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38BF67DC.FIN Page 100 of 155 economic prosperity. The Clinton-Gore Administration's FY2001 budget proposes an expanded New Markets initiative and Empowerment Zone program, a new program known as First Accounts, creation of the new Delta Regional Authority, new initiatives to close the Digital Divide, efforts to expand opportunities to Native Americans as well as other programs that will provide distressed communities with additional opportunities to succeed. The New Markets Initiative. The President's budget provides tax credits and loans guarantee incentives to stimulate $22 billion of new private capital investments in economically distressed communities around the country and build a network of private investment institutions to funnel credit, equity and technical assistance to businesses in America's new markets. In addition, the budget proposes a new initiative, known as First Accounts that will provide low-cost bank accounts for working families. ? More Than Doubling the New Markets Tax Credit. The President proposes to more than double the New Markets tax credit to spur $15 billion in new investment in community development in economically distressed areas. An entity making new equity investments in a selected community development project would be eligible for a tax credit worth 25 percent of the cost of the investment. A variety of vehicles providing equity and credit to businesses in underserved areas would be eligible. The total cost of the tax credits amounts to $5 billion over 10 years. ? Expanded Empowerment Zones. The proposed expanded wage credits, tax incentives, and new round of urban and rural EZs will extend and improve economic