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
Response to Governor Evers’ Budget Proposal
Last night in his budget address, Governor Evers leveraged our state’s historically strong fiscal position to reimagine a Wisconsin that does more to provide every child and family with a solid foundation to live a happy and healthy life.
How the 2013-15 Budget Affects Children and Families
Looking at the budget through the lens of how it affects children and families we see much more harm than good. We see many missed opportunities to address the pressing needs of those hardest hit by the recession, and choices made by the Governor and Legislature that...
Creative Thinking: Color-Coded Money Could Distinguish Good Federal Dollars from the Bad
In Wisconsin and a number of other states, concerns have been raised about taking tainted ObamaCare dollars for the expansion of Medicaid. With that concern in mind, lawmakers here approved a health care plan that rejects those Medicaid dollars and will cost Wisconsin...
Will Budget Amendment Create an Impediment for ACA Implementation?
Governor's BadgerCare Changes Raise the Stakes for New Marketplace's Success or Failure The Wisconsin Council on Children and Families (WCCF) sent a letter to Governor Walker Monday urging him to fully or partially veto a provision added to the budget bill that could...
Farm Bill Derailed after Draconian Food Stamp Amendment Added in House
Amendment Would Give States Half of the Savings if They Cut Off Families The farm bill is in limbo today after a draconian amendment added by Republicans caused the bill to lose the support of a number of Democrats. After the approval of that amendment – which would...
Assembly “Technical Amendment” Adds More Policy to Budget
Dems Decide Not to Submit Their Amendments The Wisconsin Assembly approved the Joint Finance Committee’s version of the state budget today with one “technical amendment.” That amendment includes 27 different items, most of which are anything but technical. At least...
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