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Jeff Lewis

NYS Republicans Release Antisemitism Report

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The New York State Senate Republican Conference Antisemitism Working Group yesterday unveiled their report with recommendations on how to address and combat antisemitism. Over the last year, the group has been holding roundtable meetings in Rockland and Nassau counties. Rockland State Senator Bill Weber of the 38th District was a participant in the project. At a press conference yesterday in Albany, Weber said the group has come up with five bills they’re suggesting the Legislature should make part of the state budget, including new protections on college campuses…

Another bill would create the “New York State Antisemitism Vandalism Act” to make vandalizing pro-Israel print as a class A misdemeanor.

Holidays Could Play Role in Whether NYS Budget Passes On-time

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Just four more days before the New York State budget is due and one local state lawmaker says the sides are still far apart. Rockland State Senator, Republican Bill Weber of the 38th District, isn’t sure whether it’ll be late or not, partially due to the upcoming Good Friday and Easter holidays…

But State Assemblyman, Democrat Ken Zebrowski of District 96, covering Clarkstown, Haverstraw and Nyack, says there is agreement in many areas, it’s that the numbers aren’t adding up just yet…

There are some consequences if the budget doesn’t pass on-time. It could mean some state employees, contractors, charities and social service agencies don’t get paid. Legislators also wouldn’t get paid, though the governor would still get a paycheck. The deadline is April first.

WRCR Market Analyst: Supply Chains Face Disruption After Baltimore Shipping Container Crash

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Two of the eight workers who went missing after a container ship crashed into the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, causing it to collapse early Tuesday morning, were found dead, trapped in a pickup truck, submerged in the water. Four others are still missing and presumed dead, two were rescued. That’s according to WBAL-TV in Baltimore. Vessel traffic in the river has been suspended as the recovery and cleanup continues. WRCR market analyst Ken Mahoney of Mahoney Asset Management in Chestnut Ridge says on top of the human tragedy, in the short-term, certainly supply chains could face major disruptions…

Maryland’s governor said it appears the crash was an accident, having found no credible evidence of a terror attack.

Rockland County Executive, County, Sue MTA and TBTA over Congestion Pricing Plan

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Rockland County Executive Ed Day and the County of Rockland have filed a lawsuit against the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority over their proposed Congestion Pricing plan. This comes as the MTA voted today to approve the congestion pricing plan, clearing another hurdle in its quest to charge drivers $15 to enter Manhattan south of 60th Street. Day says the toll is illegal, and violates the Equal Protection Clause of the New York State and United States Constitutions…

Day says the plan runs afoul of the Eighth Amendment, which prohibits excessive fines, by penalizing an otherwise legal activity. Today’s vote was 11-1 in favor of the plan. It’s not a done deal yet, as litigation and possible an act of Congress could bring it to a halt. If not, it could be in effect by mid-June.

Rockland’s County Executive Delivers State of County Address, Pro-Palestine Protesters Disrupt Speech

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Rockland’s County Executive delivered his State of the County address yesterday at the Robert Yeager Health Center in Pomona. Ed Day discussed the county’s future and touted various successes of the administration over the past year, including tourism gains, the work to reign in building code violations, the continuing expansion of the county’s commitment to providing more green space, cuts in taxes, and the Health Department’s response to resurgences of the Measles and Polio…

Additional highlights included the purchase of two dozen new TRIPS paratransit buses, the launch of three Human Rights Satellite Offices, and the work of the Rockland Codes Investigations Unit which responded to more than 1,500 complaints, issued 53,000 violations, and collected $130,000 in fines. During Day’s 25-minute speech, he was interrupted several times by supporters of the free Palestine movement…

Two groups, “Rockland for Palestine” and “Rockland for Ceasefire,” took credit for the disruptions during Day’s speech. In a press release, they called it unacceptable for Day to prioritize political interests over the lives of Palestinians. They demanded a permanent ceasefire, a Free Palestine, and accountability for Israel’s war crimes. We reached out to the groups for comment beyond their press release, but they did not call back.