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.
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.
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.
Research & Publications
Community Explainer: Rich Get Richer Under Proposed Tax Plan
Four tax proposals are making their way through the state legislature now, which would line the wallets of Wisconsin’s wealthy & overwhelmingly white. We anticipate them getting to the Governor’s desk by the end of the month.
K-12 Education in the Fox Valley
Every student in the Fox Valley region deserves to receive the educational support and resources needed to help them achieve a bright future. Over the past few years, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant impacts on students in Wisconsin. These challenges were...
Early Care & Education in the Fox Valley
Every child deserves a solid foundation in life, regardless of income. Affordable and accessible early care and education ensures that parents can get to work and sets children up for a strong start. The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how child care is critical for...
This Tax Day, Wisconsin Families Pay More in Taxes for Every Dollar they Earn than the Wealthiest 1%
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEFor Release: April 18, 2023Contact: Emily Miota, emiota@kidsforward.org This Tax Day, as many Wisconsin families struggle to make ends meet, the wealthiest Wisconsinites are allowed to pay a smaller share of their income to taxes than low and...
The State Budget is an Opportunity to Reduce Income Inequality
April 14, 2023 Whether Black, Brown, or white, rural or city, we all can thrive when state leaders invest in our children, families, and communities. The 2023-25 state budget provides an opportunity to leverage the state’s strong fiscal position to create a solid...
Restoring Driver Licenses to all Wisconsinites
Restoring access to driver licenses for every eligible Wisconsinite will keep families together, increase economic opportunities for working families, ensure safer roads, and boost state revenue. For decades, driver licenses had been available to immigrant drivers up...
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