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
Smoke-Free Wisconsin Law Helping Kids by Decreasing Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Community and Homes
Yesterday, the Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ), a publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society, published a new study showing that exposure to secondhand smoke has decreased both inside and outside of homes in Wisconsin since the statewide smoke-free law went into...
Sizing up the Cuts for Kids from Sequestration
House Plans Would Cut Even More than the Anticipated $6.5 Billion in FY 2013The broad federal budget cuts known as sequestration will begin in January to make deep cuts in federal funding for services to kids. A new two-page fact sheet by First Focus summarizes the...
The Cost of Juvenile Crime: At Least Part of the Cost!
The Division of Juvenile Corrections (DJC) has released a report in response to 2011 Act 32 in which they were directed to gather information about juvenile justice expenditures and services throughout Wisconsin, including both expenditures by the DJC as well as by...
Is it Working for Kids for Juvenile Justice and the Safety of Our Communities
Like other states, Wisconsin has seen significant declines in juvenile crime over the past decade or more, as measured by the number of youth arrested, the number of delinquency charges filed in court, and the number of youth placed in institutions. WCCF previously...
Is it Working for Kids in Need of Protection?
Protecting maltreated children is one of the most important functions of state government as these children are among the most vulnerable among us. Thus, it is good news that compared to many areas of child and family programming, child welfare is doing relatively...
Is it Working for Teens?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of Wisconsin teens are sexually active, but less than 65% of those teens reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter. 1 in 4 teens nationwide has at least one STD, with Wisconsin having...
Is it Working for Public University Students and their Families?
College students have felt the impact of recent changes in Wisconsin. Students at UW-Madison, students at the UW-Marathon County, students from all across Wisconsin, big and small colleges, have seen an increase in the number of students in their classes, and a...
How is it Working for Children with Disabilities?
by the Survival Coalition of Wisconsin Disability OrganizationsThe biennial budget and subsequent action by the legislature get mixed reviews by parents of children with disabilities. Among the most fragile families in Wisconsin are those with a child with a...
Is it Working for Technical College Students and Their Families?
Thanks to the deep recession and anemic recovery, there has been unprecedented demand for classes in the state’s technical colleges. Record numbers of young people recently out of high school and older displaced or underemployed workers are looking to Wisconsin’s...
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.
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.