Today’s Sponsor:
This Week’s Episode:
Congressman Mike Lawler Interview
- Constituent Services: Congressman Lawler highlighted his continued efforts to meet with constituents, with plans for town hall meetings. Last year, he closed over 5,000 cases and passed 11 bills through the House, 6 of which became law.
- Funding & Legislation: Lawler secured $38 million for the district through community project funding and aims to bring more funds and grants to the area.
- Legislative Process: Lawler discussed differences between Congress and the New York Assembly, emphasizing the robust committee process in Congress.
- Government Spending: Discussed waste, fraud, and abuse in government spending, particularly through USAID. He aims to reform government programs to ensure efficiency.
- Tax Policy & Affordability: Lawler pushed for lifting the cap on the SALT deduction and emphasized reducing costs for middle-class and working-class families.
- Government Efficiency: Supports the Department of Government Efficiency’s efforts to reduce waste and revamp the appropriations process.
- Foreign Affairs: As the Chair of the Middle East Subcommittee and Vice Chair for Communications on the Financial Services Committee, Lawler is focused on stability in the Middle East and scrutinizing U.S. aid to Ukraine.
- Bipartisanship: He underscored his dedication to creating bipartisan support for impactful legislation.
Senator Bill Weber Interview
- Congestion Pricing: Senator Weber expressed gratitude to the Trump administration for halting the $9 congestion pricing tax for drivers entering New York City below 60th Street. He hopes this tax will not resurface.
- MTA Service Issues: Rockland County residents face a $40 million value gap due to poor service from the MTA. Weber criticized MTA leadership for acknowledging the service issues without presenting solutions.
- Transportation Alternatives: While exploring additional commuting options such as increased bus lines and ferry services, Weber stressed the need for long-term transportation planning and infrastructure improvements.
- Tax Concerns: He warned against potential future taxes that could negatively impact Rockland residents, emphasizing the high existing costs of commuting into New York City.
3. Seth Breslaw from Brenner Tools Interview
- Smart Water Assistant Device: Breslaw introduced the Phyn Smart Water Assistant, a device that detects leaks, prevents floods, and allows remote water shutoff via a mobile app.
- Functionality: The device can alert homeowners to potential issues such as freezing pipes or dripping faucets, helping avoid expensive repairs and water waste.
- Entrepreneurial Journey: Breslaw shared his story of developing innovative plumbing tools, including the “Smakt” tool, which increases efficiency in plumbing installations.
- Future Innovations: He expressed interest in developing a gas leak detection device, highlighting the importance of safety and proactive maintenance for homeowners.
Additional Sponsors for This Week:
- IVY Rehab Physical Therapy – West Haverstraw, NY | Contact: 845-579-5677
- Dana Pest Control – Family-owned for over 40 years | Contact: 845-786-5226 | Website: danapestcontrol.com
More stories:
David R. Cahill
June 8, 1954 – August 20, 2025 It is with broken hearts that we announce the death of our beloved, David Cahill. Whether you know him as Dave, Dave the Rave, “One More” Dave, King David, Mr. Wonderful, Coach, or his favorite names, Dad or Papa, to know him was to love him. Dave was…
Stony Point Retailers Senator Harckham Meet, Discuss ORU & CHPE Retail Crisis
STONY POINT, NY – Local business owners, elected officials, and community leaders gathered recently in Stony Point to address the ongoing disruption caused by infrastructure work being conducted by Orange & Rockland Utilities (O&R) and Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE). The meeting, initiated by small business owners in North Rockland, and supported by the North…
Continue Reading Stony Point Retailers Senator Harckham Meet, Discuss ORU & CHPE Retail Crisis
West Haverstraw Man Arraigned on Charges of Attempted Murder and Arson Following Apartment Fire
West Haverstraw, NY — A 72-year-old man from West Haverstraw was arraigned in Rockland County Court on a slew of serious charges, including multiple counts of attempted murder and arson, following an early morning fire in a multi-family residence earlier this month. German Santiago, a resident of 52 Blauvelt Avenue, was indicted on 11 counts…
County Executive Ed Day Condemns MTA’s Proposed Fare Hikes as “Unjustifiable”
New City, NY — Rockland County Executive Ed Day is demanding that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) withdraw its proposed Metro-North fare increases for West of Hudson riders, denouncing the move as “wholly unjustifiable” and “unacceptable” for Rockland commuters. The MTA is currently conducting public hearings on the proposed fare adjustments, scheduled for August 19…
Continue Reading County Executive Ed Day Condemns MTA’s Proposed Fare Hikes as “Unjustifiable”
Stephanie Ann Wyman
Stephanie Ann Wyman, 69, of Northvale, NJ, passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025. Loving partner of Vincent Guarino. Dearest sister of Jacqueline D’Amico, William Wyman and wife Carmelita and Michael Wyman and wife Juanita. Cherished aunt of Robert, Christopher and Michael. Stephanie was an office manager for a local podiatrist for many years. She…
Wayne Hose Fire Company Honors Two New Inductees in Memoriam
STONY POINT, NY — In an emotional and uplifting ceremony held under the shelter of a newly constructed auxiliary building, the Wayne Hose Fire Company welcomed two new honorary members into its ranks—each with a story that left a lasting impression on all in attendance. The first honoree, William “Bill” Halstead, was posthumously inducted in…
Continue Reading Wayne Hose Fire Company Honors Two New Inductees in Memoriam
This Week’s Featured Event:
Rockland Music Fest: Sept 2025
Thanks for joining us on this week’s edition of the Rockland News Week in Review.