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
State Budget: Early Care & Education
Main Takeaways Child care is unaffordable and unavailable for too many working families. Child care staff are severely underpaid and this critical industry is on the verge of collapse unless there is continued economic support. The Governor's budget takes several...
State Budget: Immigration
Main Takeaways Wisconsin is home to nearly 300,000 immigrants, and they are vital contributors to the economic and social fabric of our communities. Despite their significant contributions, immigrants face barriers in their daily lives. The Governor’s 2025-27 State...
The Room Where it Happens: Attend a State Budget Hearing
In February, Governor Evers proposed his state budget. Read our reaction here and some of our analysis here (more to come soon!). The Governor’s proposals now go to the Joint Committee on Finance (often called the Joint Finance Committee or JFC). This powerful...
State Budget: Youth Justice
Tough-on-Crime Narratives Uphold Wasteful Spending and a Developmentally Inappropriate Juvenile Justice System Main Takeaways Wisconsin relies far too much on incarceration and blames children for system-wide disinvestment in basic needs. Protecting our children means...
State Budget: Health Care
Governor’s Proposed Budget Expands Access to Health Care and Helps Reduce Racial Disparities Main Takeaways No matter where we live or what we look like, we all deserve to live safe and healthy lives. We all need access to quality, affordable health care that supports...
WEBINAR: A State Budget that Works for Every Kid
Rebuild. Reclaim. Reimagine Wisconsin A State Budget that Works for Every Kid Wednesday, April 212-1:30pm CST In February, Governor Evers named 2025 the "Year of the Kid" while introducing his proposed budget. We're thrilled to hear it! The state...
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