A Helena Democrat is asking the Republican-led Legislature to consider a tax hike for those earning more than $150,000 in taxable income.
    
The proposal from state Sen. Christine Kaufmann would reduce state income taxes for wage earners below roughly $31,000.
    
Kaufmann told the Senate Taxation Committee Wednesday her plan needs to be part of the broad discussion on taxes this session.
    
Republicans have advanced bills to cut business equipment taxes, reduce income taxes and to cut property taxes. Democrats argue the benefits of those proposals will mostly go to the wealthy.
    
Supporters of Kaufman's proposal argue lower-income residents need a tax break more than higher-income earners.
    
Opponents called the proposal "wealth redistribution" that would set back economic development efforts.