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
U.S. Senate Vote Delayed until Wednesday on Funding for Medicaid and Teachers
The U.S. Senate had scheduled a vote for late Monday afternoon (Aug. 2) on a bill that would provide Wisconsin an estimated $365 million, according to the State Budget Office. However, the vote has been delayed for a couple of days, because the Congressional Budget...
Significant Unemployment Benefits Victory, but What Comes Next?
Thousands of Wisconsin families will sleep a little better after the Senate finally managed to approve a bill last night to extend unemployment insurance (UI) benefits for the long-term unemployed. The House approved the bill this afternoon and sent it to the...
Wisconsin Budget Project Analyzes New Tax and Spending Data
New data from the U.S. Census Bureau released last week show that Wisconsin was below average in per capita state and local taxes and spending in fiscal year 2008. The Wisconsin Budget Project’s analysis of the data reveals that the average Wisconsinite paid $40 less...
Property Tax Breaks Meant for Farmers Also Help Developers, Report Shows
The Legislative Audit Bureau released a report yesterday that determined that some developers are benefitting from tax policy meant to protect farmland and reduce urban sprawl. Tune in to the Wisconsin Budget Project blog to read more about the report.
Wisconsin Budget Project Blog Highlights DPI Release of General Aid Estimates
The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction has released its estimates for general aid to school districts for the upcoming school year. Read more about this topic at the Wisconsin Budget Project blog, which analyzes the estimates by district and compares aid...
Sales Tax on Online Purchases
Bricks-and-mortar retailers in Wisconsin face a different sales tax system than online retailers. Why is this, and what should we do about it? Check out today's post at the Wisconsin Budget Project's blog to learn more.
House Amendment would mean $180 million for teachers and law enforcement in Wisconsin
Before adjourning late Thursday, the House took up the “war supplemental” bill approved by the Senate in May, which would appropriate $58.8 billion for war spending and disaster relief. The House voted to add $21 billion for domestic priorities, including $10 billion...
Senate Filibuster Threatens Wisconsin’s and Nation’s Economy
The U.S. Senate dealt a a very worrisome blow Thursday to the nation’s wobbly economic recovery, when it failed to advance a comprehensive jobs bill that would extend assistance to cash-strapped states, laid-off workers and struggling families. By failing to end the...
Wisconsin Governmental Units Take Advantage of Build America Bonds
De Pere. Tomah. Superior. Sheboygan County. La Crosse School District. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. What do these entities have in common?They and dozens of other Wisconsin cities, counties, villages, towns, school districts, and technical college districts,...
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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