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
The State Budget is an Opportunity to Reduce Income Inequality
April 14, 2023 Whether Black, Brown, or white, rural or city, we all can thrive when state leaders invest in our children, families, and communities. The 2023-25 state budget provides an opportunity to leverage the state’s strong fiscal position to create a solid...
Restoring Driver Licenses to all Wisconsinites
Restoring access to driver licenses for every eligible Wisconsinite will keep families together, increase economic opportunities for working families, ensure safer roads, and boost state revenue. For decades, driver licenses had been available to immigrant drivers up...
The 2023-25 State Budget Should Support Wisconsin Families Who Are Struggling to Get By
From Racine to Rice Lake, Wisconsinites work hard to provide for their families. In the wake of the pandemic, the rising cost of goods and services has made it difficult for many to make ends meet. And for too long, certain politicians have created barriers and made...
Wisconsin’s Strong Fiscal Position is an Opportunity to Ensure Everyone Benefits
April 11, 2023 Wisconsin can be a place where we all—regardless of race or place—have what we need to overcome challenges and make our families safe and well. The state’s historically large surplus is an opportunity to build a stronger foundation for children and...
Act Now to Raise the Age in Wisconsin
Every young person in Wisconsin deserves the opportunity to get an education, grow up in safe communities, and realize their potential. However, due to systemic racism and injustice, youth of color are over-represented within the criminal legal system—from policing to...
Act Now: Will you show up for Wisconsin’s children & families?
Every child and family in Wisconsin deserves to live safe, happy, and healthy lives, regardless of race or ethnicity, zip code, or immigration status. But for too long, some politicians have rigged the rules in favor of the wealthiest few at the expense of Wisconsin’s...
Early Care & Education: Supporting Wisconsin Families During Children’s Early Years
2023-25 State BudgetMarch 28, 2023 Regardless of race, place, or income, every child in Wisconsin deserves a strong start in life. This early foundation plays a critical role in life-long health and wellness. But systemic racism and poverty destabilizes families and...
Mental Health: A Behavioral Health System that Better Supports Counties and Schools
2023-25 State BudgetMarch 27, 2023 Everyone in Wisconsin, regardless of what county they live in, deserves to live in a community that supports their health and wellness, including access to quality, affordable mental health and substance use disorder services....
K-12 Education: Setting Every Child Up for Success means Lifting up Wisconsin’s Public Schools
2023-25 State BudgetMarch 22, 2023 Every child deserves a quality K-12 education that sets them up for opportunities and success, regardless of school district or zip code. However, Wisconsin public schools continue to face many substantial challenges. In the last...
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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