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’s Legislators Fail to Invest in Public Schools
The 2021-23 Budget for K-12 Education Wisconsin students across the state deserve access to an excellent public education, and Wisconsin residents should be able to enjoy the economic benefits generated by a first-class public school system. To ensure that the doors...
UW System and Children’s Programs Hit Hard by Lapses (Cuts) Announced Today
This afternoon the Walker Administration announced its plans for lapsing $123 million to the General Fund. The biennial budget requires the Department of Administration (DOA) to allocate $174 million of lapses, and today’s announcement covers just the first fiscal...
Just in time for Thanksgiving – Congress Declares Pizza a Vegetable?
Well, no, not exactly. But the Republican controlled House of Representatives did bring a whole new meaning to the phrase “you say tomato…” As we’re sitting down with family and friends this week, we are thankful for so much – including a delicious Thanksgiving meal....
Supplemental Poverty Measure Provides a More Comprehensive Picture of Poverty, the “Near Poor,” and the Role of Public Policy
Earlier this month the Census Bureau released a new way of measuring poverty: the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM). This measure revealed higher rates of poverty nationally for most groups, but a lower rate for children. The Census Bureau also released an analysis...
Public Input and Sharing Stories on the BadgerCare Waiver
As we’ve been sharing on this blog, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently submitted a proposal for federal approval that will result in tens of thousands of working Wisconsinites losing BadgerCare and Medicaid coverage. Despite attempts from the...
Finance Committee Meeting Thursday on Proposed BadgerCare Changes, and Concurrent Public Hearing
The Legislature’s Joint Finance Committee (JFC) will meet this Thursday (Nov. 10) to consider the proposals by the Department of Health Services (DHS) to make dramatic changes to the BadgerCare Program. Although the JFC is not taking public testimony, Democrats are...
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