The state budget is how we help ensure that every family — regardless of zip code, income, or race — has a chance to thrive. But, over decades, powerful wealthy interests have rigged the rules, funneling the benefits of our hard work out of our communities and into their pockets.
As a result, Wisconsin faces some of the most tragic economic and racial disparities in the country. These intentional choices by legislators don’t just hurt their intended audience: Black, Brown, and immigrant families. They also hurt low-income rural white families. The state budget is our biggest opportunity this year to address the structural racism that holds everyone back.
We look forward to working with both sides of the aisle to ensure that this state budget includes every kid in Wisconsin.
Join us to hear our take on the state budget, and how we create a state where every kid can thrive.
Speakers
In addition to our team sharing their budget analyses, we are honored to have the following partners joining us to share their experiences:
Nailah Adama
Parent/Caregiver, Community Advocate, Teacher
Amanda Merkwae
Advocacy Director, ACLU of Wisconsin
Michelle Ramirez-White
Government Relations Director, Wisconsin Farmers Union
Kids Forward is a statewide antiracist policy center that inspires action and advocates for children and families of color and those furthest from opportunity in Wisconsin. We envision a Wisconsin where every child thrives.
Everyone in Wisconsin, regardless of what county they live in, deserves to live in a community that supports their health and wellness, including access to quality, affordable mental health and substance use disorder services. Governor Evers’ proposed budget expands access to behavioral health care, strengthens schools’ abilities to provide mental health supports to students, invests in peer support, and provides millions in funding to county behavioral health services.
Every child deserves a quality K-12 education that sets them up for opportunities and success, regardless of school district or zip code. However, Wisconsin public schools continue to face many substantial challenges.
The Wisconsin state budget is an opportunity to rewrite the rules, ensure the wealthiest pay what they owe, and provide our communities with better schools, quality affordable health care, and more. Does the Governor’s budget proposal address racial disparities and, if so, how? Join us April 6 to hear more.