State Senate Majority Leader Devin LeMahieu (R-Oostburg) believes Wisconsin needs to lower income taxes - especially for earners in the upper brackets - to remain competitive with other states.

He noted Wisconsin income taxes are among the highest in the Midwest for upper-level earners.

LeMahieu said that adds to an already heavy property tax burden.

LeMahieu believes the upcoming budget process to start phasing in a gradual decline in taxes, with the goal of ultimately maintaining a flat tax rate for all income levels.

While LeMahieu acknowledged that the decrease would benefit wealthier Wisconsin when considered as a percentage of their total income, he noted those earners will still pay significantly more in taxes than people in the lower brackets who are being taxed at the same rate.