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
Q&A: How a Flat Income Tax Would Harm Children and Families in Wisconsin
There’s been talk lately about a flat income tax, but how would it harm children and families in Wisconsin?
Tuesday Agenda Includes Costly Work/Training Requirement for Food Share Recipients
Annualized Effect Expected to be $71.9 Million Loss of Federal Benefits and $26 Million GPR Cost for StateThe crowded agenda for the Joint Finance Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 21, includes the Governor’s proposal to impose a work or training requirement for many...
JFC Likely to Vote Tuesday on W-2 Shortfall and Other TANF Issues
LFB Papers Reinforce Our Concerns about W-2 Shortfall and EITC Shell GameAccording to the Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB), if the growth in W-2 participation in recent months is followed by a slightly slower rate of decline than the budget bill assumes, W-2 spending...
Finance Committee to Consider Dept. of Children and Families Issues on May 21
The next meeting of the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) this week will be on Tuesday, May 21, starting at 10:00 in Room 412 E. The largest set of papers will concern the issues in the Department of Children and Families (DCF) budget, including Wisconsin Shares child...
Hospital Association Proposal to Delay BadgerCare Contraction Gains Additional Interest
A couple of articles Monday reported on the latest Republican legislators who have expressed reservations about the Governor’s proposal to remove close to 100,000 people from BadgerCare in January 2014. Several more GOP legislators have indicated interest in a...
Making Schools Safe Part II – A response to the NRA
As the recent failure of the Senate to pass even the most basic gun regulations on background checks shows, the rhetoric and responses to the tragedy at Sandy Hook and other incidents remains polarized. Concerned that the "easy way out" is to put more armed security...
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