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
Study Says House Budget Could Cut Medicaid Enrollment in Half
Urban Institute Analysis Says WI Would Lose Almost $28 Billion over Next 10 YearsThere has never been any question that the House budget plan authored by Rep. Ryan would result in a very significant cut in Medicaid spending. However, there have been many questions...
1,900 Groups Challenge Congress Not to Harm Low-Income Americans with Sequestration
An unusually large group of more than 1,900 organizations representing a broad swath of American society united to urge members of Congress to pull back from the “fiscal cliff” in a responsible way that increases revenue and pares Pentagon spending in order to protect...
Community Advocates Offers Ambitious Anti-poverty Agenda
At a briefing in Milwaukee this afternoon, Community Advocates Public Policy Institute presented a policy agenda for reducing poverty in Wisconsin by more than 50 percent. A rigorous analysis of the proposals by the Urban Institute concludes that the proposed package...
A Blueprint for Academic Success for Wisconsin Students
Superintendent Tony Evers recently released the Agenda 2017, incorporating four key elements for school reform and success:Developing common standards and creating 21st century pathways to learning;Improving assessment systems and data feedback that can impact...
Smoke-Free Wisconsin Law Helping Kids by Decreasing Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Community and Homes
Yesterday, the Wisconsin Medical Journal (WMJ), a publication of the Wisconsin Medical Society, published a new study showing that exposure to secondhand smoke has decreased both inside and outside of homes in Wisconsin since the statewide smoke-free law went into...
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