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
House Rejection of Medicaid Relief Leaves Wisconsin with at Least a $273 Million GPR Problem
Commentators often use a “good news, bad news” format. I wish this report had that balance, but it is a developing story of bad news, worse news, some recent worrisome political news, and the distinct possibility of even more bad news in the near future. That said,...
New "Budget Bob" Episode is now online
Check out the latest episode of the Budget Bob Show, our series of short, ultra low-fi videos covering issues related to Wisconsin's state budget. In this episode, called "Keep It Real," Budget Bob looks at myths and realities regarding how Wisconsin compares to...
USA Today: Tax Bills Lowest Since 1950
A new analysis of federal data by USA Today shows that Americans' total federal, state and local tax bills in 2009 were the lowest they've been since 1950. According to the analysis, federal, state and local taxes — including income, property, sales and other taxes —...
Tax Day Musings
It used to be that we scurried to drop our income taxes in the mail before the April 15th deadline. Now most of us log on to our computers to file taxes instead of standing in line at the Post Office. The result, though, is the same: income taxes are on everybody’s...
WI Budget Project Launches New Website
Tomorrow is Tax Day, and to mark the occasion WCCF's Wisconsin Budget Project has launched a new website located at www.wisconsinbudgetproject.org featuring, among other things, an excellent Budget Basics Guide and a new quiz to test you knowledge of state tax and...
New Brief Explores Sales Tax Collection on Online Purchases
WCCF's Wisconsin Budget Project has published a new brief on the issue of sales tax collection on online purchases. Sales tax is due on purchases made by Wisconsin residents, whether the purchase is made in a bricks and mortar store or an online business. However,...
March Job Gains Help Economy, but Don’t Reduce Unemployment Rate
Today’s employment numbers are generally positive, but not all the news is rosy. On the plus side, there was an increase of 162,000 jobs nationally, and almost three-fourths of the increased employment was in the private sector. On the other hand, the unemployment...
Op-Ed: State Residents Benefiting Mightily from Tax Breaks in the Recovery Act
In their Sunday Crossroads section, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel yesterday published a column co-authored by Karen Royster of the Institute for Wisconsin's Future and WCCF Executive Director Ken Taylor. The column notes that those who argue for tax cuts as the best...
This Week in the State Legislature
This week in the capitol begins the second week of a three-week legislative session. Here are some bills to watch for—Senate Bill 484, often referred to as BadgerCare Plus Basic, is scheduled in the State Senate on Tuesday, February 23. BadgerCare Plus Basic is health...
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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