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Wisconsin Budget Project

The Wisconsin Budget Project is a WCCF initiative engaged in analysis and education on the state budget and tax issues, particularly those relating to low and moderate income families.  The budget project seeks to broaden the debate on budget and tax policy through public education and the encouragement of civic engagement on these issues.

Based on the most recent national data (from 2004), Wisconsin ranked 17th in total state and local spending (measured as a percentage of income).

Contrary to the perception that our state has a large government bureaucracy, Wisconsin ranked 45th (6th lowest) in 2005 in the number of state employees relative to population, and 34th (17th lowest) in state and local government employees relative to population.

Recent News Resources on Wisconsin's 2007-09 Budget Deficit - We have initiated a new webpage that pulls together resources relating to the state’s very substantial budget deficit. 2008 Federal Poverty Levels Released! Click for latest poverty guidelines and latest poverty tables.

Project Goals

Ensure a balanced and fair tax system and budget process that protects the well-being of children and families and provides for a stable system of state revenues.

Provide timely and credible analyses of state fiscal issues that are useful for policymakers, other nonprofits, the media and the general public.

Ensure that the needs of lower-income Wisconsin families are considered in the debates about budget and tax issues.
 

Project Staff

Jon Peacock: Research Director contact