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
Finance Committee Schedules Many Children’s Issues on May 18 and 19
The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) has scheduled two executive sessions on the budget bill next week – Wed. May 18 and Thurs. May 19. Both meetings will begin at 11 AM in the JFC meeting room -- 412 East, State Capitol. The agenda Wednesday includes four papers...
The Erosion of the Homestead Tax Credit
This two-page brief analyzes the effects of not adjusting the credit for inflation between 1990 until 2010. For many years, the Homestead Credit was the only significant part of the state tax code that wasn’t annually indexed for inflation. That was remedied by the...
Budget Project Updates Comparative Budget Summary
The Wisconsin Budget Project has updated our comparative budget summary, (LINK) which shows how selected provisions in the budget have been modified in the budget process. Yesterday’s update includes the recent decisions made by the Joint Finance Committee. We’ll be...
Next Joint Finance Committee Meeting is May 12
The Joint Finance Committee continues to meet and vote on state budget issues. The next meeting is on Thursday, May 12th. At that time, the Committee is scheduled to make decisions on 28 different topics, including issues related to the Justice Information System...
Alternative Measure of Poverty Shows Value of Recovery Act
Researchers at the University of Wisconsin have developed a measure that allows them to more completely capture the effect of the Recovery Act on Wisconsin poverty levels. By official measures, poverty in Wisconsin rose from 10.2 in 2008 to 12.4 percent in 2009,...
JFC Plans Long May 3rd Session on Budget Issues
The Joint Finance Committee’s second executive session on the budget bill, which will be on Tuesday May 3, will cover 30 different topics. You can find links to all 30 by clicking here. Among the many topics on the agenda are a couple of DHS issues (including the Well...
Finance Committee to Begin Budget Decisions on Tuesday
The Joint Finance Committee will hold an executive session on Tuesday, Apr. 26, to begin voting on various parts of the biennial buget bill. You can find a full list of the topics to be considered and the links to those papers on this part of the LFB website. Read...
Unauthorized immigrant households pay taxes in Wisconsin
A tax day report by the Immigration Policy Center details the amount of taxes paid by the state’s unauthorized immigrant households last year. According to the IPC, “Tax Day is an appropriate time to underscore the often-overlooked fact that unauthorized immigrants...
Live Webcast about the State Budget on April 12th
Log on to view and listen to our live webcast about the impact of the proposed state budget on children and families, Tuesday, April 12 at 10a.m. In his presentation, Jon Peacock will examine the portions of Gov. Walker’s proposed 2011-13 budget that affect children...
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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