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
Immigration: Providing Opportunity for Wisconsinites Who are Immigrants
Wisconsin is home to a diverse population of immigrants, contributing to our communities’ economic and social fabric.
Why Wisconsin Should Expand BadgerCare – In One Graph
There are lots of reasons why Wisconsin should expand BadgerCare, but a graph in a Kaiser Commission report issued last week makes it especially clear. That bar graph, shown below, vividly illustrates that from a budget perspective no other state has nearly as much to...
Wisconsin’s Medicaid Deficit Grows to $93 Million, as Cost of Rejecting Federal Funds Rises Sharply
Enrollment of childless adults in BadgerCare is far above the anticipated level, and that’s having a significant effect on the state budget. The much higher than anticipated cost of covering that population means Wisconsin could save far more than previously...
Overview of the Harsh Effects of the Ryan Budget
Last week the House voted 219-205 to approve the budget resolution for fiscal year 2015 drafted by Wisconsin Representative Paul Ryan, who chairs the House Budget Committee. The bad news is that the House has once again gone on record in support of a budget plan that...
Study Examines Workforce Challenges and Income Inequality among Milwaukee County Families
Economic Stress of Milwaukee’s Working Poor Exacerbated by EITC Cut A recently released report highlights severe income disparities among working families in Milwaukee County and growing challenges for many families, particularly single mothers raising children. The...
Assembly Votes Tuesday on Constitutional Convention for a Balanced Budget Amendment
There hasn’t been a national Constitutional Convention since 1787, and a number of conservative groups want to change that. They are seeking to complete an effort that started several decades ago to convene a Constitutional Convention for purposes of developing an...
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