12-07-2025
Schoemann should look at whole picture when comparing between states on taxes
Reading the article, 'Illinois' income taxes lower than Wisconsin's,' on June 29, Washington County Executive Josh Schoemann points out that Wisconsin income taxes, whose rates increase as one's income increases, are higher than Illinois.
What he failed to also mention in this article is the sales taxes in Illinois vs. Wisconsin. Sales taxes tax everyone at the same rate, whether you make lots of money or not, and are therefore a regressive tax.
Sales taxes in Chicago are 10.25% vs. Milwaukee at 7.9%. Statewide, Illinois taxes are around 6.25% vs. Wisconsin at around 5%.
It's best to see the whole picture when making comparisons.
Maty Miller, Oconomowoc
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This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: IIllinois vs. Wisconsin tax claim fails to mention sales tax | Letters
