Rockland News - It's Local that Matters.

News from Rockland County, New York

The Week in Review: Feb 22, 2025

Also available on Spotify – click here to listen to the episode

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:

More stories:

STEVE LIEBERMAN RETIRES AFTER FOUR DECADES OF LOCAL JOURNALISM

Steve Lieberman New City, NY – After 41 years of dedicated reporting, Steve Lieberman, one of Rockland County’s most respected journalists, has retired from The Journal News/lohud. His departure marks the end of an era in local journalism and leaves behind a legacy of principled reporting, unwavering dedication, and an unmatched knowledge of the county…

Continue Reading STEVE LIEBERMAN RETIRES AFTER FOUR DECADES OF LOCAL JOURNALISM

Stony Point Officials Ask CHPE: Pay $5 Million for Struggling Retailers

By Kim Anderson Stony Point, NY — What was once anticipated as a carefully coordinated power project for New York City, has spiraled into an economic crisis for small businesses along Route 9W, as the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) pipeline installation on Route 9W continues to grind through Stony Point and Haverstraw. Frustration was…

Continue Reading Stony Point Officials Ask CHPE: Pay $5 Million for Struggling Retailers

[EXCLUSIVE] Stony Point Library Finds New Home in Historic Schoolhouse on West Main Street

Image of 117 Main Street courtesy of the Googles. STONY POINT, NY – After nearly a decade of community debate and planning, Rose Memorial Library’s quest for more room to serve a 14,000-resident community has finally landed on a solution. The historic library is now preparing to move into a new, larger home at the…

Continue Reading [EXCLUSIVE] Stony Point Library Finds New Home in Historic Schoolhouse on West Main Street

Woodland Drive Closure Scheduled for Force Main Work, Detours in Place Sept 8–12th

Suffern, NY – – Motorists in Suffern should plan ahead as Woodland Drive will be closed to through traffic from Route 59 to Vista Way starting on or about Monday, September 8, 2025, with work expected to continue through Friday, September 12. The closure comes as ARCO Management, on behalf of Brookfield Properties, performs essential…

Continue Reading Woodland Drive Closure Scheduled for Force Main Work, Detours in Place Sept 8–12th

Stony Point Man Arrested Following Single-Vehicle Crash in Tomkins Cove

Tomkins Cove, NY – A 50-year-old Stony Point man was arrested on multiple charges after a single-vehicle crash on North Liberty Drive near Elm Avenue. According to the Stony Point Police Department, officers responded at approximately 6:45 PM to several calls reporting a damaged vehicle. Upon arrival, they found a black SUV on the northbound…

Continue Reading Stony Point Man Arrested Following Single-Vehicle Crash in Tomkins Cove

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.

Translate »