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
From birth, Dr. King’s dream remains illusory for too many Black people in our state.
For decades, Wisconsin has received national attention as both a harbinger of public opinion and a key battleground state. Regrettably, Wisconsin also stands out nationally for a more insidious reason.
Tax Cut Not Likely to Create Jobs, but Could Hurt Wisconsin’s Education System
The Legislature’s budget committee passed an income tax cut this week that could hurt Wisconsin’s ability to support a high-quality public education system, while doing very little to create jobs. The proposed tax cut would take resources away from public services –...
As We Slept, Non-fiscal Policy Besieged the State Budget
Expanding Secure Detention of Juveniles Illustrates Shortcomings of Budget Process Early in the budget process, legislators generally make a show of stripping from the biennial budget a lot of the non-fiscal policy measures inserted by the Governor. Although they did...
Budget Committee Approves Governor’s BadgerCare Plan, with Added Funding for Hospitals
GOP Motion Includes Correction in Coverage for Pregnant Women, but Doesn’t Remove Harmful Changes for Kids The Joint Finance Committee voted 12-4 this afternoon to approve an omnibus Medicaid motion, which approves most of the Governor’s recommendations, including his...
Price Tag for Governor’s BadgerCare Plan Could Rise to Help Offset Cost of More Uncompensated Care
More Spending for Hospitals Would be a Reasonable Response to an Unreasonable Political Choice The Milwaukee Business Journal reported on Friday that GOP leaders are working on a budget amendment that responds to concerns of Wisconsin hospitals about an anticipated...
Massive Unemployment Insurance Motion Adds Still More Policy to the Budget Bill
A 14-page motion that was unveiled and voted on in the Joint Finance Committee today would make sweeping changes to the state’s unemployment insurance (UI) laws. Rep. Cory Mason called the motion, which was approved on a party-line vote of 12-4, an abuse of the budget...
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