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
New Section of Wisconsin Budget Project Website Devoted to Stimulus
The Wisconsin Budget Project website has a brand-new page devoted solely to Recovery Act issues. The information on this new page ranges from two-paragraph blog posts to in-depth papers. Whether you’re looking for updates about direct benefits in Wisconsin or details...
Wisconsin Budget Project Releases New Analysis of Education Spending & Staffing
A new analysis by the Wisconsin Budget Project finds that Wisconsin is no longer much ahead of the curve on school spending and staffing. Once a national leader in educational innovation and performance, Wisconsin’s investment in K-12 education has slipped...
New Study on Itemized Deductions Released
Itemized deductions for income tax disproportionately benefit higher-income tax filers, but Wisconsin is better than many states in how we approach this issue. Click on over to the Wisconsin Budget Project blog to read more.
How Will Competing Tax Cut Proposals Affect Wisconsinites?
With the Bush tax cuts set to expire at the end of this year, Democrats and Republicans have put forward different proposals for extending selected aspects of the cuts. The Wisconsin Budget Project Blog takes a look at the two proposals to see how they would affect...
Wisconsin Budget Project Releases Analysis of Stimulus Benefits
Tomorrow marks the 18-month anniversary of the Recovery Act. At the Wisconsin Budget Project, we're breaking out the cake and candles and have also released a new report that focuses on direct benefits that Wisconsinites are receiving as part of the stimulus effort....
Can We Kiss Refund Anticipation Loans Goodbye?
The IRS has announced a change that makes it harder for tax preparers to offer refund anticipation loans to income tax filers. The newest Wisconsin Budget Project blog post explains why this is a welcome development.
Lower Unemployment Rate Means Fewer Weeks of Benefits
Wisconsin's unemployment rate, though still high, is slowly dropping. What could be bad about that? Today's post at the Wisconsin Budget Project blog manages to find the dark cloud around the silver lining, and explains why lower state unemployment rates can result in...
WCCF Analyzes Role of Medicaid Fiscal Relief in Protecting Health Care Access in Wisconsin
The U.S. Senate voted 61 to 39 Thursday to pass a deficit-neutral bill that provides funding to states for Medicaid relief and education. The House plans to take up the bill, H.R. 1586, next week, probably on Tuesday, August 10. Although House passage seems likely, it...
Stimulus Effort Creates or Saves 63,000 Jobs in Wisconsin
A new report estimates that the Recovery Act has created or saved 63,000 jobs in Wisconsin so far, and between 2.5 and 3.6 million jobs nationally. Check out the Wisconsin Budget Project Blog for the full scoop, including an estimate of what the Wisconsin unemployment...
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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