A coalition of special interest groups says Wisconsin needs to consider changes to its tax structure.
A report from the "Wisconsin Way Initiative" offers a long list of suggestions for how the state can improve the fairness of its tax system. Wisconsin Counties Association Executive Director Mark O'Connell, a member of the coalition, says it's an issue that needs to be taken up by the state because of the changing needs of its residents.
Some of the steps it suggests include removing property taxes from the school funding formula and dropping the corporate income tax. It also recommends changes in how the sales tax is applied, possibly turning it into a consumption tax to reflect how much people buy.
O'Connell says such steps are needed in order to help government grow as the economy grows.
State Senate Majority Leader Russ Decker (D-Weston) was among several who criticized the plan, calling it a "recipe for disaster." O'Connell says they're open to suggestions on how to improve their proposals as they work to finish the report. A final version of the plan is due next year.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:02)
Wisconsin Way report .PDF
