It's the People's Money
Paying taxes is how we build a strong foundation where everyone—from Menomonie to Milwaukee—can thrive. But, for decades the wealthy few have rigged our tax code so they pay less than their fair share. Then, they work to pit our families against each other based on our zip code, so they can hoard the wealth our work creates. As a result of these intentional policy choices and unjust structure, Wisconsin’s racial and economic disparities are some of the worst in the country.
Previously known as the Wisconsin Budget Project, we’re working to ensure every family has the opportunity to thrive, especially those most impacted by disinvestment, and not just the powerful few.
Reclaim. Rebuild.
Reimagine.
Join us to unrig the rules that benefit the wealthy few. View our full policy agenda.
Research & Publications
Wisconsin’s Surplus Deal Didn’t Pass the Test
We applaud the legislators who put Wisconsin families over politics Last week the Governor’s problematic surplus deal was blocked in the Senate. This deal represents more than just a partisan disagreement about schools and taxes. At its core, this disagreement demands...
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...
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...
An Economy that Works for Us
Every parent and caregiver in Wisconsin deserves a secure foundation to raise their family. But, for decades, the wealthy and powerful few have rigged the system for their gain, stripping away worker protections and a basic foundation for families, all to pad their...
Counties, Faith Leaders, Health Pros to Legislators: Keep Food on the Table for 700,000 Wisconsinites
In an effort to protect critical food support for thousands of Wisconsinites, local nonprofit organizations are urging members of the Wisconsin State Legislature to fully and immediately support the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ (DHS) request for funding to...
Children & Families at Risk of Losing Critical Food Support
Main Takeaways Resources like SNAP are a public good that provides nutrition to families and sustains our local farmers and grocers. The federal Republican megabill, which passed in July, cuts food assistance to adults and families. It also includes more red tape and...
2025-2027 State Budget: Our Final Take
On July 3, 2025, Governor Evers signed the 2025-2027 State Budget. Ultimately this budget doesn't go nearly far enough to address the everyday struggles of Wisconsin families, especially families of color and those furthest from opportunity. But there were a few...
Doing the Right Thing, Punished Anyway: The IRS Puts Immigrants at Risk
A Guest Post by Lark Pinney Everyone in Wisconsin, regardless of where they were born, deserves to be able to work and pay taxes without fear of repercussions. Yet in April, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced it will share migrants’ data with Immigration and...
Black/White Racial Disparities Remain in Wisconsin, Indicators Show
For Release: Monday, June 9, 2025Contact: Emily Miota, 262-853-6863, [email protected] Download as PDF State Decision Makers Can Make Targeted Investments in the State Budget to Address Them Yet again, Wisconsin leads the nation in many disparities in outcomes...
Analyzing the State Budget
At Kids Forward, we know that a budget is more than just numbers; it’s a statement of values. It shows who and what Wisconsin cares about. The Wisconsin state budget—negotiated every other year in odd years—is how we invest in the public infrastructure and supports that our families and communities need. Too often, powerful, wealthy individuals and corporations influence our legislators to cut taxes instead of funding public schools, child care, and making health care more affordable. As a result, every day families struggle to make ends meet, services are harder to access, and the richest few continue to reap the benefits.
We dig through the state budget to provide community partners and advocates with the resources and tools they need to ensure the results of people’s hard work make it back to their communities. View our analyses and resources further below.
Fighting for an Equitable Tax and Revenue System
Families across Wisconsin are struggling to get by, and it shouldn’t be a surprise. Economic inequality has exploded over the past 40 years. In the last four decades, the wealthiest 20% of Wisconsinites have seen dramatic growth in their incomes, while everyone else has seen no increase or watched their income decline.
Kids Forward advocates for a fair and equitable tax system that benefits all. If the most wealthy few paid their fair share, Wisconsin could invest in critical services such as child care, health care, and a fair wage for all workers. We provide decision makers and community partners with the tools they need to advocate for a fairer tax system.
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