First hour: What's happening with photonics in Rochester?
Second hour: Discussing the proposed changes to the SNAP program
Rochester is known for its work in optics and photonics, and now an accelerator program hopes to expand the next generation of technology in these areas. But what's happening with photonics specifically in the region? Who are the companies who have received state support to grow their businesses in Rochester? We'll have an update, and explore the Luminate NY initiative. Our guests:
- Vinnie Esposito, Finger Lakes Regional Director for Empire State Development
- Sujatha Ramanujan, managing director for Luminate NY
- Jason Babcock, founder and CEO of Positive Science
- Dimitri Chernyak, vice president of research and development at Intelon Optics
Then in our second hour, President Trump wants to reduce funding for food stamp programs and change the way the SNAP program works. Critics have called it the "Blue Apron of food stamps," arguing that people in poverty deserve choice, and can't always accommodate specific food preparation needs. The White House, and Republicans in Congress like Tom Reed, point to the need to crack down on fraud and waste. We'll explore his proposal and hear from people in the food access movement. Our guests:
- Mitch Gruber, chief program officer for Foodlink, and member of Rochester City Council
- Florence Clemmons, managers of the Curbside Market
- Mark Dwyer, communications manager at Foodlink
