Connections Podcast

One aspect of President Biden's $1.9 trillion stimulus plan is focused on helping people with disabilities. If passed, the American Rescue Plan would end the subminimum wage for people with disabilities. The decades-old option allowed employers to pay workers with disabilities less than minimum wage; in some states, they were paid as little as $2.13 an hour. Biden’s plan would also provide stimulus payments for adults with disabilities who are considered dependents; those individuals were

What can be done to promote unity in this country? One idea being floated is requiring some kind of community service when people turn 18. What do you think? We talk about what this kind of service could look like, if it should be volunteer or paid work, mandatory or optional. Our guests: Matt Kelly , independent journalist, co-owner of Hunt Country Vineyards, and volunteer EMT and firefighter Shanterra Randle-Mitchum, educator in the Rochester City School District, and project coordinator for

We get an update from the Rochester City School District. Superintendent Lesli Myers-Small is asking the Finger Lakes Reopening Schools Safely Task Force to conduct an independent review of the RCSD's reopening plan. The request comes after a Rochester Teacher's Association survey indicated that the majority of RTA members want the district to remain in remote learning until 70 percent of teachers receive a vaccine. The district has returned to in-person/hybrid learning under a three-phased plan

Thousands of people in the Finger Lakes region have received a COVID-19 vaccine, and hundreds of thousands more are still waiting for their turn. Many who are eligible have tried to schedule appointments, only to find that there isn't enough vaccine supply. Others are asking when the state will open up their phases. Our guests are the co-leaders of the Monroe County Vaccination Task Force. We spend the hour discussing what distribution looks like in Monroe County, how to access an appointment

New York State is on a path to legalizing recreational marijuana. Governor Cuomo says the time has come to allow adult use, regulated by New York State, and benefiting communities that have been disproportionately affected by the so-called "War on Drugs." So what would legal cannabis look like in this state? And what should it look like? Our guests: Jawanza James Williams , director of organizing at VOCAL-NY , and member of the StartSMART NY campaigns Meaghan Feenan , member of the statewide

We talk to landlords about the struggles they are experiencing during the pandemic. Large corporations that own properties are doing quite well, but many properties are owned by local individuals who are struggling to pay their mortgages. They're concerned that landlords are being stereotyped. We discuss it with our guests, who are landlords: Pastor Fritz Longabaugh Pat Gallagher Karl Weekes

What do you need to know when it's your turn to receive a COVID-19 vaccine? We've talked with local vaccine recipients who have shared their experiences with us. Some have said the language used in the vaccine fact sheets and disclosure forms is confusing. The vaccines are safe and have been vetted, but what's the difference between Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) and FDA approval ? How long will we have to wear masks and practice physical distancing? Our guests answer your questions, and they

What can employers do if workers refuse to get vaccinated for COVID-19? What can employees do if they don't want a vaccine, but are being told they must get one? Where are the lines drawn? Who is protected by the law? These workplace debates about vaccines are already popping up. Our guests are attorneys who try to help us navigate these questions: Karlee Bolaños , attorney with Bolaños Lowe Jack Tuckner, founding partner of Tuckner, Sipser, Weinstock & Sipser Elizabeth Cordello , chair of

We hear reaction to Governor Cuomo's 2021 state budget address from our guests: Assemblymember Jen Lunsford , District 135 Karen DeWitt , Capitol Bureau Chief for New York State Public Radio

Marvel Comics is facing pressure to stop using one of its most popular symbols and characters. During the riot at the U.S. Capitol, multiple extremists were wearing the signature skull symbol worn by Marvel's Frank Castle, also known as The Punisher. The character is a kind of anti-hero, and employs torture and violence to achieve his goals. Some Marvel fans are asking the comic book publisher to consider a different set of options: instead of retiring The Punisher, or at least the logo, they