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
Wisconsin Legislators Fail To Approve Budget Measures That Would Help Immigrants Thrive
The Wisconsin Legislature passed a state budget that stripped out several provisions introduced by Governor Evers that would expand opportunity for immigrant families and communities. The Governor signed the budget passed by the legislature, and it is now law. Driver...
Hunger Games, Wisconsin-Style
In the movie theaters, Katniss Everdeen is trapped in the Hunger Games, negotiating a love triangle and fighting against the Capitol. Closer to home, many Wisconsin residents are facing a different version of the Hunger Games, one that involves making choices between...
Joint Finance Committee Action on Changes to BadgerCare Waiver Proposal
As we discussed in a blog post yesterday, the Joint Finance Committee (JFC) met this afternoon to discuss and vote on the Department of Health Services’ (DHS) revisions to the BadgerCare waiver proposals approved by the committee in November. On a 12-4 party line...
Revised DHS Plans for BadgerCare Apply Premiums to 17,000 More Adults
Kids Coverage Largely Protected in Plans before Finance Committee Wednesday The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is meeting on March 14 to consider revisions to the proposed changes to BadgerCare that it approved in November. As we noted yesterday, the Legislative...
Senate Committee Endorses Constitutional Limits on State and Local Revenue and Spending
SJR 48 Would Also Allow Local Governments to Exempt Themselves from MandatesThere are too many constitutional amendments under consideration in the state capitol now to keep up with all of them, but we’re trying as best we can. One of them, Senate Joint Resolution...
Assembly Advances a Constitutional Constraint on Budget Practices
AJR 100 Would Make Wisconsin the Only State to Constitutionally Require GAAP AccountingTonight the Assembly voted by a sizeable margin, 69-25, to approve AJR 100, which would put key details of fiscal policy into the Wisconsin Constitution. An amended version of the...
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