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:
Thomas E. Byrne
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Thomas E. Byrne of Norwood, NJ. Mr. T., as he was affectionately known within the family, passed away peacefully at the age of 87. He was a devoted husband, father, and friend. Thomas was born to Mary and Thomas Byrne, proud Irish immigrants who instilled in him…
Who Is Indivisible Rockland? A Look At the Controversial Political Movement
Website for Indivisible Rockland. Part 1 of an investigative reportBy Rockland News StaffMarch 26, 2025 In recent weeks, Rockland County has found itself at the center of an identity debate playing out on local turf, on TV, and on local social media community groups. It has also affected the conversations by elected political officials, who…
Continue Reading Who Is Indivisible Rockland? A Look At the Controversial Political Movement
Fieldstone Middle School Presents: Exploring the Mind of Service Dogs – Thursday 3/25
By Tom Ossa Thiells, NY — On Thursday evening at 6 pm, Fieldstone Middle School will host a unique and heartwarming event titled Inside Mabee’s World, offering the community a rare glimpse into the emotional intelligence, scientific training, and therapeutic power of service dogs. At the center of this celebration is Maybee, a facility dog…
Rockland to Honor Veterans Office Employee with Annual Freedom Award Today in New City
An employee of the Rockland County Veterans Affairs office is being given the annual Freedom Award today at a ceremony in New City. In honor of Women’s History Month, Rockland County Executive Ed Day says he and Veterans Service Agency Director Susan Branam will recognize a female veteran for her outstanding service and continued commitment…
Sunday Marked 4th Anniversary of Fatal Evergreen Fire in Spring Valley
Yesterday was the fourth anniversary of the fatal Spring Valley fire that took the lives of a Spring Valley Firefighter and the resident of the adult home he was trying to save. 35 year-old Jared Lloyd was a 15-year veteran of Spring Valley’s Columbians Fire Engine Company Number One and was one of the first…
Continue Reading Sunday Marked 4th Anniversary of Fatal Evergreen Fire in Spring Valley
Rockland Police Handle Erratic Driving in Ramapo and Nanuet
No one was reported injured after a car drove into a bank in Nanuet on Friday afternoon. That’s according to News 12. The car was apparently driven into the Webster Bank Branch on Route 59 in the Rockland Plaza shopping center. The cause of the crash, unknown. The day before that crash, Ramapo Police had…
Continue Reading Rockland Police Handle Erratic Driving in Ramapo and Nanuet
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.