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
A Proposed Tax Increase for Low-Income Families
On Tuesday, May 31st, the Joint Finance Committee is scheduled to vote on the $41 million cut proposed by the Governor to the state’s Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). WCCF has submitted a memo to the Joint Finance Committee with recommendations for the credit.The...
Weight Based Taxation of Tobacco Products will Harm Kids in Wisconsin
The Joint Finance Committee may vote on Tuesday, May 31st on a proposal to change the tax on moist snuff tobacco products to a weight-based tax. Currently, all non-cigarette tobacco products are taxed using a percentage-of-price tax which applies the same tax rate to...
“So Long, Safety Net?” – Families are Scared to Death
This week’s Isthmus newspaper contains a great cover story by Joe Tarr, “So Long, Safety Net?”. He shares stories from families and advocates about the threats to government assistance, and uncertainty about what this will actually mean for families. As WCCF’s Jon...
JFC Clears the Way for Large Increase in Uninsured Wisconsinites
The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) took up the Medicaid-related programs Tuesday evening and approved most of the Governor’s proposals. In doing so, the committee cleared the way for deep cuts in Medicaid and BadgerCare and a sharp increase in the number of uninsured...
Budget Summary Updated
The Wisconsin Budget Project has updated its comparative budget summary to include actions taken by the Joint Finance Committee through last week. The summary includes information about what the Governor has proposed and what action Joint Finance has taken so far, as...
New Analysis Reveals That Low-Income Families Stand to Take a Big Hit
In the days and weeks leading up to the introduction of his biennial budget proposal, Gov. Walker repeatedly pointed to the need for “shared sacrifice.” Once the Governor’s budget was unveiled, however, it quickly became clear that the sacrifice his budget calls for...
May 24th and 26th JFC agendas include K-12 and Medicaid issues (among many others)
The Joint Finance Committee is scheduled to meet twice next week --Tuesday, May 24th and Thursday, May 26th. Both executive sessions are supposed to begin at 11 AM in Room 412 East in the State Capitol. On Tuesday, the committee is scheduled to vote on issues...
The Wisconsin Values Budget: Better Choices Based on a Balanced Approach
WCCF, in collaboration with Citizen Action of WI, the Institute for Wisconsin’s Future, and the Center on Wisconsin Strategy, has unveiled the Wisconsin Values Budget, an alternative to the Walker budget proposal based on a balanced approach to the state’s fiscal...
Budget Would Require Most School Districts to Reduce Property Taxes
School districts are slated to take significant cuts in state aid in the 2011-13 biennial budget. In addition, the proposed budget would require most school districts to reduce the amount of property tax revenue they raise within their districts.The Wisconsin Budget...
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.