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 #6 Closing of Juvenile Detention Centers Saves Money, Costs Jobs
In his budget proposal, the Governor accepted the Department of Corrections’ recommendation to close two secure juvenile institutions. Ethan Allen School for boys is going to close, meaning residents will be transferred to Lincoln Hills. The plan also calls for the...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #5 Tuition Hikes and Financial Aid Freeze are Double Whammy for College Students
Higher education in Wisconsin was hit hard by the two-year state budget Governor Walker recently signed into law. While the UW System received significant cuts, legislators and the Governor made that up in part by providing for a 5.5% tuition increase for in-state...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #4 Funding Cuts and Big Changes in Policymaking Authority for Wisconsin Shares Jeopardize Working Families’ Access to Quality Child Care
Wisconsin Shares is a child care subsidy program that helps working families afford quality care for their children while they are at work. Funding for the Wisconsin Shares child care subsidy program was cut from a base level of $342 million annually to $297.7 million...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #3 Using Federal Welfare Reform Dollars for Other Purposes, Such as Tax Cuts
Part of the budget bill’s strategy for closing the deficit while freeing up money for highways and tax cuts is to transfer $37 million per year from the federal block grant known as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). The budget and budget repair bills...
31 Ways in 31 Days – Way #2 Unspecified, Unchecked Cuts and Changes to BadgerCare
Not only does the budget make $467 million in unspecified cuts to BadgerCare, but it establishes a new process for making fundamental policy changes that provides little to no legislative or public input. The bill includes a sweeping and unprecedented shift in...
31 Ways in 31 Days—Way #1 Massive Cuts to School Funding Threaten Wisconsin’s Tradition of High-Quality Education
A well-educated workforce is more important than ever to the state’s economic future. Yet this budget cuts nearly $750 million in general state aid from the public school system over the biennium. As a result, we risk weakening Wisconsin’s commitment to our public...
WCCF Launches Month-Long Series Examining Impact of Budget on Kids and Families
"31 Ways in 31 Days" Begins the Process of Rebalancing Wisconsin’s Priorities Now that Wisconsin Act 32, the 2011-13 biennial budget, has been signed into law, the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families (WCCF) has turned its focus forward to promoting positive...
A Child-friendly Veto Removes Change to Weight Based Taxation of Moist Snuff Tobacco Products
WCCF Commends the Governor on this Move to Help Discourage Kids’ Use of Harmful Tobacco ProductsAs we noted in a May 27th blog post, the Joint Finance Committee voted for a budget amendment to change the tax on moist snuff tobacco products to a weight-based tax. WCCF...
The Budget’s Effects on Public Workers
Changes in the state budget and budget repair legislation will make it harder for low-income workers in the public sector to make ends meet, according to a new analysis by the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families. A two-page brief released today examines these...
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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