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
TANF at 25: Failing to Meet the Needs of WI Families
On August 22 of this year, the law creating the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families program (TANF) turns 25 years old, and that’s not a cause for celebration. At the national level and here in Wisconsin, TANF is serving only a small fraction of the families who are...
Is It Working for Kids?
During election season, candidates have a lot of opportunities talk about their priorities and the kinds of legislation they intend to champion. Our job as voters is to make candidates talk about the issues that matter to us, so that we can make informed...
Options for Closing the Shrinking Medicaid Deficit
Back in October 2011, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) estimated that the state was facing a shortfall in the budget for Medicaid and BadgerCare of about $550 million during the 2011-13 biennium: almost $220 million in state General Purpose Revenue...
Several Proposed Study Committees Would Tackle Children’s Issues
In the interim period between biennial sessions, the Legislative Council creates various special committees – comprised of legislators and public members – to study a broad range of issues and develop policy recommendations. This week the Legislative Council co-chairs...
House Ag. Committee Proposal Would Cut Food Share by Almost $36 Billion over 10 Years
Full Brunt of Cuts Falls on Low-income Households, None on Farm Subsidies The Ryan budget plan that was approved by House Republicans a couple of weeks ago was just a general blueprint for the budget, with most of the details remaining to be worked out by various...
What If Ryan’s Medicaid Block Grant Had Taken Effect in 2001?
CBPP Analysis Concludes Wisconsin Would Have Lost 39% of Its Medicaid Funding in 2010A paper released today by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP) asks the question: what would have been the effect if Chairman Ryan’s budget plan, including the Medicaid...
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