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:
Pomplin honored with Proclamation During Black History Month
Piermont, NY – In a ceremony held during Black History Month, Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny presented a proclamation to Chief Daniel Goswick of the Piermont Fire Department, honoring the legacy of firefighter Thomas Pomplin. Pomplin, an African-American resident of Orangetown and a dedicated member of the Piermont Fire Department, died on August 5, 1854, while…
Continue Reading Pomplin honored with Proclamation During Black History Month
Kenny Joins Rockland Read-In at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School
Pearl River, NY – Town of Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny delighted third graders at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School last Friday as part of the Annual Rockland Read-In event. Kenny brought enthusiasm and joy to Ms. Walmsley’s classroom, reading one of her all-time favorite books, All Pigs Are Beautiful by Dick King-Smith. The Rockland Read-In, a…
Continue Reading Kenny Joins Rockland Read-In at Lincoln Avenue Elementary School
Smith Honored as First Woman, Latina Commander of National Guard’s 53rd Troop Command
Camp Smith, NY – Brigadier General Isabel Rivera Smith, a trailblazing military leader and the first woman and Latina to command the New York Army National Guard’s 53rd Troop Command, was honored with a special Senate Proclamation and medal on Tuesday by New York State Senator Pete Harckham. The recognition took place at the Camp…
Proposed Legislation Aims to Ease Financial Burden for First-Time Homebuyers in NY
Albany, NY – New York State Senator Pete Harckham and Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal have introduced new legislation that could provide significant financial relief to first-time homebuyers by exempting them from paying the mortgage recording tax. This tax is typically imposed by municipalities for legally recording a deed, mortgage, or other documents related to home purchases.…
Continue Reading Proposed Legislation Aims to Ease Financial Burden for First-Time Homebuyers in NY
Congers Man Sentenced to more than 21 Years for Fentanyl Distribution Resulting in Multiple Overdoses
Law, Old-Fashioned, Legal System, Justice – Concept, Judgement New City, NY – Justin Turnick, 26, of Congers, New York, has been sentenced to over 21 years in federal prison for his role in distributing fentanyl, which led to three fatal and three non-fatal overdoses in Rockland County. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District…
Haverstraw Chair Factory Applies for NYS Cleanup Program, Public Comment Sought
Haverstraw, NY – The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is inviting public comment on a Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) application and Draft Remedial Investigation Work Plan for the Haverstraw Chair Factory site, located at 30 Liberty Street and 87 Main Street in the Village of Haverstraw, Rockland County. The application has been…
Continue Reading Haverstraw Chair Factory Applies for NYS Cleanup Program, Public Comment Sought
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.