Rural Reporter
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Report: Wisconsin Municipalities Depend Most on Property Taxes
Cities and villages in Wisconsin rely more heavily on property taxes than any other state in the Midwest, and to a greater degree than most states nationally, according to a new report by the nonpartisan, independent Wisconsin Policy Forum.
The report, “Dollars and Sense: Is it time for a new municipal financing framework in Wisconsin?” finds that in a region of twelve Midwestern states, Wisconsin is the only state in which municipalities generally are authorized to levy only the property tax, and is the only state in which property taxes represent the largest share of municipal revenue. Read the full report here, executive summary here, or view the interactive data here. (Source and Image: Wisconsin Policy Forum) -
New Report Examines Medicaid Expansion Across States
A new study that compares private sector health insurance costs and emergency room visits in states that expanded Medicaid eligibility and those that did not concludes that Medicaid expansion in Wisconsin would cost taxpayers an annual $600 million, increase private healthcare costs as providers seek to make up for low Medicaid rates, and see an increase in emergency room visits.
The study, titled The Impact of Medicaid Expansion: Examining the cost to consumers and the net impact on Wisconsin, comes from the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty and the Center for Research on the Wisconsin Economy (CROWE) at the University of Wisconsin. Evers has said he plans to include Medicaid expansion in his budget proposal, which will be announced at the end of this month.
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Do Hospital Closures Affect Patient Time in an Ambulance?
When a hospital closes in a community, patients needing emergency care may spend more time in an ambulance to receive care in an emergency department. A study at the University of Kentucky examined how a hospital closure affects patient transport time in both rural and urban areas.
The study found that for rural calls, the mean transport time prior to a hospital closure was about 14 minutes, and increased to about 25 minutes after a hospital closed. In urban areas, the report found there was no change in transport times after a hospital had closed. (Source and Image: University of Kentucky's Rural and Underserved Health Research Center; Image describes hospital closures, with rural closures shown as diamonds) -
The Sustainability of Rural Hospitals
A new report from Navigant, a management consulting company based in Chicago, finds that hospitals across the nation are at high financial risk of closing unless their financial situations improve. Thirty four states have what the report considers five or more rural hospitals at high financial risk, including Wisconsin. Several factors cited for the problem include a 'degradation' of the payer mix, declining inpatient care, and inability to leverage innovation.
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State Lawmakers Propose Tax Break For Caregivers
A bipartisan group of state lawmakers is introducing a plan that would give family members a tax break to offset the out-of-pocket costs of caregiving. The tax credit would cover various expenses, including home improvements needed for mobility or safety, legal or financial services or a personal-care attendant, reports Wisconsin Public Radio. Governor Tony Evers also announced this week that he has commissioned a task force to examine the issue. (Photo: skeeze, Pixabay)
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Let’s Move Salad Bars to Schools (LMSB2S) - Chef Ann Foundation (Deadline: 12/31/2020)While there is growing awareness of the health and educational benefits that salad bars provide to kids, many school districts are unable to afford the basic equipment needed to adopt this strategy. LMSB2S is committed to helping schools make this positive change. Applications are accepted year round. Funding »
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Rural Feasibility Study Grant Program – AgStar Financial Services (Deadline: 12/31/2020)The purpose of the program is to fund feasibility studies that may result in economic development for rural areas in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis until all funds have been awarded. Funding »
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Hometown Care Energy Fund - Alliant Energy (Deadline: 12/31/2020)From unexpected debts to unemployment, there are many reasons families fall behind on their energy bills. Some even have to make a choice between paying their bills and getting enough to eat - but with your generosity, help is available. Through the Fund, Alliant Energy offers free, confidential financial help for the elderly, disabled and families trying to make ends meet. Gifts are accepted on an ongoing basis to help those in need. Funding »
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Transforming Clinical Practices Initiative (TCPI) – National Rural Accountable Care Organization Consortium (Deadline: 12/31/2020)Funding will assist more than 500 rural communities in preparing for and participating in the new value-based payment models through this program. Understanding and preparing for value-based payment models is a priority for rural healthcare providers across the country. The Initiative provides a proven road map to follow and will provide participants with access to industry-leading expertise and the technical resources that are necessary for success. Funding »
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Use of Civil Money Penalty – WI Dept of Health Services (Deadline: 12/31/2020)CMP funds are available to qualified entities (nursing home stakeholders, e.g., as facilities, consumer groups, professional nursing home associations, advocacy groups, quality improvement organizations) to support proposals designed to improve the quality of care and life of persons living in nursing homes. Proposals are accepted during the following time periods: January 1 thru April 1 and July 1 thru October 1. Funding »
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Loan Repayment Program – Indian Health Service (Deadline: 08/15/2019)The LRP funds IHS clinicians to repay their eligible health profession education loans — up to $40,000 — in exchange for an initial two-year service commitment to practice in health facilities serving American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Applications are accepted October 1 through August 15. Funding »
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Workplace Wellness Grant Program – Wisconsin Department of Health Services (Deadline: 12/31/2019)New legislation was enacted in March 2014 to provide grants to small businesses with 50 employees or less that create workplace wellness programs. You can only apply for one year of expense reimbursement until the grant program ends on December 31, 2019. Funding »
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Community Benefit – Delta Dental of Wisconsin (Deadline: 12/31/2020)Funding priorities are for community donations are to help at-risk children, special-needs populations, and improving overall health. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Funding »
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Oral-Health Grants – Delta Dental of Wisconsin (Deadline: 12/31/2020)Funding can include: Safety-net dental clinics (serving Medicaid and/or uninsured individuals). Dental screenings, varnish, and sealant programs. Oral health education programs. Dental workforce scholarships. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Funding »
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Physician Citizen of the Year Award - Wisconsin Medical Society (Deadline: 12/31/2019)This award recognizes and encourages Wisconsin physicians who volunteer their time and talents through civic and cultural activities—helping to improve the health and well-being of their communities. Funding »
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Field Trip Grants – Target (Deadline: 12/31/2020)Some of the best learning opportunities happen outside the classroom. Funding helps to bring students once-in-a-lifetime learning experiences through field trips they'll never forget. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis with an October 1 deadline each year. Funding »
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Let's Play Imagination Playground Grant – KaBoom! (Deadline: 12/31/2020)This is an innovative design in play equipment that encourages creativity, communication, and collaboration in play. With a collection of custom-designed, oversized blue foam parts, Imagination Playground provides a changing array of elements that allow children to turn their playground into a space constantly built and re-built by their imagination. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis. Funding »
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Community Enhancement Grants - Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin (Deadline: 03/04/2019)These flexible resources provide funding for innovative projects that have a positive impact on enriching life in the community. Application deadline is the first business day of March, June, September, and December. Funding »
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Forest Fire Protection (FFP) Grant Program – Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (Deadline: 07/01/2019)Grants are available to Wisconsin fire departments and county/area fire associations and are intended to expand the use of local fire departments to augment and strengthen the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) overall initial-attack fire suppression capabilities on forest fires. Applications are accepted on a yearly basis. Funding »
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Evidence for Action: Investigator-Initiated Research to Build a Culture of Health - RWJF (Deadline: 12/31/2020)This program aims to provide individuals, organizations, communities, policymakers, and researchers with the empirical evidence needed to address the key determinants of health encompassed in the Culture of Health Action Framework. In addition, Evidence for Action will also support efforts to assess outcomes and set priorities for action. It will do this by encouraging and supporting creative, rigorous research on the impact of innovative programs, policies and partnerships on health and well-being, and on novel approaches to measuring health determinants and outcomes. Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Funding »
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Circle of Excellence - American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (Deadline: 08/15/2019)AACN believes acute and critical care nurses deserve recognition for all that they do every day for patients, families and our profession. Up to 25 individuals who exemplify excellence in the care of acutely and critically ill patients and their families will be chosen. Applications accepted on an ongoing yearly basis. Funding »
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RWHC Rural Health Ambassador Award (Deadline: 04/15/2019)The Award recognizes employees at member hospitals who have gone above the call of duty in promoting their respective organizations, and made significant contributions to rural health care in general. Applications are accepted on a yearly basis ~ Check RWHC for exact deadline date. Funding »
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Community Engagement Award - Quarles & Brady-RWHC (Deadline: 06/30/2019)The purpose of the award is to recognize a RWHC Member Hospital demonstrating exemplary leadership and service to strengthen community partnerships. Applications are accepted on a yearly basis. Funding »
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Community Development Block Grant, Economic Development – WI Dept of Administration (Deadline: 12/31/2020)Grant funds are awarded to local governments to assist businesses to create or retain jobs for individuals with low and moderate incomes. Examples of eligible projects include: business loans to expand facilities or purchase equipment, specialized employee training, or business infrastructure projects. Applications accepted on a ongoing basis. Funding »
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Fire Prevention Grant - FM Global (Deadline: 03/31/2019)Fire departments and brigades, as well as national, state, regional, local and community organizations can apply for funding to support a wide array of fire prevention, preparedness and control efforts, including: Pre-fire planning for commercial, industrial and institutional facilities; Fire and arson prevention and investigation; and Fire prevention education and training programs. Applications are reviewed three times per year on an ongoing basis. Funding »
