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
Health Care: Expanding Access to Health Care and Funding to Reduce Racial Disparities
2023-25 State BudgetMarch 16, 2023All people in Wisconsin, whether they live in Menomonie or Milwaukee, deserve access to quality, affordable health care and to live in communities that support their health and wellness. Governor Evers’ proposed budget takes steps to...
Immigration: Providing Opportunity for Wisconsinites Who are Immigrants
2023-25 State BudgetMarch 16, 2023 Every Wisconsinite deserves to provide for their children and families, regardless of immigration status. Wisconsin is home to a diverse population of immigrants, contributing to our communities’ economic and social fabric. Despite...
Youth Justice: Providing Wisconsin Children and Families with a Clear Path to a New Model
2023-25 State BudgetMarch 9, 2023 Systemic racism and ongoing forms of injustice play a crucial role in youth of color being over-represented at all points of contact within the criminal legal system — from policing to courts to incarceration. The interplay of the...
Taxes: Cuts for Working Families & Ensuring the Wealthiest Wisconsinites Pay What They Owe
2023-25 State Budget: TaxesMarch 8, 2023 Taxes are a critical way of providing the resources, infrastructure, and services that increase quality of life for all Wisconsinites. They also play an important role in expanding opportunity and enhancing racial equity....
Response to Governor Evers’ Budget Proposal
For Release: February 16, 2023Contact: Emily Miota, emiota@kidsforward.org At Kids Forward, we believe every child and family, notably children and families of color and those furthest from opportunity, deserve to thrive. For too long, some politicians have rigged...
Standing up for Racial Justice: A Starter Guide on Policy & Advocacy in Wisconsin
COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted BIPOC communities. As people of color risked their lives working on the frontlines of the pandemic, they were less likely to receive some of the financial support passed by congress. This public health crisis raised awareness...
From birth, Dr. King’s dream remains illusory for too many Black people in our state.
Read the below opinion in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (1/16/2023) here.By Michele Mackey, CEO & Executive Director For decades, Wisconsin has received national attention as both a harbinger of public opinion and a key battleground state. Regrettably, Wisconsin...
Happy New Year! Plus Our 2022 Highlights
Wishing you and yours a happy new year! As our team winds down over winter break, let's take a look back on just a few of this year's accomplishments. 2022 Highlights We: fought off bills that would have slashed access to public assistance for low-income families. led...
Q&A: How a Flat Income Tax Would Harm Children and Families in Wisconsin
Kristin Schumacher & Jon Peacock Public resources should be invested in a way that broadly benefits everyone in Wisconsin, ensuring that families can make ends meet, and access affordable health care, strong schools and child care. When state leaders cut taxes, it...
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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