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
What Lies Ahead for Children and Families: The President’s FY 2010 Budget
As everyone struggles with the reality of current fiscal deficits at the local, state, and federal levels, the President has recently released the federal budget for FY2010. An analysis of that budget's impact on children and families, titled Imperfect Progress: An...
More on Governor’s New Budget Plan and its Impact on Kids and Families
Gov. Doyle announced the general outline of his plan yesterday for closing the new $1.6 billion hole in the state budget caused by the sharp drop in tax collections. It calls for deep cuts in state agency budgets, furloughs and layoffs of state workers, and a 2.5...
More State Budget Cuts Announced
The Governor and the co-chairs of the Joint Finance Committee, Sen. Mark Miller (D-Monona) and Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Madison), held a press conference late Thursday to announce additional cuts in the state budget due to a much larger deficit than originally expected....
Press Conference to Promote Balanced Approach to Fixing Budget Deficit
WCCF and a whole bunch of partners convened a press conference on Tuesday, May 20 to send the message to the Governor and legislators that it is not acceptable to fix the state budget deficit through spending cuts alone. Our aim was to raise awareness of the fact that...
Increased Deficit Magnifies Importance of Revenue Options
The Legislative Fiscal Bureau (LFB) issued new estimates on May 11 of tax collections this year and in the next biennium. According to the LFB, the state deficit over the next 2 years will be $1.6 billion greater than previously estimated. This grim news could get...
JFC and Other Action in the State Legislature
The Joint Finance Committee will be voting on many important items this week. On Tuesday, May 5, the Committee will take action on the Department of Public Instruction, including Student Achievement Guarantee in Education Program and Four-Year-Old Kindergarten Grants....
Joint Finance Action This Week
The Joint Finance Committee (JFC) is now in week 3 of Executive Session. When a committee is in executive session, the committee is voting on proposals to recommend passage or no passage to the entire legislature. During the next 5 weeks or so, JFC will be voting on...
FoodShare Gets a Boost from Federal Stimulus Package
Effective yesterday (April 1), Wisconsin is receiving a significant increase in federal funds for the FoodShare program. The boost stems from passage of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), otherwise known federal stimulus package. Program participants...
Early Learning Coalition Response to Governor’s Budget
WCCF and the Wisconsin Early Learning Coalition support a Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for child care in the state budget for 2009-11.The Coalition supports the Governor’s proposal to invest $2.7 million to build a quality rating system. Tthe Coalition...
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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