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
Budget Project Urges Caution in Making Plans for Potential Surplus in 2013-15
The Legislative Fiscal Bureau issued a memo last week that has generated some confusion about the state’s fiscal situation, because some people incorrectly interpreted it to mean that the state would have a sizeable balance at the end of the 2011-13 biennium. Instead,...
WI Budget Project Updates Summary of 2011-13 Budget
Now that the Legislature has completed its work on the 2011-13 budget, the Wisconsin Budget Project has updated its comprehensive (44 page) summary of the budget bill. It primarily focuses on the issues relating to children and families, and it shows how each policy...
From Bad to Worse: New JFC Version of Medicaid Power Shift Compounds the Problems
Medicaid Provisions in JFC Budget Raise Constitutional Issues and Open Meetings Concern The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) version of the budget bill incorporates provisions from the budget repair bill (Act 10) that shift the power over Medicaid and BadgerCare...
The Budget’s Effect on Wisconsin’s Low-Income Families
How will the state budget impact low-income families? WCCF has updated two analyses to show how the budget -- as amended by the Joint Finance Committee -- will affect low-income families:Effects of the Biennial Budget and Budget Repair Bills for Working Families: This...
Ten-year Tax Cut Tally Tops Two Billion
According to a June 9th Legislative Fiscal Bureau memo prepared for Senator Mark Miller, the combined cost of the tax cuts in the biennial budget bill and in other bills already enacted this year will be $212 million in the 2011-13 budget period. The annual cost of...
Icing on the Cake for Corporations, Crumbs for Working Families
Late last week, the Joint Finance Committee approved a $129-million tax break for corporations that produce goods in the state. The Wisconsin Budget Project has a new post explaining the top ten reasons why this tax break is a bad idea. Here's an excerpt: Governor...
Questions About School Choice Expansion
The school choice program got a big boost in the biennial budget. First, Governor Walker proposed repealing enrollment caps, income eligibility restrictions, and specific testing requirements for the Milwaukee school choice program. Although the Joint Finance...
Compromises Result in Improved Income Maintenance Proposal
Late Friday night the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) unanimously passed a motion that greatly improves the Governor’s proposal to centralize and privatize income maintenance (IM) administration. The IM program includes Medical Assistance, the FoodShare program, and the...
JFC Will Take up Alternative Plans This Week for Revisions to Income Maintenance Administration System
We have been anxiously awaiting the Joint Finance Committee’s review of the Governor’s proposal to centralize and privatize the income maintenance (IM) system, which is responsible for intake and related services for the Medicaid and FoodShare programs. That issue...
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.