The Week in Review: Feb 22, 2025

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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:

[BREAKING] YouTube Returns to Selling Hoodies Instead of Campaign Ads

No, this ad didn’t happen. But we can dream. After all…did you see the Suffern dance-off video? After months of political advertising, Rockland County residents can finally return to the commercials they never realized they’d miss. New City, NY – Ladies and gentlemen, we have extraordinary news. Extra. Ordinary. News. After months of political advertisements,…

Continue Reading [BREAKING] YouTube Returns to Selling Hoodies Instead of Campaign Ads

[REVIEW] Rocky Horror Picture Show 10/31 Halloween at Lafayette Theatre

SUFFERN, N.Y. — Something strange was happening at the historic Lafayette Theatre on Halloween night. Costumed characters were gathering outside, excited moviegoers were making their way through the doors, and inside, a 102-year-old movie palace was preparing to welcome visitors into a world where almost anything could happen. The occasion was a special Halloween presentation…

Continue Reading [REVIEW] Rocky Horror Picture Show 10/31 Halloween at Lafayette Theatre

Community Foundation Opens $5,000 Grant Program

Montgomery, NY – The Community Foundation of Orange, Sullivan and Rockland (CFOSR) has announced that applications are now being accepted for its 2026 Community Perspective Fund grant program. The initiative will provide financial assistance to nonprofit organizations working to strengthen community relationships, improve access to resources and promote understanding among residents throughout the three-county region.…

Continue Reading Community Foundation Opens $5,000 Grant Program

Stony Point Political Rep. Surrenders to Police on Charges of Ballot Fraud

New City, NY – Rockland County Sheriff Louis Falco III announced Wednesday, November 4, the arrest of Aidan Rowan, 25, of Stony Point, following an investigation into allegations of ballot fraud connected to the June 23, 2026, Stony Point Republican County Committee primary election. Rowan, who was a candidate in that primary and is a member…

Continue Reading Stony Point Political Rep. Surrenders to Police on Charges of Ballot Fraud

Joe Rand Defeats Bill Weber, Flips Senate District 38

Rockland County, NY – Democratic challenger and Nyack Mayor Joe Rand has defeated incumbent Republican State Senator Bill Weber in New York’s 38th Senate District, marking a significant political shift in Rockland County following the November 3, 2026, general election. Although the election results have not yet been officially certified, Weber called Rand Tuesday night…

Continue Reading Joe Rand Defeats Bill Weber, Flips Senate District 38

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.