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
DOA Submits Proposed Budget Revisions/Corrections
A letter submitted by the Walker Administration to the Joint Finance Committee on March 31 seeks numerous changes in the governor’s proposed 2011-13 budget bill. A new Wisconsin Budget Project blog post summarizes requested changes relating to programs for kids and...
Effects of the Budget Bills on Working Families
Wisconsin Council on Children and Families has released a two-page summary that describes the negative impact the state budget would have on working families. With cuts to education, health care, mass transportation, and important anti-poverty initiatives, the budget...
Supersizing the required votes for tax increases
Although lawmakers are facing a deficit in the upcoming biennium of well over $3 billion, many fiscal conservatives are intent on limiting the options for addressing Wisconsin’s budget challenges. Toward that end, the Governor recommended a Special Session bill that...
Child Care Rating System and Other Items on Tuesday Finance Committee Agenda
The Joint Finance Committee meets on Tuesday, December 14, and will vote on whether to approve the Department of Children and Families’ five-year sustainability plan for the child care quality rating and improvement system (QRIS) called YoungStar. Click here for the...
What’s in the Proposed Tax Cut Deal for Low-Income Families?
Although the deal President Obama has brokered with Congressional Republicans is disappointing in many respects, the President won some significant concessions for low-income households. In addition to reviving the extended federal unemployment benefits, the proposed...
Will Walker Raise Taxes for the Working Poor?
Ronald Reagan called the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) "the best anti-poverty, the best pro-family, the best job creation measure to come out of Congress." Wisconsin's EITC, like the federal credit, has enjoyed broad bipartisan support, and it was signed into law...
Child Nutrition Bill Passes!
The “Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act” (S. 3307) passed today in the U.S. House of Representatives. The bill provides an additional $4.5 billion over 10 years to federal child nutrition programs and will be a significant first step in reducing childhood hunger and...
Federal Unemployment Program Expires
As of today, it’s official: The program that provides federal benefits to long-term unemployed workers has expired. There’s hope for the program to be revived, but until then, long-term unemployed workers are getting no further help making ends meet.Read more about...
Rick’s Tax Mix Nixed (Too Quick?)
Regressive Tax Swap Idea Dies a Speedy Death; Why Don’t I Feel Happy? At a public forum last week, Rick Chandler, a member of the Governor-elect’s transition team, floated the idea of increasing the sales tax by at least two cents – as part of a plan to pay for...
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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