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:
Review: The Perk House Coffee Co., Orangeburg NY
By Cesar A, Restaurant Reporter Orangeburg, NY – When appointments unexpectedly shift for busy reporters, a time-tested strategy is to duck into a local cafe, regroup and get ready for the next appointment, and pay heed to wherever the almighty calendar tells the person to travel next. Especially if s/he likes coffee. Such was the…
Continue Reading Review: The Perk House Coffee Co., Orangeburg NY
NY Archbishop Timothy Dolan Resigns, Pope Leo Announces Successor
By Cesar A., Reporter No speedboat was provided to Cardinal Dolan for his retirement gift, but perhaps some quality time to relax is ahead. Cheers! STONY POINT, NY – Pope Leo XIV has formally accepted the resignation of Cardinal Timothy Dolan, longtime Archbishop of New York – in a statement from the Vatican on Thursday…
Continue Reading NY Archbishop Timothy Dolan Resigns, Pope Leo Announces Successor
Rockland Pushes Back on Critical Editorial of School Bus Safety Program
ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Rockland Government officials are responding to recent criticism of the county’s School Bus Safety Program, following a recent editorial by the Rockland County Business Journal (RC Biz Journal), which questioned the program’s technological reliability and its underlying motives. The editorial included a personal experience, describing spending hours preparing for the violation…
Continue Reading Rockland Pushes Back on Critical Editorial of School Bus Safety Program
Kenneth Andrew Esola
Kenneth Andrew Esola “Kenny, KenDog”, 64, passed away on Thursday, October 30, 2025 surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Teaneck NJ, Kenny was the son of Jeanne Cutrona and the late John Esola. He grew up in Northvale, with his stepmom Terri Esola Englehardt and the late John Esola, where he formed many lifelong friendships that he cherished throughout his life. Kenny was known by all…
Haverstraw Supervisor Pushes Back Against Claims in Chair Factory Development Report
HAVERSTRAW, NY – Haverstraw Town Supervisor Howard Phillips is disputing key claims made in a recent Rockland County Business Journal article regarding the long-debated redevelopment of the former Haverstraw Chair Factory site, particularly suggestions that the town is obstructing progress on the project. The RC Biz Journal article, published on December 15, stated that Empire…
RCC Officially Opens SUNY Reconnect Office
SUFFERN, NY— Rockland Community College marked the opening of its new SUNY Reconnect Office this month, a move aimed at expanding access to higher education for adult learners across Rockland County and the surrounding region. The new office, located in the lobby of the college’s Technology Center, was officially unveiled during a ribbon-cutting ceremony that…
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.