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“Another NYC Sleight Of Hand” By Rockland County Executive Day

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Once again, the City of New York blindsided counties late-Tuesday with another scheme to unload its failed homeless and Sanctuary City policies by exporting its homeless residents to be backfilled with migrants.

New York City’s Department of Social Services (NYCDSS) will allow city-issued housing vouchers to be used statewide by its low-income residents to alleviate homelessness the City is incapable of handling. Under the plan CityFHEPS, participants secure 5-year leases paying 30% of the housing and NYCDSS pays the rest. Typically, CityFHEPS provides landlords three months’ rent upfront plus a 15% bonus, which will inflate housing costs in localities while incentivizing landlords to kick out local residents for the higher paying municipality.

This is another attempt by the City of New York and Mayor Eric Adams to circumvent the laws and shift a problem resulting from its failed homeless and Sanctuary City policies to other municipalities. What Mayor Adams fails to realize is this does not solve the problem; it only spreads it across New York State while incentivizing more illegal immigration among migrants eager to backfill the spots in City shelters as they open. Reports confirm migrants are not just coming from the border, but across the country for the free housing, food, and services being provided by the City.

Our Department of Social Services is already struggling to place low-income individuals in housing in Rockland County due to our well-documented housing shortages that often lead to dangerous levels of overcrowding.

This plan will, without question, drive our price of housing up further and cause competition among our low-income looking for housing.

The City cannot do whatever it pleases and traffic their homelessness to other municipalities, frankly, hurting more people than its helping.
 
Once again, the City failed to cooperate with neighboring municipalities and is looking to launch an initiative that would very likely oust our residents from their homes as landlords strike deals
with the higher bidder.

While we are a country of immigrants those who immigrated to this country prior, did so with support from friends and family and not at the expense of taxpayers. This problem is unsustainable and why I’ve echoed countless times that our immigration system needs to be fixed once and for all or else this problem will have no end in sight.

Landlords considering participating in this be forewarned; it is my opinion this directly violates our State of Emergency as a misdemeanor carrying a daily fine of $2000. I refuse to allow my residents to be ousted from their home or forced into dangerously overcrowded conditions due to the City’s failed policies and will not hesitate to take whatever steps necessary to protect the
people in our County.

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Rockland County Health Officials Stress Water Safety, Warn of Risks Tied to Illegal Backyard Pool Rentals

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NEW CITY, NY — With summer in full swing and families enjoying more time in and around pools, lakes, and other bodies of water, the Rockland County Department of Health is reminding residents that drowning can happen quickly and unexpectedly — to anyone, at any time.

To help prevent drowning deaths, injuries, and long-term disabilities from near-drowning incidents, the Department is urging residents to follow key water safety precautions.

Top Water Safety Tips from the Rockland County Department of Health:

1. Learn Basic Swimming and Water Safety Skills
Everyone should know how to swim. Contact your town’s recreation department, local swim schools, the American Red Cross, Rockland County YMCA, JCC Rockland, or Rockland Community College for swim lessons.

Reminder: No child is “drown-proof,” even after swim lessons. Adult supervision is always required.

2. Learn CPR
CPR can save lives in the critical minutes before emergency responders arrive. For local training, call Rockland County Emergency Medical Services at (845) 364-8923.

3. Enclose Pools with Fencing
All residential pools should be enclosed with barriers that meet New York State safety regulations. Visit https://dos.ny.gov/pool-safety-information and check with your municipality for local codes.

4. Remove Toys from Pool Areas When Not in Use
Toys left near pools may attract children, increasing the risk of accidental falls or drowning.

5. Use Life Jackets
Children and weaker swimmers should always wear life jackets near natural bodies of water. Life jackets are essential for boating safety and should not be replaced by foam or air-filled toys, which are not safety devices.

6. Supervise Closely — Always
Always designate a responsible, undistracted adult to supervise children near water — even with lifeguards present. Avoid distractions like phones, alcohol, or recreational drugs. Lock pool access doors after swimming and always ask about water hazards when visiting other homes.

7. Follow the Buddy System
Never swim alone. Choose locations with lifeguards when possible and keep a cell phone, emergency contacts, CPR instructions, and rescue gear nearby for home pools.

Important Reminder: Backyard Pool Rentals Are Illegal

Renting out residential backyard pools in Rockland County is against the law and poses serious safety and health risks. These pools are not regulated by health authorities, making them unsafe for public use.

Violations are subject to fines of up to $2,000 per day per offense. To report illegal pool rentals, contact the Rockland County Department of Health.

For additional tips and safety information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at cdc.gov.

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From Clarkstown to Combat: Navy Sailor Honored by State Senator for Exemplary Service

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Senator Bill Weber Honors Hospital Corpsman First Class Andrew V. Velikic with State Senate Proclamation

Nanuet, NY — In a heartfelt ceremony held at his district office, New York State Senator Bill Weber formally presented a New York State Senate Proclamation to Hospital Corpsman First Class (FMF/SW/AW/IW/PJ) Andrew V. Velikic in recognition of his outstanding and courageous service to the United States of America.

A proud graduate of Clarkstown High School South, HM1 Velikic has exemplified heroism, leadership, and dedication since enlisting in the United States Navy in 2011. His decorated military career includes combat medical service in Afghanistan, where he provided lifesaving care under fire, and key leadership roles aboard the USS Boxer during a successful Western Pacific deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit.

In 2024, HM1 Velikic earned two of the Navy’s highest distinctions:

  • Pacific Fleet Sea Sailor of the Year

  • Fleet Marine Force (Senior) Independent Duty Corpsman of the Year

Hospital Corpsman First Class Velikic has served our country with unmatched professionalism and bravery,” said Senator Weber (R-38). “It was my distinct honor to recognize his service with a New York State Senate proclamation.”

Senator Weber, who represents Rockland County and parts of Orange County, has long been an advocate for veterans, military families, and public servants. He regularly hosts Veterans Advisory Council meetings and recently celebrated his third annual Veterans Appreciation Reception last month.

The ceremony was attended by Andrew Velikic’s family, who joined Senator Weber in honoring his extraordinary achievements and commitment to service.

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