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:
Westchester Man Injured After One-Car Crash Near Palisades Center
A Westchester man was injured, but not seriously, after he crashed his car coming off the Thruway ramp leading into Palisades Center in West Nyack yesterday morning. That’s according to DailyVoice.com. They report that a 64 year-old driver from Yonkers crashed and overturned after losing control just after 8am traveling westbound on the Exit 12…
Continue Reading Westchester Man Injured After One-Car Crash Near Palisades Center
State Lawmakers Have Less Than Two Weeks to Pass NY State Budget
State lawmakers are combing through the governor’s, the Senate’s and the Assembly’s budget proposals looking for common ground and a final budget to run the state next fiscal year in the next two weeks. Rockland State Senator, Republican Bill Weber of the 38th District, says there’s more money on the table over last year, some of…
Continue Reading State Lawmakers Have Less Than Two Weeks to Pass NY State Budget
Ramapo Considers a Rail-Trail for Former MTA Tracks in Town
An old railroad track that’s no longer in use could become a rail-trail and provide much-needed relief from the perils of walking along the very busy and dangerous Route 59 in the town of Ramapo. Supervisor Michael Specht says the town met with some folks who used to live in Airmont who brought the idea…
Continue Reading Ramapo Considers a Rail-Trail for Former MTA Tracks in Town
Orangetown Church to Benefit from Tonight’s Performance of “Billy Elliot” at Antrim Playhouse in Tappan
The Antrim Playhouse in Tappan is hosting a special benefit performance of Billy Elliot tonight to benefit the Tappan Reform Church. The playhouse had spent decades on Spook Rock Road in Suffern before closing during the early months of COVID in 2022, reopening in Tappan last year. Orangetown supervisor Teresa Kenny says the new playhouse…
Rockland’s NYS Senator to Host Mobile Office Hours in Haverstraw Today
New York State Senator Bill Weber of the 38th District is holding mobile office hours in Haverstraw today. Weber says the office will be at the Quisqueya Sports Club, located at 25 Broadway from 11-3 this afternoon… Next week the Senator’s mobile office will be at Spring Valley Village Hall.
Continue Reading Rockland’s NYS Senator to Host Mobile Office Hours in Haverstraw Today
NY Governor Warns People to Get Vaccinated Against Measles as it Spreads Around the Country
With the measles once again spreading and threatening several states across the country, including New York, the governor is urging New Yorkers to get vaccinated. In a press conference yesterday, Governor Kathy Hochul said so far there have been only four cases here in the state from this newest outbreak… Acting Commissioner of Health, James…
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.