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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 Census Bureau Issues New Figures on State and Local Finances – This 2-page report by the Wisconsin Budget Project analyzes recently-released data from the U.S. Census Bureau on state and local government finances in 2006.  The new data show that Wisconsin is slightly below average in per capita state and local spending and is virtually the same as national average in per capita state and local taxes.  The report looks at these and other ways to rank revenue collections and spending relative to other states. 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