Promoting Racial Equity: A Central Theme of the Governor's Budget

It is time for state lawmakers to acknowledge the many ways that state budget decisions contribute to racial inequities and for those lawmakers to demonstrate a firm commitment to end Wisconsin’s shameful distinction of having some of the worst disparities in the nation. State laws and budget choices are not the only source of the severe racial disparities in Wisconsin, but they are an important contributor to those disparities because they tend to lock into place and exacerbate the harm caused by a long history of racial discrimination.

The budget proposed by Governor Evers would take a step towards undoing some of the harm inflicted by past budget and policy decisions. His budget makes investments in health care, education, and our tax system that tackle systemic racism and move us closer to a Wisconsin where everyone can thrive.

We've just released a new report that identifies the major provisions in the Governor's budget that promote racial equity and explains how the changes would mitigate the racial disparities that hold Wisconsin back. One budget cannot undo the damage caused by many generations of systemic racism, but the broad range of measures in the Governor’s budget to mitigate racial inequity are critical first steps to an equitable and inclusive Wisconsin.

Read more: Promoting Racial Equity: A Central and Essential Theme of the Governor's Budget