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
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #15 Cuts to Higher Education
The two-year budget recently signed into law by Governor Walker contains significant cuts to higher education in Wisconsin. Over the next two years, core state support for UW universities and colleges is reduced by $250 million, and state support for the technical...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #14 A One-Year Reprieve for the Transitional Jobs Program
The budget bill brought both good and bad news for the Transitional Jobs program, which provides subsidized job placements and training for unemployed, non-custodial parents who are ineligible for both unemployment insurance and the Wisconsin Works (W-2) program. It...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #13 The Read to Lead Task Force: Is It Enough?
Despite extensive cuts to education, including the elimination of the educational Wisconsin Covenant program, the 2011-13 biennial budget added funding for a reading task force called “Read to Lead.” The Read to Lead task force is budgeted for $1.2 million dollars...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #12 Removing Men from the Medicaid Family Planning Waiver Program and Restricting Eligibility for Women
The Governor’s proposed budget eliminated men from the Medicaid Family Planning Waiver Program, and the Joint Finance Committee restricted the program further by reducing income eligibility for women from 300% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 200% FPL. Joint...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #11 Phase-Out of Wisconsin Covenant Program Represents Another Obstacle to Higher Education
The Wisconsin Covenant, championed by Governor Doyle, was launched in 2006. It was seen as a way to inspire young people, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, to plan early for successful high school careers that would lead to higher education.Eighth...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #10 Internet Crimes Taskforce Gains Staff
Despite widespread cuts in the budget, a few programs received increased funding. One such program is the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, housed within the Department of Justice. The Task Force investigates crimes against children that take place online,...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #9 Extra Cut to Tobacco Use Control, Including Cuts to Successful Youth Smoking Cessation Programs Grants
The budget bill proposed by Governor Walker included a 10% across-the-board reduction to all Department of Health Services (DHS) non-staff appropriations, including the tobacco use control grants. However, the Joint Finance Committee, after approving the 10% reduction...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #8 W-2 Changes Reduce Mother-Baby Bonding Time and Cripple Education and Job Training
The bond between mothers and babies has tremendous lifelong implications. It is widely recognized that the first relationships between an infant and her parent(s) form the basis for all future relationships. This is no less true for low-income moms and babies. A warm,...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #7 Mixed News for Community Health Centers and Dental Health Care
The budget bill contains 10% cuts to a broad range of public health programs, including Community Health Centers, yet it also has a couple of positive developments relating to targeted funding for dental health care. Community Health Centers are a critical part of the...
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.
Share your Story
How would tax reform and an equitable budget benefit your family or community?
Join our mailing list below to receive powerful analysis and ways to get involved sent straight to your inbox.
Sign up for Emails
Your address helps us identify your legislators and the most relevant messages to send you.