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:
Richard A. Vogler
Richard A. Vogler, 96, a lifelong resident of Norwood, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Betty (nee Johnson). Devoted father of Janet Carnicelli and her partner Hap Graf and Greg Vogler and his husband David Highfill. Proud and loving grandfather of Elisa Sozio and husband Chris, Nicholas Carnicelli…
Charles A. Descarfino
Charles A. Descarfino, 96, of Westwood, NJ, formerly Old Tappan, NJ, passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026. Beloved husband of the late Martha (nee Cucchiara). Beloved father of Charles and his wife Trudy, John and his wife Catrina and Joyce Taormina and her husband Thomas. Proud grandfather of TJ and wife Jessica, Danielle, Michael…
Ralph Louis Wehmann
Ralph Louis Wehmann, known affectionately as “Lordy B,” 76, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at his home in Harrington Park, NJ surrounded by his loving family. Beloved husband of Nancy (née Kopf) for over 46 years, proud and treasured father of daughters, Stephanie and Kathleen (Adam Szuch), and adored “Pop Pop” of…
O&R Mobilizes Emergency Crews Ahead of Severe Thunderstorms and High Winds
Mary Poppins was unavailable for this illustration, but you get the point. By Rockland News team PEARL RIVER, NY — Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. is mobilizing its emergency response workforce Thursday morning as isolated severe thunderstorms and strong wind gusts are expected to move through the region. According to O&R, the storm system could bring…
Continue Reading O&R Mobilizes Emergency Crews Ahead of Severe Thunderstorms and High Winds
Frawley Named Rockland Social Services Commissioner
NEW CITY, N.Y. — Rockland County Executive Ed Day has appointed longtime public servant and attorney Patrick A. Frawley as the new commissioner of the county Department of Social Services, placing a veteran law enforcement and legal professional at the helm of one of the county’s largest human services agencies. The appointment was unanimously confirmed…
Continue Reading Frawley Named Rockland Social Services Commissioner
Richard J. McQuade
Richard J. McQuade was born on October 29, 1936, in the Yorkville section of Manhattan, New York City, to Thomas McQuade and Mary (Boyle) McQuade. He was the eldest of five children: Thomas, Agnes, John, and Patricia. He attended St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Elementary School, Cardinal Hayes High School, the High School of Commerce,…
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.
