MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) – Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett has sent a letter to Governor Walker, making the case for a public safety sales tax.

In the letter, Barrett asks the Governor and Assembly to authorize the 0.5% sales tax to offset cost increases to police and fire budgets.

The Mayor is proposing that a referendum be held next April, so that Milwaukee voters will ultimately decide if the sales tax happens.

For our interview with Milwaukee Police Chief Ed Flynn, who first floated the idea of a public safety tax, please click here.