12:00: New York's crackdown on scalpers
1:00: No Tax on Tips Act
Why are concert tickets so expensive and who is really profiting? As New York lawmakers weigh a bill that would let artists block ticket resales, we take a closer look at how this plays out between musicians, fans, and powerful resale platforms like StubHub. We break down what the proposed policy could mean for the live music economy, and why some say it could hand even more power to Ticketmaster. We also hear from musicians and venue owners who’ve seen the impact of scalping firsthand. What’s the real cost of a ticket when it’s resold for five times its face value? And what alternatives exist to make live events more affordable and fair? Guest host Gino Fanelli addresses those questions with our panelists:
- Jimmy Vielkind, state government and politics reporter for WNYC
- Dan Armbruster, lead singer and founding member of Joywave
- Zack Mikida, owner/operator of Anthology
Then in our second hour, there’s growing momentum behind a proposal in Congress to eliminate federal income taxes on tipped earnings. Supporters of the “No Tax on Tips Act” argue it would put more money in the pockets of service workers. But critics say it might do more to help employers and high earners than the people who depend on tips to survive. This hour, guest host Gino Fanelli and his guests break down what the legislation would actually do, and what it wouldn’t. We hear from experts, organizers, and workers about what this means for take-home pay, wage structures, and labor protections. Our guests:
- Kent Gardner, economist
- Casey Moore, organizing director of Workers United Upstate NY
- Melissa Fleischut, president and CEO of the New York State Restaurant Association
- Maria Stojanova-Montoya, bartender and high school English teacher
*Note: "Connections" is livestreamed each day on the WXXI News YouTube channel. Watch here.
