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:
Dr. Leonard A. Shaw
Dr. Leonard A. Shaw, 96, of Norwood, New Jersey, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, surrounded by love. Leonard was the beloved husband of Nejhla (née Kelamoff), a devoted and loving father to Charles and his wife Mia, and to Darren, and a proud, adoring grandfather to Lea, Ryan, and Tessa. He was…
Rockland WIC Program Awarded $85K Grant
NEW CITY, NY — The Rockland County Department of Health (RCDOH) has been awarded $85,000 to support its “Fresh Start: WIC Access and Nutrition Equity Program,” which is designed to increase access to nutrition education and healthy food options for low-income families. The funding, provided by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, will support program enhancements…
Protesters Pack Rockland Legislature Over ICE Legislation
Editor’s note: This story is currently being updated. New City, NY – A tense yet orderly evening unfolded at the Rockland County Legislature as residents packed the New City-based Government Center to protest a proposed law that would restrict local law enforcement cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The legislation, still in draft…
Continue Reading Protesters Pack Rockland Legislature Over ICE Legislation
Orangetown Man Convicted of Burglary After Spring Valley Apartment Break-In
Orangetown, NY (February 3, 2026) – Wesleigh Gilsenan, 41, of Orangetown, was convicted of Burglary in the Second Degree in Rockland County Court following a two-day bench trial, according to an announcement from District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II. The verdict, delivered by the Honorable Judge Kevin F. Russo, on January 30, stems from an…
Continue Reading Orangetown Man Convicted of Burglary After Spring Valley Apartment Break-In
Clarkstown sixth graders graduate D.A.R.E
NANUET, NY — Sixth-grade students at A. MacArthur Barr Middle School were recognized this week for completing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) program, marking the culmination of a course focused on decision-making, personal responsibility and safety. Clarkstown Police Chief Jeffrey Wanamaker, Town Supervisor George Hoehmann and members of the Town Board attended the ceremony…
Rockland County Officials Debate New Law Limiting ICE Cooperation
Democrats Say It Protects Families; Republicans Warn It Threatens Safety. By Kimmie Anderson New City, NY — A proposed law in Rockland County has sparked debate between Democrats and Republicans over how local police should interact with federal immigration agents. The bill, called the “Safety and Dignity for All Act”, was introduced by Democratic Legislator…
Continue Reading Rockland County Officials Debate New Law Limiting ICE Cooperation
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.