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Lawler: Rockland County Schools Hurt By Unfair State School Aid Formula And Jaffee Funding Cuts; Vows To Fix It

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PEARL RIVER, NY – This year, due to COVID-19, all registered voters in Rockland County will be mailed a ballot to vote in their local School District Elections, including on the 2020-2021 school budget. You must return your ballot to your respective school district by June 16th.

Before you vote, though, you should know, that Rockland County schools have been hurt year-after-year, by an unfair state school aid formula, that shortchanges our children and increases our property taxes.

An episode of “A Minute with Mike” – he talks about the unfair state school aid formula which has shortchanged our children and increased our property taxes.

We already pay the second highest property taxes in the nation and have a high cost of living, yet the school aid formula treats our labor costs the same as Poughkeepsie, as opposed to Long Island and New York City.

My opponent, Assemblywoman Ellen Jaffee, hasn’t fixed that broken school aid formula during her 14 years in Albany. Worse, just this year, she voted to cut state school aid to Suffern, Pearl River, and South Orangetown School Districts, while voting to create a $200 million dollar taxpayer funded campaign finance system.

It’s outrageous and has put our school districts and property taxpayers in the unenviable position of having to raise taxes, at a time when residents can least afford it, or make draconian budget cuts and consider layoffs to balance their budgets, in the event of a failed budget vote.

As your Assemblyman, I will fix this broken formula and ensure our public schools in Rockland County get their fair share of state school aid.

Article written by Mike Lawler, who is the Deputy Supervisor for the Town of Orangetown and a candidate for the New York State Assembly seat for the 97th district. He lives in Pearl River.

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Meet Kathleenann Cool, Candidate for West Haverstraw Village Trustee

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WEST HAVERSTRAW, NY – Meet Kathleenann Cool, a lifelong Rockland County resident and proud member of the West Haverstraw community for the past 26 years, has officially announced her candidacy for Village Trustee. With a deep commitment to family, community, and good governance, she pledges to bring bipartisan representation and a fresh perspective to the village board.

“My candidacy is about representing all residents. West Haverstraw deserves leadership that ensures every voice is heard. Together, we can preserve the strong sense of community that makes our village special while ensuring responsible growth and development.”

Kathleenann’s campaign is centered on five key priorities:

Inclusive Representation: Promoting bipartisan collaboration and embracing diverse perspectives for fair and balanced decision-making.
Community Preservation: Protecting the character of West Haverstraw by preventing overdevelopment and illegal housing while encouraging thoughtful, responsible growth.
Infrastructure and Safety: Addressing traffic concerns through advocacy for improved infrastructure and practical traffic solutions.
Fiscal Responsibility: Ensuring sound financial planning for the future.
Transparency and Communication: Promoting open, honest dialogue between village government and the residents it serves.

With 33 years of experience as an educational administrator and teacher, Kathleenann brings proven leadership, organizational skills, and financial expertise to the table. Her academic background includes a Certificate in Human Resources from the Center for Educational Leadership, a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration from SUNY New Paltz, an M.A. in English from Iona College, and a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism with a Business minor from SUNY Plattsburgh.

An active and longtime community leader, Kathleenann has served on the Haverstraw Republican Committee and held treasurer and board positions in various school, sports, and performing arts organizations. She has coached youth sports and volunteered in her church as a catechist, CYO council member, organist, and Parish Council member.

Together with her husband James, Kathleenann raised their two children in West Haverstraw – a village she loves and is eager to serve. Her campaign reflects her lifelong dedication to community values, responsible governance, and transparent leadership.

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Hundreds Gather for Rockland County Republican Party Lincoln Day Victory Ball Featuring Kevin McCarthy, Honor American Hero Sgt. Eddie Ryan

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — The Rockland County Republican Committee hosted its annual Lincoln Day Victory Ball at the Pearl River Hilton that drew over 400 attendees from Rockland County and across the region. This year’s was the biggest celebration the party has had in many years and is under new leadership of Chairman Mike Lawler and Vice Chair Lauren Marie Wohl.

Held in a festive and energized atmosphere, the evening featured high-profile keynote speakers and honored American heroes, underscoring the party’s enduring commitment to leadership, service, and community growth.

The highlight of the evening was the appearance of Former Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy, who delivered a powerful keynote address focused on the future of conservative leadership and the importance of staying united in times of challenge and opportunity. Kellyanne Conway, former senior advisor to President Donald Trump, also took the stage as a special guest speaker, captivating the audience with her political insight and calls to action.

Both speakers were met with standing ovations, energizing the crowd and reinforcing the evening’s themes of resilience, accountability, and progress.

The Rockland County Republican Committee was deeply honored to recognize U.S. Marine Sergeant Eddie Ryan for his heroic service and unwavering dedication to the nation. A symbol of courage and sacrifice, Sgt. Ryan’s story moved attendees and served as a powerful reminder of the values the Republican Party continues to champion—duty, honor, and country.

Prominent Republican leaders, including Congressman Mike Lawler, Rockland County Executive Ed Day, New York State Senator Bill Weber, and Clarkstown Town Supervisor George Hoehmann were all in attendance. Speakers delivered impactful speeches that celebrated the party’s achievements and future goals. Their messages focused on community empowerment, economic growth, and strong local governance, rallying attendees around a renewed commitment to public service.

“Our party is stronger and more resilient than ever,” said Congressman Mike Lawler. “Events like this remind us that we are poised to drive meaningful progress and build a brighter future for Rockland County.”

The event also brought together a wide range of local dignitaries, party chairs, elected officials, and community leaders, reflecting the broad coalition that supports Republican values in Rockland County. A heartfelt thank you was extended to the Lincoln Ball Committee and all event sponsors, whose dedication and support made the evening a resounding success.

As Rockland County prepares for upcoming elections and continued civic engagement, the Lincoln Day Victory Ball served as a rallying point for the Rockland County Republican Party.

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