Identifying Local Opportunities

"There is nothing wrong with America that cannot be cured by what is right with America."
-Bill Clinton

1. Portable Water Purification System
Title: Stabenow tells CNN state had 'no sense of urgency' in water crisis
Link: http://infoweb.newsbank.com/resources/doc/nb/news/15A938A7020620A0?p=AWNB
Story Description: On the 23rd of January, Molly Young reports that the state of Michigan was very lackadaisical in responding to the situation in Flint.
Problem Description: High levels of lead poisoning in the waters of Flint, Michigan have led to massive damage in the city's infrastructure (estimated at 1.5 billion dollars) and have poisoned hundreds of people
Who Has the Problem: Residents of Flint, Michigan

2. High Speed Rail System
Title: EPA's proposed ozone rule will slow down North Texas Commuters
Link: http://www.star-telegram.com/opinion/opn-columns-blogs/other-voices/article56156110.html
Story Description: The story chronicles how non-compliance increased regulations on air quality in Northern Texas could lead to a decrease in federal funding for roads and bridges, which could increase congestion.
Problem Description: Currently North Texas is currently over the federal requirement when it comes to transit emissions. This has raised the issue of what ways could circumvent these new proposed regulations
Who Has the Problem: Commuters in Northern Texas

3.Public-Private School Care Program
Title: Fixing School Funding: Illinois' antiquated school aid formula doesn't work
Link: http://illinoistimes.com/article-13787-fixing-school-funding.html
Story Description: The story goes into detail of effects of not increasing funding for public education
Problem Description: Currently 67% of Illinois school districts are reporting deficit spending, which has led freshman state senator Andy Manar from Bunker Hill to write a bill that reworks how funding works.
Who Has the Problem: Tax payers of Illinois, students of public school districts in Illinois

4. Permanent Fresh Food Market in east Gainesville
Title: Groceries Continue Opening in West Gainesville, East Remains a Food Desert
Link: http://www.wuft.org/news/2015/09/14/groceries-continue-opening-in-west-gainesville-east-remains-a-food-desert/
Story Description: The story chronicles the disparities in the amount of groceries stores in west Gainesville as to east Gainesville
Problem Description: The USDA currently classifies large amounts of eastern Gainesville and Alachua County as 'food deserts' or regions that go without areas to get fresh, healthy food for its citizens.
Who Has the Problem: Residents of eastern Gainesville

5. All inclusive Homeless Shelter (Housing, Basic Job Training)
Title: Former Homeless man helps others now living on the streets
Link: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/article56351340.html
Story Description: The story talks about Paul Johnson as he works to combat homelessness in St. Augustine, Florida
Problem Description: There is a problem in evaluating how many homeless people are in St. Augustine and how effect previous efforts have been to combat it
Who Has the Problem: Homeless population of St. Augustine