Publications

Race to Equity: 10-Years Later

The 10-Year Report unpacks how race, class, and, in some cases, gender impact Black Dane County residents.

DACA Recipients in Wisconsin

One of the most impactful federal policies we have to support immigrants in Wisconsin is the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. 

Overview: Youth Aids and Juvenile Correction Costs in the 2013-15 Budget

Following a biennium in which the Youth Aids Allocation was reduced by about 17%(about 10% of which was a permanent reduction that becomes the “base” for 2013-15 and about $7 million that was “lapsed” back to the general fund) two of the three juvenile correctional institutions (JCI) were closed, and the daily rates charged to counties were increased, the 2013-15 proposal regrettably does not restore all of the reductions while still increasing the daily charges to counties for services.

Top 10 Reasons to Improve upon the Governor’s Medicaid Plan

Governor Walker’s budget will reduce the number of uninsured Wisconsinites by adding to BadgerCare about 80,000 childless adults with income below the federal poverty level (FPL). However, the Governor proposes to do so by ending BadgerCare coverage for about 89,000 parents1 and 6,000 childless adults over the poverty level.

Invest in our Future: Support Strong Public Schools–WCCF’s recommendations for K-12 education in the 2013-15 Budget

Governor Walker has proposed a two-year budget that significantly expands resources for voucher and charter schools, and provides a large increase in spending for assessment of pupils and schools. At first glance, it appears to also give Wisconsin’s public schools a raise in general funding, but a closer look reveals that this is largely an illusion.

Create a Healthier Wisconsin by Insuring More People

Increasing health care coverage is an important step in improving the health of Wisconsinites.
Unfortunately, the Governor’s budget decreases coverage by ending BadgerCare for about 89,000 parents
and 6,000 childless adults over the poverty level. This was done in order to add to BadgerCare about
80,000 childless adults with income below the federal poverty level (FPL).

Child Care and Early Learning in the Governor’s 2013-15 Budget

Governor Scott Walker’s budget proposal related to child care and early learning is disappointing. For those hoping for a significant strengthening of YoungStar and adjustments in Wisconsin Shares payment policies will find little to cheer about, except for a modest change in the YoungStar tiered reimbursement system.

Restore $35 million in Child Care Funding

Two years ago the Wisconsin Legislature approved YoungStar with strong bipartisan support. This was a prudent investment to improve early learning for children from low-income working families receiving Wisconsin Shares subsidy payments.

Invest Resources to Collect Taxes Owed

Wisconsin should devote additional resources to collecting unpaid taxes that are owed to the
state. Increasing the amount of money and staff devoted to enforcing state tax laws would
increase the amount of revenue available to fund vital public services and also reduce the unfair burden on citizens who already pay the
taxes they legally owe.

Treat Profits from Investments the Same as Income from Work

For tax purposes, Wisconsin should treat profits from investments the same as income from
work. Currently, Wisconsin gives preferential treatment to profits from investments, which results in tax breaks for the best off. Most other states treat profits from investment the same as
income from work.

Using the Affordable Care Act to Close the Gap in BadgerCare

As passed by Congress, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) required states to begin in 2014 to offer Medicaid coverage to everyone below 138 percent of the poverty level (except for non-citizens who are undocumented or have not lawfully resided in the U.S. for at least five years). However, the U.S. Supreme Court’s July 2012 decision struck down the requirement, and that ruling makes those Medicaid provisions optional for the states.

YoungStar in Wisconsin: An Analysis of Data as of July 2012

This report analyzes YoungStar developments as of July 2012, including the percentage of children in higher-rated settings, variations across YoungStar regions, efforts to help child care programs improve, and the challenges facing child care providers, particular those rated at the 2-Star level.

Juvenile Justice Expenditure Snapshot

WCCF has created a Juvenile Justice Expenditures Snapshot of the key fiscal data, illustrating changes in funding, changes in the number of youth served, and that state Youth Aids funds account for less than one-half of juvenile justice related expenditures.

WisKids Count County Juvenile Justice Snapshots

These snapshots are a follow up to the state data posted last year, and it includes juvenile arrest information through 2010. Counties continue to make strides in reducing correctional placements while at the same time lowering arrest numbers.

We provide community partners and decision makers with the insight, tools, research, and analysis they need to advocate for a Wisconsin where every child and family has the opportunity to thrive.

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