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Public Policy Community Benefit Statement

YMCAs were founded to serve the whole person: spirit, mind and body. The YMCA of Metropolitan Milwaukee provides much-needed programming and services that focus on the healthy lifestyles of individuals, families and children in the metropolitan Milwaukee area, regardless of income, age or ability. The YMCA earns its 501(c)(3) tax exemption from the IRS based on several factors:

In the absence of a YMCA, the costs of its services would be borne by taxpayers through government-funded programs (which are often less effective and more costly);
The YMCA reinvests all income back into the community;
The YMCA is accessible to the whole community - no one is turned away that can not pay, and;
The YMCA's programming and activities follow its mission.

The IRS has specifically determined that adult fitness is a charitable act when accessible to all. In 2001, the State of Wisconsin Legislature passed Wis. Act 16, which specifically identifies the YMCA as a benevolent organization exempt from Wisconsin property taxes. Our organization believes that a fee charged for municipal services not actually rendered is a tax. We earn our exemption every day by building strong kids, strong families and strong communities. As such, we will not agree to any PILOTs or taxes characterized as fees.