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
The Estate Tax Roller Coaster
The federal estate tax, which has gradually been scaled back over the last 8 years, is scheduled to expire in just two weeks, and then to come back at a higher level in 2011!The reason for that strange scenario is that the estate tax changes pushed through by...
New Report Shows Federal Recovery Act Keeping Thousands of Wisconsinites Out of Poverty
Today the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities released a study showing that the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed in February is protecting millions of Americans, including about 86,000 Wisconsin residents, from falling into poverty. The study,...
New Report: Wisconsin Taxes Hit Poor and Middle Class Harder than the Wealthy
Low- and middle-income families in Wisconsin pay a higher share of their income in state and local taxes than do the richest families in Wisconsin, according to a new study by the Institute on Taxation & Economic Policy (ITEP).According to the ITEP study, "Who Pays? A...
New Census Data on Taxes and Spending Show Wisconsin’s Rank Continuing to Drop
The Wisconsin Budget Project has analyzed new figures from the U.S. Census Bureau on state and local spending and revenue. The Census Bureau figures reveal that Wisconsin has fallen to 25th among the states in total state and local spending per capita, down from 14th...
A Chapin Hall Brief on the Role Home Visitation Programs Play in a Comprehensive Approach to Early Childhood Development
A recently released brief by Chapin Hall, titled Embedding Home Visitation Programs Within a System of Early Childhood Services, provides a great summary of the value of quality home visitation services in ensuring the healthy development of at-risk children,...
Thousands of Wisconsin Families Are Exhausting Their Jobless Benefits
Economists generally agree that the most effective form of stimulus spending during an economic downturn is to get funding into the hands of people who most need assistance and will quickly use the dollars in their community. (See, for example, p. 10 of the...
New "Special Budget Recap" Issue of WisKids Journal is Online
WCCF has published a special edition of our Wiskids Journal newsletter recapping what went down in the state budget process. This issue analyzes the 2009-11 state budget passed in July. Articles focus on how the gaping hole was closed (hint: federal stimulus funds and...
State Property Values Fall
A Wisconsin Department of Revenue report released on Friday shows that total property values in Wisconsin fell about 0.5 percent between January 1, 2008 and January 1, 2009. According to the department’s historical data, the $2.5 billion reduction is only the second...
Conference Committee Approves Budget Agreement
Thursday night (June 25) the budget conference committee approved a comprehensive agreement that resolves the budget differences between the Assembly and the Senate. The conference committee’s revised budget bill was later approved by the Senate by a vote of 17-15,...
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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