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.

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.

Research & Publications

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...

Balancing the Medicaid Budget: Opportunities and Challenges

The budget request submitted by the Department of Health Services (DHS) last week estimates that Wisconsin’s share of the cost of maintaining the Medicaid budget will grow by about $452 million during the next two fiscal years (2017-19), relative to the current base....

Good News on BadgerCare Enrollment and Budget 

There have been a couple of items of good news this month for Medicaid and BadgerCare: enrollment is up, and projected spending is down. That’s an unusual but very welcome combination of trend lines. The increase in BadgerCare participation offsets a gradual reduction...

Share your Story

How would tax reform and an equitable budget benefit your family or community?

Join our mailing list below to receive powerful analysis and ways to get involved sent straight to your inbox.

Sign up for Emails

Your address helps us identify your legislators and the most relevant messages to send you.