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
2022 Kids Count Data Book: Wisconsin’s Children of Color More Likely to Face Mental Health Issues
Anxiety and depression are rising among Wisconsin’s youth, especially children of color.
Create a Healthier Wisconsin by Insuring More People
Increasing health care coverage is an important step in improving the health of Wisconsinites. Unfortunately, the Governor’s budget decreases coverage by ending BadgerCare for about 89,000 parents and 6,000 childless adults over the poverty level. This was done in...
The High Cost to Employers of Not Closing the Gap in BadgerCare
New Jackson Hewitt Analysis Only Captures Part of the Full Cost for WI EmployersA report issued last week estimates that employers in states that don't expand Medicaid will pay up to $1.3 billion in additional federal taxes. As Jason Stein reports in an article posted...
State and Federal Budget Resources
The Wisconsin Budget Project has prepared a number of short papers about various aspects of the 2013-15 budget bill, and we’re working on a couple more. You can find those papers and much more on the "All Things Budget" part of the Budget Project’s website. We’re...
Child Care and Early Learning in the Governor’s 2013-15 Budget
Governor Scott Walker’s budget proposal related to child care and early learning is disappointing. For those hoping for a significant strengthening of YoungStar and adjustments in Wisconsin Shares payment policies will find little to cheer about, except for a modest...
Binging’s Budget Burden: Study Estimates Excess Alcohol Consumption Costs Wisconsin $6.8 Billion per Year
Wisconsin’s first-ever comprehensive report detailing the costs of excessive alcohol use was released today by Health First Wisconsin and its partners. It estimates that excessive alcohol use cost Wisconsinites $6.8 billion a year in 2012, or approximately $1,200 a...
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