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:
Catholic Charities to Honor Rockland Parish Volunteers at ‘Hearts of Gold’ Dinner
ROCKLAND, N.Y. — Catholic Charities Community Services of Rockland will recognize volunteers and parish staff from across Rockland County during its annual “Hearts of Gold” dinner next month, celebrating individuals dedicated to serving their communities through parish ministry. The event is scheduled for June 17 at Town & Country in Congers. Organizers said volunteers and…
Continue Reading Catholic Charities to Honor Rockland Parish Volunteers at ‘Hearts of Gold’ Dinner
Health Officials Warn Residents as Tick Season Intensifies Across Hudson Valley
NEW CITY, N.Y. — With warmer weather drawing more people outdoors, the Rockland County Department of Health is urging residents to take precautions against ticks and tick-borne illnesses as activity increases across the Hudson Valley region. Health officials said ticks are most active during the spring, summer and early fall, and the risk of exposure…
Continue Reading Health Officials Warn Residents as Tick Season Intensifies Across Hudson Valley
Spring Valley to honor fallen heroes May 25th
SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. — The Village of Spring Valley is inviting residents and community members to gather for a Memorial Day ceremony honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The ceremony is scheduled for May 25 at 1 p.m. at Village Hall, located at 200 N. Main St. in…
Continue Reading Spring Valley to honor fallen heroes May 25th
Richard J. Iorio “Bella”
Richard J. Iorio, “Bella”, 81, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, formerly of Orangeburg, NY, passed away on Monday, May 11, 2026. Loving brother of Robert Iorio and his late wife Marie. Loving uncle of Robert, Jr. and wife Cheryl, Christopher and wife Danya, Lisa Porco and husband Ralph and Daniel and wife Melissa. Cherished, great-uncle of…
Honorable Judge Richard G. Ramsay
Honorable Judge Richard G. Ramsay, 91, of Piermont, New York and Estero, Florida passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026. He was born on December 8, 1934 in New York City, to the late John and Helen Ramsay (Rowan). He married his beloved wife, Virginia Ramsay on November 19, 1960. In 1963 they moved…
Hudson Valley Gives Returns May 20th
MONTGOMERY, N.Y. — Hundreds of nonprofit organizations across the Hudson Valley are preparing to participate in the 11th annual Hudson Valley Gives online fundraising campaign scheduled for May 20. Organized by the Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan & Rockland, the 24-hour online giving event supports charitable organizations throughout the region and has raised more than…
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.
