Walker says he's not going to raise sales tax

MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Gov. Scott Walker says he won't be proposing eliminating the income tax in favor of a steep sales tax hike.

Walker commented on the tax shift Wednesday after being asked to respond to comments made by his Department of Administration Secretary Mike Huebsch.

On Tuesday, Huebsch told the Wisconsin Counties Association at its annual meeting that Walker was taking a look at eliminating the income tax and increasing the sales tax to make up the difference. Huebsch referenced similar moves being made in other states.

But Walker says he's open to having a broader discussion about tax policy later, but not in the budget he will introduce on Feb. 20.

And Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos says any increase in sales tax "is not on the table in Wisconsin."