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
Public Assistance: 2017-2018 Legislative Summary
PDF of this summary. Advocates were surprised this year when a sweeping package of changes to public assistance was introduced late in the legislative session and was quickly approved by the legislature. Within just a few weeks of when they were introduced, the...
Taxes: 2017-2018 Legislative Summary
PDF of this summary. The second half of a two-year legislative session typically includes debate on a number of tax bills, especially when updates to budget projections increase the size of the state’s estimated closing balance. That was true again this year, and as...
The Contributions of Immigrants in Wisconsin are Critical to Shared Prosperity
Immigrants are an intrinsic part of our nation, our state, and our communities. Every day immigrants care for family members, go to school, advocate for positive changes, and connect with other residents in the farmlands, small towns, and cities of Wisconsin. Their...
A Constitutional Convention Is A Risky and Dangerous Way to Amend the U.S. Constitution
Kids Forward Executive Director Ken Taylor delivered the following remarks on November 7, 2017 at the Wisconsin State Capitol at an event organized in opposition to Assembly Joint Resolution 21, which would call for a constitutional convention—something that would put...
Trump Budget Forces States to Plan for Community Mental Health Cuts
While the debate around the fate of the Affordable Care Act has dominated the news over the past few months, other threats to health care have been brewing. In Wisconsin, advocates, providers, lawmakers, and individuals and families affected by mental health...
Meet the New Kids Forward
Kids Forward Executive Director Ken Taylor delivered the following remarks at our rebranding launch event, A New Name, A New Look, A Renewed Mission, on July 11, 2017. "One of the keys to our organization’s longevity is that we have been willing and able to look...
Senate Budget Proposal Fails to Include Governor Walker’s Tax Cut for Low-Income Working Parents
The budget proposal released this week by Republicans in the Wisconsin Senate fails to include a tax cut for low-income working parents that was proposed by Governor Walker. That change would result in more than 129,000 working parents with low incomes paying $23...
We Can Fund What We Need to Fund
For thousands of years, people have recognized the responsibility of a compassionate society to care for, support, encourage, and provide a quality life for all people, including the most vulnerable among us. To this end we establish governments, elect leaders and...
Wisconsin’s Estimate of Medicaid Savings Grows to $638 Million
Two Reports Bring Wisconsin Good News about the Medicaid Budget The projected savings in Wisconsin’s current Medicaid budget have grown even larger since the last estimate was released just a couple of weeks ago. In addition, it now appears that the federal share of...
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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