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
Happy New Year! Plus Our 2022 Highlights
Let’s take a look back on just a few of our accomplishments in 2022, plus staff comings and goings.
JFC Meets on Remaining DCF Issues Thursday
The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) holds another executive session on the budget bill on Thursday, May 30. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. in Room 412 E. The two major areas on the agenda are the remaining issues related to the Department of Children...
New LFB Analysis Confirms that Accepting Federal Medicaid Funds Would Save the State Money and Cover Far More People
The Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) paper relating to options for improving or restricting access to BadgerCare was released late today, and it confirms that the state could cover far more people for a lot less money by accepting the enhanced federal Medicaid dollars...
Excluding Kids from School – What do you know about suspensions and expulsions?
Despite a gradual decline in recent years in the rates of suspensions and expulsions of students in Wisconsin, did you know that:Each year over 250,000 school days are lost to expulsion and suspensions?Black students are 10 times as likely to be suspended as white...
K-12 Issues in Budget Scheduled for May 29 Vote in Finance Committee
The next meeting of the legislature's Joint Finance Committee (JFC) will be on Wednesday, May 29, starting at 10:00 a.m. in Room 412 E. K-12 education will be the major topic of discussion and debate. I believe all of the remaining K-12 issues are on the agenda. Other...
Wisconsin High School Graduation Rate Increases for Third Year in a Row
Nearly nine of out of ten Wisconsin high school students graduated on time last year, a rate that has increased for at least three years in a row. But Wisconsin’s high graduation rate masks a deep disparity between the graduation rates of white and black students. In...
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