Kids Forward is a statewide antiracist policy center that inspires action and advocates for children and families of color and those furthest from opportunity in Wisconsin. We envision a Wisconsin where every child thrives.
Updates
Calling all Artists: Reimagining Wisconsin Through Art
For more than 140 years, Kids Forward has been fighting for a Wisconsin where every child and family has an opportunity to thrive, especially children and families of color. We believe building a better future takes more than policy. Through Reimagine Wisconsin—our...
From La Crosse to Langlade, Families Need Lasting Affordability–Not Gimmicks
Kids Forward strongly opposes the spending package proposed by Governor Evers and Republican legislative leadership. It relies on one-time money to paper over long-term challenges, all while legislators preparing to leave office pass the responsibility—and the...
How Federal Decisions Impact Immigrant Communities in Wisconsin
“Hasta la Raíz” song by Natalia Lafourcade & Leonel Garcia; check out our full curated playlist here – handpicked jams to keep the joy flowing! Natalia Lafourcade’s “Hasta la Raíz” captures a truth that resonates deeply with immigrant communities: no matter how...
Governor Signs Postpartum Medicaid Extension Bill
Today the Governor signed the postpartum Medicaid extension bill into law. For people that have given birth while on Medicaid/BadgerCare, they will have health insurance for a full year after giving birth, instead of the current 60 days. The bill, now Wisconsin Act...
A Step Forward for Opportunity, A Step Back for Safety & Dignity
Wisconsin expands opportunity for DACA recipients with AB 759, while AB 24 threatens to undermine safety, trust, and dignity for immigrant families. For Release: March 17, 2026Contact: Emily Miota, 262-853-6863 The WI State Senate passed Assembly Bill 759, a major...
Wisconsin Legislators Finally Pass Lifesaving Postpartum Care for New Moms
For Release: Thursday, February 19, 2026 Contact: Emily Miota, 262-853-6863 Today, the Wisconsin state assembly voted to ensure that new moms on Medicaid have health insurance for a year after giving birth, instead of the current 60 days. Wisconsin will soon become...
Beyond Borders
A Series on the Diversity of Immigrants and Refugees in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has been shaped by successive waves of newcomers seeking refuge, opportunity, and a place to call home. Our immigration and refugee series explores the significance and diversity of the immigrant narrative in shaping the past, present, and future of Wisconsin.
Publications
This Tax Day, It’s Time We Start Asking The Hard Questions Around Who Contributes
Read this editorial in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel here. Affordability Is a Promise But Only If We’re Honest About Who Pays “Affordability” has become the political word of the moment. From gas prices to groceries to child care, candidates across the spectrum are...
Funding for FoodShare: Good. Policing Food Choices: Bad.
Feds cut healthcare and food assistance to give more tax cuts to wealthiest Americans Last year, Trump & his supporters in Congress made the largest cuts to SNAP/FoodShare in history in order to give tax breaks to the rich. SNAP, aka FoodShare in Wisconsin, is one...
Wisconsin Agriculture, Hunger Relief Groups Call for Action to Support FoodShare
Last year, Trump & his supporters in Congress passed the Republican megabill. This bill gutted funding for a bunch of essential services our communities rely on in order to give tax breaks to the rich. One of those services was SNAP/FoodShare, which ensures that...
Race to Equity 10-Year Report: Dane County
The Race to Equity 10-Year Report unpacks how race, class, and, in some cases, gender impact Black Dane County residents.
Stories
It Takes a Village
Kris Marcum, Cottage Grove (WI) My husband and I are a two parent household, both working full-time outside the home. We have two boys, one is five, and one is two. They are the best of friends and share a love for playing with super fast race cars and monster trucks,...
Thoughts from a Child Care Center Administrator
Linda Kudrna, Cottage Grove (WI) I’ve always believed that caring for the youngest children in our communities is important. My “a-ha moment” happened years ago when my first child was four years old. I walked in the front door of what is now the Learning Ladder child...
“Not right now. Daddy’s on a work phone call.”
Alex Bean, New Glarus (WI) My name is Alex Bean. I’m a father of two boys; Isaac 6, and Dimitri 3. I work full-time, remotely since COVID started. My wife Kaylee is a cafe owner. We live in New Glarus, Wisconsin During the Pandemic Kaylee and I worked remotely...
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