup marketing and pet projects, as well as new tax breaks for the operators of the Prudential Center in Newark. @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
NJ lawmakers rush to pass bills on final day of lame duck session | NJ Spotlight News
Include codifying protections for undocumented immigrants, providing tax incentives to refurbish Prudential Center
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 13/01/2026
“It shouldn’t be a scary thing (for children to get vaccines) and you shouldn’t feel bad for doing everything you can to protect your child.” — Jill Moghadam, mother and educator, of Marlton @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/nj-h...
njspotlightnews.org
NJ health experts stress vaccination following season's first confirmed pediatric flu death | NJ Spotlight News
Uptick in NJ cases come as federal health officials are overhauling childhood vaccine schedule
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
The bill restricts public school students from using smartphones and other devices with internet access throughout the school day. Signing the bill into law is among the top priorities for Murphy now in his final days in office. Cellphone policies are determined by individual school districts.
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Students expected to benefit from cell phone ban @govmurphy.bsky.social plans to sign the legislation into law this morning at Ramsey High School in Bergen County. @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/stud...
njspotlightnews.org
Students expected to benefit from cell phone ban | NJ Spotlight News
Statewide limits for public schools expected to become law Thursday
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Julie O'Connor @juliehoconnor.bsky.social · 06/01/2026
Is NJ’s school ethics law being weaponized to silence critics? Few in the public are aware of how broadly written this code is, and why school board members have good reason to fear its use. www.njspotlightnews.org/2026/01/is-n...
njspotlightnews.org
Is NJ’s school ethics law being used to silence critics? | NJ Spotlight News
Board members face legal action for comments on social media and public meetings
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 22/12/2025
“We are really eager to see this bill signed into law, just to know that our state is committed to advancing on this and to not going backward because where we are is unbearable…”- Amber Reed @aapinewjersey.org @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/nj-p...
njspotlightnews.org
NJ’s police deadly force policy may get mandatory review | NJ Spotlight News
Bill requires regular exam by state AG. Advocates say it’s a ‘step in the right direction’
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Colleen O'Dea @colleenodea.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
Prepping our @NJSpotlightNews voter guide for NJ CD11 special primary. Got a question you think we should ask the candidates?
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
The last-minute push for more money during the current lame duck session of the Legislature is among the latest examples of the lengthy efforts some nonprofit leaders feel they must take to keep their social support programs open. @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/firs...
njspotlightnews.org
First they cut its funding. Now NJ lawmakers want money for homeless program | NJ Spotlight News
Move is one of several to restore funding to social services cut in budget this year
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 15/12/2025
More NJ public school students could soon be restricted from using smartphones & other devices w/ internet access throughout the school day, an effort by legislators & policy makers to limit classroom distraction & improve mental health @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/cell...
njspotlightnews.org
Cell phone ban for NJ students looms | NJ Spotlight News
Lawmakers press ahead with possible ban. School officials see successes already
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John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
“We did what we said we would do, and in politics, that is not often the case. We campaigned on an agenda that we actually, when we got into office, we actually executed and stayed true to,” Gov. Murphy said during a final sit-down interview with @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Phil Murphy talks COVID-19, affordability, NJ Transit as he readies to leave office | NJ Spotlight News
‘We did what we said we would do, and in politics, that is not often the case’
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Brenda Flanagan @bflanagannj.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
UPDATE: Sen. Pres. Scutari today announced he's pulling the controversial bill from consideration during this month’s lame-duck legislative session. “I’ve heard the concerns, and I’m going to listen to them,” he said, adding that he would revisit the proposal next year. More at @njspotlightnews.org
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
Should judges consider a defendant’s history as a victim of domestic violence? Latest for @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/shou...
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Previous versions of the bill sought to decriminalize the production, dispensing and use of the drug for people who are over 21 years old and to legalize the drug for therapeutic purposes.
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Three NJ hospitals could soon receive state funding to research the medicinal benefits of psilocybin to treat mental health disorders under a bill that recently cleared an Assembly committee. @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/12/nj-l...
njspotlightnews.org
NJ looks to create hallucinogenic mushroom research program | NJ Spotlight News
State would fund three hospitals to study impact on mental health disorders
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John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
The fate of a plan to create a permanent and dedicated source of funding for a state hotline that helps people experiencing mental health emergencies by taxing phone lines in NJ remains uncertain in the remaining weeks of Gov. Phil Murphy’s tenure. @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Will NJ tax phone lines to support 988 crisis hotline? | NJ Spotlight News
Advocates press for dedicated funds as calls increase
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Latest story with @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org
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John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
Amid a surge in NJ housing costs - and the homeless population - housing advocates praise a top Democrat's push to give towns the power to create trust funds and housing plans to help address and prevent homelessness in their communities, reports @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
njspotlightnews.org
Homelessness is rising. NJ towns might get help with housing | NJ Spotlight News
Effort to address homelessness at the municipal level being led by Senate President Nicholas Scutari
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
As shootings decline, NJ violence prevention groups get funding cut ‘Street teams’ forced to lay off workers, reduce programs @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-s...
njspotlightnews.org
As shootings decline, NJ violence prevention groups get funding cut | NJ Spotlight News
‘Street teams’ forced to lay off workers, reduce programs
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John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
You can watch the full interview here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=MuiP...
youtube.com
NJ Spotlight News: November 20, 2025
YouTube video by NJ Spotlight News
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John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill discussed her pending cabinet nominees, freezing utility bills and how she will approach her first state budget during a wide-ranging interview with @njspotlightnews.org held during the New Jersey State League of Municipalities convention in Atlantic City.
njspotlightnews.org
Sherrill looking for AG pick ‘willing to take on the Trump administration’ | NJ Spotlight News
Affordability, government accountability and budget all discussed in NJ Spotlight News interview
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John Reitmeyer @johnreitmeyer.bsky.social · 14/11/2025
Several months after a surprise, late-June budget diversion, state lawmakers are now aiming to restore $45 million to the Opioid Recovery and Remediation Fund through a bill that passed a key Senate committee on Thursday, reports @bobby-brier.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org.
njspotlightnews.org
Will opioid recovery programs get the $45 million NJ lawmakers pulled from them? | NJ Spotlight News
Last-minute budget deal sent money to hospitals instead. New bill would restore money to programs
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 13/11/2025
Sherrill agenda faces challenges on homelessness, mental health and more Growing pressures on housing and health care add to ‘affordability’ issues @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/sher...
njspotlightnews.org
Sherrill agenda faces challenges on homelessness, mental health and more | NJ Spotlight News
Growing pressures on housing and health care add to ‘affordability’ issues
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
The loss of federal food benefits will mean greater food insecurity and bring increased risks of depression, anxiety and stress, all of which could cause an uptick in emergency room visits statewide, healthcare experts say. @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/for-...
njspotlightnews.org
For some, SNAP loss means more than just hunger | NJ Spotlight News
Without food aid, NJ hospitals expected to see more visits
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
As homelessness rises, NJ offers ‘critical’ lifeline for those in recovery At the Rescue Mission of Trenton, the six-week New Direction program provides a variety of resources to help participants maintain sobriety & stability. @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/11/as-h...
njspotlightnews.org
As homelessness rises, NJ offers 'critical' lifeline for those in recovery | NJ Spotlight News
Rescue Mission of Trenton spends $250,000 a year to run New Direction program
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Colleen O'Dea @colleenodea.bsky.social · 31/10/2025
982K have voted early in NJ as of end of 10/30. Dems have a 235K margin now but there are 181K unaffiliated/3rd party. @njspotlightnews.org update: www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/nj-e...
njspotlightnews.org
NJ election: Early voting updates | NJ Spotlight News
Updated counts of mail-in ballots and early in-person votes
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 28/10/2025
Here’s how Trump funding cuts are keeping homeless people from their benefits By limiting a key training program, people will have more difficulty accessing federal disability benefits, advocates say @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/here...
njspotlightnews.org
Here's how Trump funding cuts are keeping homeless people from their benefits | NJ Spotlight News
By limiting a key training program, people will have more difficulty accessing federal disability benefits, advocates say
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 14/10/2025
NJ governor’s race: What’s next for mental health response programs? Next governor will have wide discretion over support for mental health emergency response programs @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/nj-g...
njspotlightnews.org
NJ governor's race: What's next for mental health response programs? | NJ Spotlight News
Next governor will have wide discretion over support for mental health emergency response programs
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
How to watch the final NJ governor debate Ciattarelli, Sherrill look to debate Wednesday at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center @maddiference.bsky.social @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/how-...
njspotlightnews.org
How to watch the final NJ governor debate | NJ Spotlight News
Ciattarelli, Sherrill look to debate Wednesday at New Brunswick Performing Arts Center
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Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Thanks, Bobby. The shutdown is about how much the government spends. But is also part of a broader fight about health policy. @njspotlightnews.org
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Important reporting here from @bhulac.bsky.social on why the federal gov't is shutdown, the fight over healthcare in D.C. and its impact on NJ residents like Theresa Luoni. @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/why-...
njspotlightnews.org
Why is the government shut down? Partly a fight over healthcare | NJ Spotlight News
Democrats look to get Medicaid increases in talks with Trump, GOP
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Bobby Brier @bobby-brier.bsky.social · 06/10/2025
Parents, teachers and mental health professionals continue to raise concerns over cuts to mental health programs in NJ high school with history of student suicides. @njspotlightnews.org www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/nj-s...
njspotlightnews.org
NJ school bucks plan to boost mental health for students | NJ Spotlight News
Parents, teachers are angry over cuts to programs in school with history of student suicides
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Benjamin Hulac @bhulac.bsky.social · 03/10/2025
Every federal shutdown is a bit different. Here are five things to know about this one... www.njspotlightnews.org/2025/10/gove... @njspotlightnews.org
njspotlightnews.org
Government shutdown: Who gets paid, what gets cut | NJ Spotlight News
Key ways the federal shutdown impacts people in NJ
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