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:

Haverstraw Man Charged in Ball Field Burglary

Haverstraw, NY – A 39-year-old Haverstraw man has been arrested and charged in connection with a burglary at the Manny Lopez Municipal Ball Field after authorities said two pieces of power equipment were stolen from a building at the village-owned recreational facility. The Haverstraw Police Department said officers responded to the Manny Lopez Baseball Field…

Continue Reading Haverstraw Man Charged in Ball Field Burglary

Rising Energy Costs Take Center Stage in NY-17 Race

Pearl River, NY – Rising electricity costs in Rockland County and across the Hudson Valley are becoming an issue in the race for New York’s 17th Congressional District, with an advocacy organization criticizing Republican Rep. Mike Lawler’s voting record while Lawler and his campaign argue that state energy policies are primarily responsible for higher utility…

Continue Reading Rising Energy Costs Take Center Stage in NY-17 Race

Underage Drinking Violations Found at Spring Valley Businesses

Spring Valley, NY – Five bars and restaurants in Spring Valley were cited for alleged Alcoholic Beverage Control violations following a joint enforcement operation by the Spring Valley Police Department and the New York State Liquor Authority, with one establishment ordered to close for the remainder of the night after authorities reported finding numerous underage…

Continue Reading Underage Drinking Violations Found at Spring Valley Businesses

Clarkstown Proposes Six-Month Building Moratorium

New City, NY – The Clarkstown Town Board has introduced a proposed six-month building moratorium that would temporarily restrict approvals for certain larger development projects while town officials review zoning regulations, infrastructure needs and long-term land-use plans. The Town Board has scheduled a public hearing on the proposed moratorium for Tuesday, Sept. 15, at 6:30…

Continue Reading Clarkstown Proposes Six-Month Building Moratorium

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.