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:
96-degree heat, Canada Wildfire Smoke Affects Rockland
Stony Point cancels opening concert as state air-quality advisory remains in effect through Wednesday night By Rockland News Staff | July 15, 2026 ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — Smoke from hundreds of Canadian wildfires settled over Rockland County on Wednesday, combining with dangerous heat to create unhealthy outdoor conditions and disrupt evening activities. The Town of…
Continue Reading 96-degree heat, Canada Wildfire Smoke Affects Rockland
Georgia Jane Winans
Georgia Jane Winans, formerly of Northvale, New Jersey and Cooperstown, New York, who preferred simply to be called Jane, died on July 13, 2026, in Old Tappan, New Jersey. She was 94. Jane was born on February 21, 1932, in Mountaindale, Pennsylvania, on the eve of George Washington’s birthday, a connection reflected in the name…
Suffern Man Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Rape
Jose Pirir Morales is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 7 after admitting to a violent 2025 attack in the Village of Suffern. NEW CITY, N.Y. — A 27-year-old Suffern man has pleaded guilty to first-degree rape in connection with a violent attack on a woman who was walking home last year, according to the Rockland…
Continue Reading Suffern Man Pleads Guilty to First-Degree Rape
Clarkstown Says Ethics Investigation in Progress for Engineer Employed by Town
By Rockland News StaffJuly 14, 2026 NEW CITY, N.Y. — The Town of Clarkstown says an ethics investigation into its director of engineering began months before he raised concerns about billing under a multimillion-dollar contract with Siemens, directly challenging his contention that he was placed on leave in retaliation for questioning the use of taxpayer…
Continue Reading Clarkstown Says Ethics Investigation in Progress for Engineer Employed by Town
New York Passes Data-Center Moratorium in Rockland, Statewide
Executive order targets facilities using at least 50 megawatts of power. Orangeburg projects face separate questions over energy use, environmental impacts and tax incentives ROCKLAND COUNTY, N.Y. — Gov. Kathy Hochul on Tuesday imposed the nation’s first statewide moratorium on certain permits for new hyperscale data centers, bringing New York into a growing national debate…
Continue Reading New York Passes Data-Center Moratorium in Rockland, Statewide
One Stabbed, Several Injured in Large Spring Valley Fight
SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. — A person was stabbed and several others were injured during a large fight in Spring Valley early Sunday morning, according to local news reports. The incident occurred at approximately 12:50 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, on Division Avenue near George Street. Emergency responders were called to the area following reports of…
Continue Reading One Stabbed, Several Injured in Large Spring Valley Fight
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.
