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
Is It Working for Underinsured Kids and Families?
Most children and families in Wisconsin are covered by private health insurance, but many people will tell you that the private insurance market is not working for children and families. Too many find themselves underinsured – losing their coverage when they need it...
Is It Working for Families with an Unemployed Parent?
The national economy has been slow to emerge from the Great Recession, and Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that Wisconsin has had the slowest rebound in employment of any state during 2011 and 2012. Yet despite the ongoing need for assistance for those...
Is it Working for K-12 Students?
State Government is not Keeping Its Promises to our Public Schools Tom Beebe, Outreach CoordinatorOpportunity to Learn - Wisconsin In today’s global environment, students in Wisconsin are no longer competing just with those in nearby school districts or states, but...
Is It Working for Children in Working Class Families?
What do low-income families need to thrive economically? For starters, they need jobs, a way to get to those jobs, and health care that enables them to hold onto those jobs and be productive workers. They also need a tax code that helps families make the climb to the...
Is it Working for Young Minds?
Quality early childhood education (ECE) is one of the most cost-effective and potent economic development tools available. The quality of early experiences has an enormous impact on the developing brain and mind. Investing in young children supports economic...
Is it Working for Kids who Don’t Have Private Health Insurance?
Over the past year, the Wisconsin state government has made a number of decisions that reflect a significant directional shift in our approach to the well-being of children and families. We have seen our public investments in education, environmental protection, and a...
Is it Working for Kids?
You Decide After Reading Our Upcoming Series of Posts Examining Recent Changes in WisconsinOver the past year, the Wisconsin state government has made a number of decisions that reflect a significant directional shift in our approach to the well-being of children and...
Is It Working for Kids?
During election season, candidates have a lot of opportunities talk about their priorities and the kinds of legislation they intend to champion. Our job as voters is to make candidates talk about the issues that matter to us, so that we can make informed...
Options for Closing the Shrinking Medicaid Deficit
Back in October 2011, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) estimated that the state was facing a shortfall in the budget for Medicaid and BadgerCare of about $550 million during the 2011-13 biennium: almost $220 million in state General Purpose Revenue...
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.
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