Governor Announces $2.2 Million in Tax Credits for Access Community Health Center of Madison

Madison -- (June 22, 2005) -- Governor Jim Doyle today announced an allocation of $2.2 million in New Markets Tax Credits to help the Access Community Health Center (ACHC) of Madison to expand its operations in the next three years.

The tax credits are being awarded through the Wisconsin Community Development Legacy Fund, a consortium led by the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA). The investment uses part of a $100 million tax credit allocation secured by the development fund.

"This development will expand affordable health care options in Madison and create jobs," Governor Doyle said. "My 'Grow Wisconsin' economic development program stresses public-private partnerships. This tax credit allocation is the latest example of the kind of progress we've making."

The tax credits will help upgrade the center's William T. Evjue Clinic. The center will use the tax credits to refinance existing debt of $1.35 million, construct a 3,000 square foot addition to the clinic, and buy additional equipment. The expansion is expected to create at least 20 jobs and the health center will roughly double its overall service volume.

According to the Wisconsin Family Health Survey, about 32,000 residents of Dane County are without health insurance. In addition, one-third of the citizens of Dane County are without dental insurance and 74.8 percent of Medicaid eligible individuals are unable to find a dentist that will see them. ACHC currently turns away an average of 400 people each month who are seeking affordable health care.

Governor Doyle said that his Administration is committed to finding additional solutions to bridge this growing divide.

Community support for the project includes the Evjue Foundation, Dean Health System, UW Medical Foundation, the Oscar Rennebohm Foundation, CUNA Mutual Foundation, Community Development Block Grant - Madison, Madison Community Foundation, and dozens of other individuals and organizations. To date, more than $2.1 million of financial and in-kind contributions have been received or pledged. Tax credit financing for the deal will be provided by US Bank and the Dane Fund.

ACHC is the only primary health care clinic in Dane County that offers a published sliding fee scale and successfully helps patients overcome many of the other barriers faced in accessing primary health care. The center provides interpreter services, bilingual staff, cultural competency training for staff and volunteers, transportation assistance, and social and mental health services. The private, not-for-profit was established in 1982. The center also operates the primary health care William T. Evjue Clinic.

WHEDA is an independent state authority that works with lenders to provide affordable financing across the state. Under the Doyle Administration, WHEDA joined with Impact Seven and Legacy Bancorp in creating the fund and winning the federal tax credits. The credits are targeted to investment in distressed communities and neighborhoods across Wisconsin.