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.
Juvenile Justice Detention Data Report–2012
In 2012 there were 8,952 youth admissions to juvenile detention in Wisconsin; almost one-third of admissions were in Milwaukee County.
Ending BadgerCare Coverage in 2014 for 100,000 Adults Has Substantial Risks
In addition to the fact that the budget plan covers far fewer adults and would cost considerably more, there are numerous other considerations that make health care providers and consumer advocates very concerned about the practicality and timing of the proposed shift of about 100,000 current BadgerCare participants into the new health insurance marketplace (“exchange”).
Infant and Toddler Care and Education in Milwaukee 2012
The YoungStar quality rating and improvement system is being rolled out, bringing greater focus to the quality of services for children from low-income families supported by Wisconsin Shares child care subsidies.
Overlooked Budget Measures Could Cause at Least 29,000 Children to Lose BadgerCare Coverage
Almost no attention has been paid to provisions in the Governor’s proposed 2013-15 budget that could cause at least 29,000 children to lose their BadgerCare coverage, and many more to lose benefits.
YoungStar Trends Early 2012 to Feb. 2013 : Movement Toward Higher Quality Ratings
The trends in YoungStar show a shift toward higher quality ratings. This analysis examines changes over time for child care programs rated by YoungStar and for the children served, broken out by YoungStar ratings from one star to five stars.
YoungStar Trends Early 2012 to Feb. 2013 : Movement Toward Higher Quality Ratings
The trends in YoungStar show a shift toward higher quality ratings. This analysis examines changes over time for child care programs rated by YoungStar and for the children served, broken out by YoungStar ratings from one star to five stars.
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.
Top 10 Reasons to Use the Affordable Care Act to Fill the Gap in BadgerCare
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) gives Wisconsin an exciting opportunity to improve access to health care for a large segment of uninsured Wisconsinites.
2013 Policy Priorities for Wisconsin’s Children and Families
WCCF advocates based on what the evidence shows is best for children and families. Taken together, the following policy priorities point towards a future that fulfills the promise of our state motto, “Forward,”
Census Figures Shed Light on Wisconsinites Who Could Gain Access to Insurance under the Health Care Reform Law
insurance coverage in 2014, if Wisconsin takes full advantage of measures in the federal health care reform law, known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
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.
Starting Healthy – A Back-To-School Checklist for Wisconsin Parents
Tips for parents to help make sure their kids start the school year healthy…and stay that way.
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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