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
Health Care: Expanding Access to Health Care and Funding to Reduce Racial Disparities
Governor Evers’ proposed budget takes steps to expand access to care, prioritizes maternal and infant health, boosts funding for health care providers, and expands the scope of services that Medicaid will pay for.
Good Budget News Relating to BadgerCare and Medicaid
There was some good news this week from the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) relating to Medicaid and the potential expansion of BadgerCare. That news came on Tuesday when Senators John Erpenbach and Jennifer Shilling both released a Fiscal Bureau memo that...
Cost of Wisconsin’s Corrections Policies Extend far beyond Dollars Spent
Taxpayers, families, and communities are bearing the cost of Wisconsin’s outdated corrections policies, according to a new report from the Wisconsin Budget Project. Wisconsin residents pay a high price in dollars for Wisconsin’s over-reliance on incarceration. State...
The US Department of Justice Weighs in on the Proper Role for School Resource Officers (SRO)
As part of a Kentucky court case in which two elementary students were handcuffed by the SRO, the US Department of Justice submitted a Statement of Interest about the how SRO’s should deal with youth, particular students with disabilities. In the statement, DOJ...
The Flawed Budget Process Has Gotten Even Worse
On July 2nd we finally saw the product of more than a month of closed door meetings about the state budget bill – during which time the budget committee didn’t have a single open meeting. After a process that excluded the public but included special interest groups,...
Top 10 Reasons to Take the Federal Funds to Improve BadgerCare
*Updated May 27, 2015* The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides funding for states to expand health insurance coverage for low-income adults who have income below 138% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Thus far, Wisconsin has not taken advantage of the increased...
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