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
Health Access in the Fox Valley
Many residents of the Fox Valley area face barriers to receiving health care, including lack of access, extremely high cost, and lack of insurance coverage.
Protecting Local Control: Lawmakers Harm Communities of Color
By Jon Peacock, Policy Director for Kids Forward Local communities should be able to protect and empower workers, improve the health of their residents, make sure housing is safe, and take steps to address the harmful effects of racial discrimination. However, power...
Eliminating Wisconsin’s Income Tax Would Give Huge Tax Cuts to the Wealthy and Powerful
Eliminating Wisconsin’s income tax would funnel enormous tax cuts into the pockets of the wealthy and powerful, potentially raise taxes on people with the lowest incomes, and make it nearly impossible for Wisconsin to make the kind of investments that make the state a...
Weakening Assistance for Families Would Weaken the Workforce
The COVID pandemic and the recession it caused illustrated the tremendous importance of public benefit programs like BadgerCare, FoodShare, and Unemployment Insurance. Yet a number of Republican legislators are trying to hurriedly pass a package of bills that would...
Tax Shift Would Hike Taxes for People with Low Incomes and Give a Big Tax Cut to the Top 1%
At the Start of the New Year, Minimum Wages Went up in 21 States. Wisconsin Wasn’t One of Them.
Low-paid workers across the country are getting raises because 21 states and 35 cities and counties increased their minimum wages around the beginning of the year. Those raises will lift workers out of poverty, help struggling families make ends meet, and make it...
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