For the City Times

MADISON – This week, Rep. Katrina Shankland (D-Stevens Point) was honored by Wisconsin’s Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) for Distinguished Service by a Wisconsin Representative at the awards reception that closed CDFI Day at the Capitol.

In response, Rep. Shankland released the following statement:

“I’m honored to receive this recognition and appreciate all that Wisconsin’s CDFIs do to invest in and grow their local economies and communities. Over the years, I’ve enjoyed working with Mary Patoka and CAP Services to educate policymakers about CDFIs. CDFIs couple financial and social returns on investment, not just lending money, but also providing financial counseling and advice before and after making a loan.

They work closely with communities to spur development, add quality affordable housing, and grow small businesses. Many of our favorite small businesses in Central Wisconsin have benefited from lending from Community Assets for People, the CDFI that CAP Services manages.

“I’m inspired by the tremendous positive impact that CDFIs have had in Portage County and across Wisconsin, and that’s why for the last six years I have authored legislation to create an incentive for Wisconsinites to invest in CDFIs. I look forward to working on this legislation again with Wisconsin’s CDFIs to strengthen our community, economy, and state.”