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
At the Start of the New Year, Minimum Wages Went up in 21 States. Wisconsin Wasn’t One of Them.
Low-paid workers across the country are getting raises because 21 states and 35 cities and counties increased their minimum wages around the beginning of the year. Those raises will lift workers out of poverty, help struggling families make ends meet, and make it...
Sizing up the Cuts for Kids from Sequestration
House Plans Would Cut Even More than the Anticipated $6.5 Billion in FY 2013The broad federal budget cuts known as sequestration will begin in January to make deep cuts in federal funding for services to kids. A new two-page fact sheet by First Focus summarizes the...
The Cost of Juvenile Crime: At Least Part of the Cost!
The Division of Juvenile Corrections (DJC) has released a report in response to 2011 Act 32 in which they were directed to gather information about juvenile justice expenditures and services throughout Wisconsin, including both expenditures by the DJC as well as by...
Is it Working for Kids for Juvenile Justice and the Safety of Our Communities
Like other states, Wisconsin has seen significant declines in juvenile crime over the past decade or more, as measured by the number of youth arrested, the number of delinquency charges filed in court, and the number of youth placed in institutions. WCCF previously...
Is it Working for Kids in Need of Protection?
Protecting maltreated children is one of the most important functions of state government as these children are among the most vulnerable among us. Thus, it is good news that compared to many areas of child and family programming, child welfare is doing relatively...
Is it Working for Teens?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 40% of Wisconsin teens are sexually active, but less than 65% of those teens reported using a condom during their last sexual encounter. 1 in 4 teens nationwide has at least one STD, with Wisconsin having...
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