5A- Identifying local opportunities

1. “Jacksonville offers grants to assist unpaid federal workers” By Steve Patterson

https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AFTUB%21Florida%2BTimes-Union%252C%2BThe%2B%2528Jacksonville%252C%2BFL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0119%21January%2B19&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/1710D72522EE3708

In this article written on the 19th of January 2019, the governor states that Jacksonville, Florida has implemented a grant program for federal workers who have been furloughed or had their federal pay stop.

This article discusses the issues presented to federal workers who can no longer afford to feed their families, or pay rent/mortgages because of the federal government shutdown. Many federal workers have been affected by this shutdown and as time goes on this issues are becoming increasingly worse. The article states that affected families should also contact JEA for deferred payments.

This article relays the issues being experienced by the federal workers who are currently furloughed or still required to work without pay. I believe this affects all federal workers who are furloughed or still required to work and their families. Many people are unable to pay for basic necessities like food, or rent. Which in return affects landlords and their families.

2. “Is Florida at risk of recession?” by Marcia Heroux Pounds

https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0115%21January%2B15&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/170F6F1A6E176C58

In this article written on the 15th of January 2019, Pounds discusses that Florida’s risk of entering a recession has doubled within the past year.

This article states that Florida has more job openings than qualified people to fill the positions. Although Florida’s economy is outperforming most of the country, the economic effects of China’s slowing economy and Brexit could still have an impact on Florida’s economy.

The risk of Florida going through an economy affects the people of Florida, and potentially the rest of the US. Considering Florida is the 17th largest economy in the world, a recession in Florida, could have trickle effects into many other economies.

3. “DeSantis: End ban on medical pot By Zac Anderson GateHouse Florida” written by Zac Anderson

https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AFTUB%21Florida%2BTimes-Union%252C%2BThe%2B%2528Jacksonville%252C%2BFL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0118%21January%2B18&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/171082BBD738ABF0

This article written on January 18th 2019, explains that Florida's Governor Ron Desantis called on Florida legislature to repeal a ban on smoking medical marijuana.

The problem presented in this article is that “GOP-controlled legislature” has failed to repeal the ban on smoking medical marijuana when 70% of Florida voters have voted in favor of the use of medical marijuana. Desantis expresses his concern for the provisions of the law, stating that a new bill must be introduced by mid march to mitigate the ban on the use of medical marijuana.

This affects all people who have reason to use medical marijuana. The state of Florida is making it very hard for these people to receive the medicine they need in order to relieve their pain. This affects all people who have medicinal reasons for smoking marijuana, and also businesses who plan to make an entry into the medical marijuana industry.

4. “Tesla to cut 7 percent of workforce as road ahead looks 'very difficult'” written by Rex Crum

https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AARSB%21St.%2BAugustine%2BRecord%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0118%21January%2B18&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/1710BB15F1E4FEB8

This article written on the 18th of January 2019, states that Tesla has planned fire seven percent of their workforce.

The need to cut the workforce stems from Musk’s need to cut the price of Tesla Model 3. Musk states the cars need to be viewed as a mass market electric car, rather than a niche luxury car.

This affects the Tesla employees who will be left out of a job.

5. “Fla. student debt ranks highest in country - Experian study says rate spiked 35% in three-year timespan” written by Aric Chokey

https://infoweb-newsbank-com.lp.hscl.ufl.edu/apps/news/document-view?p=WORLDNEWS&t=pubname%3AORLB%21Orlando%2BSentinel%252C%2BThe%2B%2528FL%2529/year%3A2019%212019/mody%3A0122%21January%2B22&f=advanced&action=browse&format=text&docref=news/1711BDECA5359E98

In this article, written on the 22nd of January, Chokey states that Florida holds the highest rate of student debt.

This article explains that Florida has the highest ranked amount of student debt in the country. It is stated that there are many possible reasons as to why Florida’s student debt has increased 35% in three years. Possibly that more people with student debt are moving to Florida. Possible solutions mentioned to this pressing issue is requiring students to do an extensive entrance counseling course about loans.

The people affected by this problem are those who have acquired large amounts of student debt.