ITR Live: Iowa Politics and Conservative Policy

Property tax budget hearing statement season is here — and if you flipped that mailer over, stared at confusing percentages, and had no idea what you were looking at, this episode was made for you. Chris Hagenow and ITR Foundation Policy Director Dr. Sarah Curry break down exactly how to read the statement that arrived in the mail: what to focus on (dollar amounts, not the levy rate), what to ignore (the back side full of hypothetical calculations), and where to go for real information. As Sarah puts it simply: if the dollars collected are going up, your taxes are going up. The levy rate simply won't tell you that story — but the dollars will.ITR has built a free property tax calculator at itrlocal.org that cuts through the noise. Enter your assessed value from last year and this year, then the current and proposed levy rates from your statement, and it will tell you exactly how many more — or fewer — dollars you will pay. The calculator doesn't require an accounting degree — it requires knowing two numbers. A companion guide on the website walks you through finding those numbers on your county auditor's site.Sarah also shares takeaways from a recent community visit to Rockwell City, where she walked taxpayers through property tax statements and found real hunger for these tools. If the numbers send you to a public budget hearing, her strategic advice is clear: don't try to argue the details of their budget back at officials — they know more about it than you, and you'll lose that argument. Instead, talk about your own budget. Your mortgage, your medical bills, your family's reality. They cannot argue against your lived experience. That philosophy runs parallel to what's moving at the Iowa Capitol: a proposal to cap local government property tax growth at 2% per year. Sarah previews the 2026 ITR Local Government Symposium. New this year are dedicated breakout sessions for city and county officials, school board members, and community advocates, with a 30-year school finance veteran leading the school session and a legal update from Alan Ostergren. The ITR Tax Day Luncheon is coming up April 1st — register now at taxrelief.org.00:00 Welcome & Intro01:39 Icebreaker: Women's Pro Tackle Football03:34 Reading Your Property Tax Statement07:38 The itrlocal.org Tax Calculator12:25 Taxpayer Questions Across Iowa15:41 How to Talk at Budget Hearings18:18 The 2% Property Tax Cap23:08 Local Government Symposium July 1627:55 Tax Day Luncheon & Announcements28:53 Closing Thoughts

Six years ago this week, the WHO declared COVID-19 a global pandemic — and within days, America shut down. Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson mark the anniversary with a candid conversation about why the biggest policy event of a generation has been largely memory-holed, and why that's dangerous. Iowa, under Governor Kim Reynolds, was among the best-managed states in the country — but the national reckoning on government overreach, civil liberties violations, and accountability for public health officials has never arrived. Worse, the trillions in federal stimulus spending that followed are still rippling through Iowa's fiscal reality today in the form of inflation and a strained state budget.The Iowa Revenue Estimating Conference released its March forecast this week, and the numbers tell an important story. Iowa's FY2026 general fund revenues are projected at $8.111 billion — down 9.3% from the prior year, with the current year revised down an additional $46 million from December due to federal tax changes in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The good news: Moody's and Fitch both reaffirmed Iowa's Triple-A credit rating, citing conservative budgeting and a strong fiscal foundation built over years of disciplined leadership. Revenue is projected to recover in FY2027 ($8.499B, +4.2%) and FY2028 ($8.717B, +2.9%) — and Iowa's 2018 sales tax base broadening, which doesn't get nearly enough credit, is showing up as a stabilizing force in the state's revenue mix right now.Not all the fiscal news is smooth. Iowa faces a $78 million Medicaid shortfall for FY2026 and a projected $200 million deficit for FY2027. Chris and John break down why Medicaid and education spending are the warning flags even the credit rating agencies are flagging, and why holding the line on spending discipline is the only path that keeps Iowa's landmark tax reforms intact. As Director Paulsen made clear: Iowa has the reserves to manage through this — but only if the legislature stays the course.Today is also the final deadline for Iowa candidates to file petitions for the June 2 primary, and ITR Live is tracking the field in real time. From the governor's race to legislative seats, Chris gives a live rundown of what to watch — including one Republican congressional candidate who dropped out this week. John also teases a new debate posted at ITRFoundation.org: a back-and-forth on "What is Conservatism?" that's worth your time. Subscribe to ITR Live on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts — and share the show with someone who wants Iowa's most informed conservative commentary.0:00 - Welcome & Intro1:27 - Trivia: The Irish Confederate "Stonewall of the West"5:50 - COVID at 6 Years: The Reckoning America Isn't Having10:22 - Iowa vs. the Nation: How Reynolds Got It Right11:00 - COVID's Lasting Damage: Schools, Mental Health & Inflation14:16 - Stimulus Spending, Overreach & the Accountability Nobody Wants16:30 - March REC Forecast: Breaking Down Iowa's Revenue Numbers19:23 - Moody's & Fitch Reaffirm Iowa's Triple-A Credit Rating21:29 - Iowa's Medicaid Problem: $78M Now, $200M Coming in FY2723:47 - The 2018 Tax Reform Nobody Talks About (But Should)26:36 - First Look at FY2028 Revenue Projections30:21 - Iowa Candidate Filing Deadline: Who's In, Who's Out32:25 - New: The Conservatism Debate at ITRFoundation.org33:14 - Outro

Iowa's 2026 governor's race is already drawing national attention — and this week it got expensive. Randy Feenstra launched a seven-figure statewide TV ad tying Rob Sand to the open borders left and positioning himself as the candidate who will "stand tall" on immigration. Chris Hagenow and ITR Foundation Policy Director John Hendrickson break down what the ad signals about the Republican primary, why immigration has become a centerpiece issue, and what it means for Sand as he tries to stake out a centrist lane in a state that keeps moving right.Rob Sand made waves this week with a social media reel blasting Iowa's budget continuation bill (SF 2461) — accusing Republicans of lacking accountability, calling out Education Savings Account vendor Odyssey, and strongly implying that if elected governor he should have the authority to force a government shutdown over budget disputes. Chris and John unpack the reel line by line: is Sand calling for shutdown power, or is this just a fundraising play? And what does his continued focus on ESA "accountability" tell us about his general election strategy — and its risks?Iowa just became the first state in the nation to receive a federal education waiver under the Trump administration's "Returning Education to the States" initiative — unlocking a $9.5 million block grant that gives Iowa parents and local schools dramatically more flexibility over how federal education dollars are spent. ITR Foundation's John Hendrickson, who wrote the definitive piece on this development, explains what the waiver actually does, why education belongs at the state level under the 10th Amendment, and why Iowa's track record on school choice — from ESAs to open enrollment to charter schools — makes it the ideal proving ground for this new model.ITR Tax Day Luncheon — April 1, 2026 at the Hilton Des Moines Downtown. Governor Kim Reynolds will be the featured speaker. Tickets and details at ITRFoundation.org. If you enjoy ITR Live, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the show — it helps us get the message out on the issues that matter most to Iowa taxpayers.0:00 - Welcome & Intro0:56 - Tax Day Luncheon Announcement (April 1 | Gov. Reynolds)1:41 - Trivia: The Only Man to Be Both Chief Justice and President5:27 - Feenstra Launches 7-Figure Ad in Iowa Governor's Race7:08 - Immigration as a Campaign Issue: Where Does Rob Sand Stand?12:12 - Rob Sand's Budget Reel: Shutdown Threat or Political Theater?15:11 - ESA Accountability Debate: Public Schools vs. Private Choice21:39 - Iowa Becomes First State to Win Federal Education Waiver28:26 - Why Education Belongs at the State Level (10th Amendment)31:38 - Outro & Where to Find ITR

Candidate filing season is underway, and the next few weeks will reveal not just who’s running—but who can’t get on the ballot. Chris and John flag what to watch: retirements, surprise re-runs by incumbents, and especially the volume (and seriousness) of primaries against sitting legislators—potentially on both sides of the carbon capture pipeline issue.They then revisit TIF (Tax Increment Financing) within Iowa’s urban renewal framework and the renewed debate around it inside the Governor’s property tax proposal. The core reforms discussed: (1) a 20-year limit (ending “perpetual TIFs”), and (2) narrowing eligible spending toward horizontal infrastructure (roads/utilities) rather than incentives that effectively boost developer profitability. The theme is not abolition—just enforceable guardrails.Next up: a Budget Continuation Act concept—essentially a “status quo” backstop that keeps government operating if a budget isn’t passed on time (whether due to political deadlock or emergencies). They frame it as stability for taxpayers and a structural safeguard against D.C.-style shutdown politics and policy “hostage-taking” during endgame budget negotiations.Finally, they tease broader regulatory reform via the REINS Act approach—tightening legislative oversight of major regulations and reinforcing checks and balances over the administrative state. They also note movement on integrity/oversight legislation affecting SNAP and Medicaid, driven in part by federal rule changes and the need to reduce error and fraud exposure for Iowa.00:00:14 – Welcome + trivia setup00:01:12 – Trivia question: President + Chief Justice (only one person)00:02:13 – Candidate filing period: who’s in, who’s out, and what to watch00:05:04 – Primaries vs incumbents; carbon pipeline politics00:06:50 – Democrats: U.S. Senate primary chatter and endorsements00:09:04 – TIF recap: what it is and why it exists00:10:45 – Governor’s TIF reforms: 20-year limit + guardrails00:12:33 – Restricting TIF uses: infrastructure vs developer incentives00:17:00 – Budget Continuation Act: how it works and why it matters00:21:25 – How budget brinksmanship drives bad policy add-ons00:24:16 – REINS Act: regulatory oversight and checks/balances00:27:54 – SNAP/Medicaid oversight bills: error rates and fraud control00:29:15 – Wrap + subscribe

Sarah Curry returns to the studio to break down the K–12 budget process and why school spending decisions matter for property taxes—especially because, in most places, schools make up the largest share of the property tax bill. The core premise is simple: if “spending drives taxes” is true for cities and counties, it’s true for school districts too, and taxpayers deserve to understand what local boards control versus what they don’t.They challenge the common talking point that “schools can’t control budgets” because the state sets the funding formula. Sarah argues that while Iowa’s state funding system is real, it doesn’t eliminate local discretion. Districts still make years of cumulative decisions on staffing levels, compensation strategy, programming, and priorities. Instead of treating “more dollars” as the primary measure of success, she pushes boards to ask whether spending actually improves outcomes—especially reading proficiency and core academic performance.The conversation also digs into why budget stress is spiking now. COVID-era federal money provided a temporary cushion, and Iowa’s budget guarantee helped soften the impact of declining enrollment by holding districts harmless for a period. But there’s a catch: budget guarantee is funded by property taxes, and when boards adopt the needed resolution, it becomes a local decision that can raise property taxes regardless of whatever the legislature sets for statewide growth.They close with what’s on the March ballot: only 12 school districts have measures this cycle, mostly Physical Plant & Equipment Levy (PPEL) questions and Revenue Purpose Statements tied to SAVE (the one-cent sales tax for school infrastructure). With typically low turnout in March elections, they encourage voters to pay attention—because these ballot questions can shape local tax bills and spending commitments for years.00:00 — Intro + Sarah Curry back in studio01:48 — Trivia detour: Iowa county history05:05 — Why school budgets matter for property taxes07:02 — The myth: “schools can’t control budgets”09:23 — Programs vs. outcomes: how to judge spending (ROI lens)13:46 — Iowa per-pupil spending vs. national + Mississippi reading example18:02 — Where districts still have flexibility (pay, staffing, programs)21:16 — Declining enrollment + why the squeeze hits “all at once”22:21 — Budget Guarantee explained + why it’s a property-tax issue30:03 — March ballot preview: PEPL, SAVE, Revenue Purpose Statements36:09 — Wrap-up: school finance toolkit + what’s next

Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson kick off a Presidents’ Day episode from the Hendrickson Library with a quick reset on the show’s running trivia thread—last week’s question on FDR’s failed 1937 “court-packing” push—and a new prompt for listeners: who was Abraham Lincoln’s political hero? They also trade a few studio-quality-of-life notes (and Chris’s ongoing desire for better signage) before moving into the day’s agenda.The conversation takes a detour into culture and Americana with news that Robert Duvall has passed away at age 95. John and Chris swap favorite Duvall roles and recommendations, landing on Open Range and Secondhand Lions as must-watches, with a few quick nods to The Godfather, MASH, Days of Thunder, and Gone in 60 Seconds.From there, they pivot into Iowa policy: the annual TIF (tax increment financing) report is out, and they walk through the basic mechanics of TIF—borrowing against projected future property-tax increments—while highlighting why the “free lunch” argument often collapses in practice. The top-line number that grabs attention: roughly $4.7B in TIF-related debt statewide, paired with concerns about permissive rules and the extent to which incentives become direct developer subsidies rather than targeted remediation or infrastructure.Finally, John previews his research on property-tax reform efforts nationwide, arguing Iowa isn’t an outlier and that caps/limits are being explored even in places you wouldn’t expect (often driven by education-cost pressure). They contrast true reform (reducing the growth of government costs so taxpayers actually pay less) with “shell game” approaches that simply swap one revenue source for another. The episode closes with a broader warning about high-tax states pursuing new levies (including wealth-tax proposals) and why Iowa’s competitiveness hinges on resisting the spending trajectory that creates those shortfalls.0:00 Intro + Presidents’ Day open1:44 Trivia recap + Lincoln question3:00 Robert Duvall segment5:29 TIF report reset + definition13:43 Property-tax caps spreading nationwide19:21 Why tax swaps fail without spending restraint22:15 “Seat at the table” + taxpayer focus29:28 States raising taxes + why it matters for Iowa32:34 Closing

Chris Hagenow is joined in-studio by returning guest Alan Ostergren for a wide-ranging episode that quickly locks onto the political backdrop shaping Iowa’s 2026 cycle: money, organization, and the reality that statewide races are now fought on presidential-scale budgets and media saturation.They break down the latest Iowa campaign finance reports and what the numbers actually signal—especially on the Democrat side, where State Auditor Rob Sand is treated as the inevitable nominee and is sitting on an eye-popping cash position. Alan and Chris discuss how donor networks, list-building, national money, and burn rate matter just as much as topline fundraising totals, and why “grassroots” alone rarely reaches the low-information but reliable primary voter without paid media.On the Republican side, they walk through the emerging contours of the primary: Randy Feenstra’s strong off-year fundraising position, the role of personal loans for late-entering candidates, and how consultant-heavy “Powerball ticket” spending can drain campaigns before the decisive stretch. The conversation also hits turnout dynamics and enthusiasm—why registration advantages can evaporate if one side is simply more motivated on Election Day.They then pivot to Minneapolis as a case study in governance: fraud, immigration enforcement, ICE operations, and protest tactics that escalate confrontation. The episode contrasts Minnesota’s posture with Iowa’s legal framework requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities, and closes with a lighter segment on Big Ten college football, NIL-era weirdness, and a quick Formula 1 primer (including a “Drive to Survive” recommendation).

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson break down the first full week of the 2026 Iowa legislative session, with a sharp focus on property taxes, government spending, and the tone being set by legislative leadership. After years of debate, property taxes are unmistakably front and center—across party lines—marking what could be a pivotal session for Iowa taxpayers.The hosts walk through opening-day speeches from Republican leaders and Kim Reynolds, highlighting a consistent message: spending drives taxation. Chris and John emphasize that Iowa’s recent income tax reforms were only possible because of disciplined budgeting, and that the same principle must now be applied to property taxes. Proposals such as a 2% cap on local government budget growth are framed not as cuts, but as a way to slow growth to a level Iowans can afford.A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the predictable pushback from local governments and media voices, including familiar scare tactics suggesting that any restraint will lead to unsafe communities or failing infrastructure. Chris and John push back hard, noting that slowing the growth of spending is not the same as cutting essential services—and that similar warnings in past debates never materialized.The episode also dives into specific policy ideas emerging early in session, including limits on tax increment financing (TIF), efforts to redirect a larger share of the SAVE sales tax toward property tax relief, and incentives for local government consolidation and efficiency. While supportive of the overall direction, the hosts raise concerns about proposals like senior property tax freezes, warning that they risk creating unequal treatment within the tax code.The discussion closes on a cautiously optimistic note. With multiple major bills introduced in week one and clear alignment among Republican leaders, Chris and John argue that the opportunity for meaningful reform is real—but only if lawmakers stay focused on the core issue: controlling the growth of government spending so taxpayers can finally get lasting relief.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson return as the Iowa Legislature prepares to convene, with property taxes once again emerging as the central issue of the upcoming session. The conversation reflects growing bipartisan recognition that unchecked local government spending is driving tax increases and that meaningful reform must focus on structural restraint rather than short-term fixes.The hosts discuss encouraging signals from legislative leaders and the governor, including early movement on property tax proposals and renewed interest in revenue limitations for cities and counties. With even legislative Democrats acknowledging the need for reform, the discussion highlights why early bill introductions matter and how momentum heading into session could translate into substantive action.The episode then turns to a broader warning for Iowa policymakers, using Minnesota’s expanding fraud scandals as a cautionary tale. The conversation explores how weak oversight, massive federal funding streams, and political reflexes to defend programs at all costs have produced billions in misuse—raising serious questions about accountability, public trust, and the sustainability of government programs at all levels.Finally, the discussion broadens to national politics and foreign policy, including emerging midterm dynamics, shifts in voter behavior, and debates over U.S. engagement abroad. From state budgets to international strategy, the episode reinforces a consistent theme: when government grows without discipline or scrutiny, taxpayers ultimately pay the price.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson provide straight talk on Iowa’s economic conditions, cutting through political messaging to focus on what the numbers actually show. With the latest Revenue Estimating Conference in the books, the hosts explain why Iowa’s fiscal position remains strong—but why that strength should not be misinterpreted as a green light for higher spending or policy complacency.Chris and John walk through the distinction between economic performance and state revenue, noting that while Iowa continues to benefit from solid employment and stable growth, government revenues are shaped just as much by policy decisions and federal factors as by the private economy. They caution against conflating healthy reserves with long-term sustainability, emphasizing that today’s surplus can quickly become tomorrow’s shortfall if spending commitments grow faster than the economy.The conversation broadens to national economic conditions and federal policy risks, including uncertainty around interest rates, federal spending, and mandates that could shift costs to states. The hosts point to other states that treated temporary surpluses as permanent money—and are now scrambling to close gaps—as a warning Iowa lawmakers should take seriously.The episode concludes with a forward-looking discussion of what economic realism should look like heading into the next legislative session. Chris and John argue that honest budgeting, spending discipline, and skepticism of one-time money are essential if Iowa wants to preserve its economic advantages. Strong numbers, they conclude, are an opportunity to govern responsibly—not an excuse to avoid hard choices.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson look ahead to the coming Iowa legislative session, where property taxes are already shaping up as the dominant issue. As lawmakers, interest groups, and local officials ramp up pre-session conversations, the hosts break down what’s being discussed publicly—and what still lacks concrete detail. While nearly everyone agrees property taxes are a problem, Chris and John note that no comprehensive plan has yet emerged.A significant portion of the discussion focuses on proposals to freeze property taxes for seniors, an idea that resurfaces regularly due to its political appeal. While acknowledging the realities of fixed incomes, the hosts question whether carving out special treatment for one group of taxpayers ultimately creates fairness problems and unintended consequences—particularly in smaller, aging communities. They argue that broad-based relief, rather than targeted exemptions, is the sounder approach.The conversation then turns to tax increment financing (TIF) and renewed interest among lawmakers in reforming how it is used. Chris and John walk through how TIF was originally intended to address blight and infrastructure needs, but has since expanded into a catch-all subsidy tool—even in some of the most valuable commercial real estate markets in Iowa. With few guardrails and no firm time limits, they argue TIF often serves to pad private balance sheets rather than deliver real taxpayer value.Finally, the hosts zoom out to connect these local policy choices to a broader pattern: governments at all levels repeatedly claim subsidies and incentives are the only path to growth. Whether it’s sports stadiums, mall redevelopments, or corporate relocations, Chris and John argue that the real winners are rarely taxpayers footing the bill. The episode closes with a reminder that sustainable growth comes from lower taxes and disciplined spending, not endless incentive chasing—along with a Christmas-season sign-off.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dig into a set of issues that will shape Iowa’s upcoming legislative session — from Des Moines’ $7 million subsidy for a new soccer stadium to a stunning $1 billion fraud scandal unfolding in Minnesota’s state-administered social programs. The episode begins with lighter winter banter and trivia, but quickly turns toward major policy questions as Iowa approaches the 2026 session.Chris opens with new local news: the Des Moines City Council has approved a multimillion-dollar taxpayer subsidy for the long-debated pro soccer stadium. While supporters frame the project as an engine for growth, Chris and John highlight the contradiction: local governments constantly warn that budget constraints threaten basic services like police and fire, yet they always seem to find millions for “economic development” handouts. The hosts contrast this with a Minnesota town that actually cut spending to avoid a tax hike — proof that prioritization is possible.The bulk of the episode examines the massive welfare and program fraud uncovered in Minnesota, where federal investigators have exposed at least $1 billion in fraudulent spending across Medicaid, SNAP, housing, Head Start, unemployment, and more — including money funneled overseas. Chris and John detail how political pressure, cultural sensitivities, and bureaucratic inertia allowed the fraud to grow unchecked for years. With 59 federal convictions already, the scandal raises uncomfortable but necessary questions about oversight, accountability, and the risks of rapid immigration without adequate support systems.The hosts also discuss what Iowa policymakers should learn from Minnesota’s collapse in program integrity. Iowa has instituted meaningful fraud-prevention reforms in recent years, but Chris and John argue that the work is far from done: Iowa must continually strengthen oversight, scrutinize federal pass-through programs, and acknowledge the real fiscal costs associated with integrating new populations into state services. They close with a preview of the December Revenue Estimating Conference and a coming deep-dive episode on the state of Iowa’s economy.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson tackle a theme that is becoming impossible to ignore in Iowa: local and state government continue spending aggressively while taxpayers are told to “tighten their belts.” Using several real-world examples straight from recent headlines, the hosts walk through how cities, counties, and state agencies keep subsidizing private developments under the banner of “economic growth”—even when those projects fail.Chris and John begin with the collapse of Johnston’s troubled Ignite Sports Complex, which received millions in tax incentives before defaulting. They move on to the stalled “Bombers” golf-entertainment project on Merle Hay Road—another taxpayer-backed venture now sitting as an empty lot despite over $5 million in government support. The pattern repeats across the metro: whether it’s hockey arenas, soccer stadiums, or mall redevelopments, government repeatedly throws money at projects that the free market either cannot or will not sustain.The hosts argue that these failures aren’t isolated—they’re symptoms of a much deeper issue. At a time when Iowa families face high inflation and local governments insist they “can’t afford” essential services without higher taxes, taxpayers see their dollars handed to wealthy developers, consultants, and entertainment ventures. This disconnect, they say, explains much of the public frustration driving property tax reform efforts and Governor Reynolds’ statewide tour on government efficiency.The conversation closes with an unfiltered critique of the mindset behind these incentives: officials claim they are “pro-growth,” but Chris pushes back, noting that genuine growth comes from a healthy free market—not from government acting as an investment banker with taxpayer money. As he puts it, if Iowans are expected to do more with less, so should their governments.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson cover everything from the latest developments in the 2026 Iowa governor’s race to the broader political shifts shaping both Iowa and national politics. With new candidates entering the race and familiar names making their bids official, the hosts analyze how the field is taking shape and what it means for Republican voters.The conversation opens with the announcement of Congressman Randy Feenstra’s official campaign launch and newcomer Zach Lahn’s populist-leaning entry into the race. Chris and John discuss how both are positioning themselves — Feenstra emphasizing his record on tax reform and Lahn focusing on “Iowa First” and small-town preservation. They explore emerging themes like property rights, health care affordability, and foreign land ownership, noting that these issues reveal the shifting priorities within Iowa’s conservative movement.Beyond the campaign trail, the hosts examine a recent Des Moines Register report highlighting the loss of more than 200,000 registered Democrats in Iowa over the past 15 years. They frame this as part of a broader realignment in American politics, where working-class voters in the Midwest have steadily moved toward the Republican Party. The discussion contrasts these demographic changes with suburban shifts in the opposite direction, explaining how Iowa’s political map continues to evolve.The episode also touches on civility in politics — sparked by a recent town hall event featuring Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks — and the rising tension between public accountability and political grandstanding. The hosts close with a candid discussion of national tariff policy, including Donald Trump’s proposal to send $2,000 rebate checks funded by tariffs, which both Chris and John sharply criticize as misguided economics that fails to reduce spending or debt.The show ends on a lighter note as the hosts share trivia, debate presidential rankings, and defend the enduring legacy of Ronald Reagan.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and Sarah Curry break down the results of Iowa’s November local elections, where billions in local debt and dozens of bond measures were on the line. From record-breaking approval totals in Des Moines to a wave of rejections across rural Iowa, the results reveal a complex picture of how taxpayers view government spending at the local level.Sarah shares her statewide analysis of more than $1.7 billion in proposed bonds, noting that just over $1 billion was approved — driven heavily by the historic $260 million Des Moines Public Schools bond. Meanwhile, over half of all bond proposals across Iowa failed, reflecting a growing skepticism toward new debt and long-term property tax commitments.The discussion highlights some of the biggest stories: the Dallas County Courthouse proposal, a “repeat offender” that failed for the second time; the Cedar Rapids and Dubuque school bonds, both scaled-down but still unsuccessful; and smaller cities where just a few dozen voters decided multi-million-dollar questions. Chris and Sarah emphasize how low turnout — often under 20% — gives a handful of votes the power to raise property taxes for decades.The episode closes with a look ahead. The hosts urge Iowans to stay engaged after election night, monitoring how approved projects are implemented and holding local officials accountable for how bond dollars are spent. As Sarah puts it, “Debt equals spending,” and informed taxpayers must stay vigilant if they want lasting relief from rising property taxes.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into two big stories shaping Iowa’s political and fiscal landscape: Randy Feenstra’s official entry into the 2026 governor’s race and Iowa’s sharp rise in national tax competitiveness rankings.The conversation opens with Feenstra’s long-anticipated announcement. Chris and John break down what the move means for the Republican field, why Feenstra is considered the frontrunner, and how his campaign message of “America First for Iowa” could play out on the state level. They question what the slogan really means in policy terms and whether Iowa voters will see it as substance or branding.The hosts then turn to the Tax Foundation’s new State Business Tax Climate Index, where Iowa jumped from 20th to 17th in overall tax competitiveness — a major improvement from its 44th-place ranking just a few years ago. Chris and John explain what that ranking means, how Iowa’s flat tax continues to boost the state’s position, and where more work is needed — particularly on property taxes.As the episode unfolds, the discussion moves from rankings to reform. The hosts preview property tax debates coming in the 2026 legislative session and emphasize Governor Kim Reynolds’ continued push to apply the same fiscal discipline that delivered Iowa’s flat tax to local governments. They also highlight the ongoing need for efficiency and consolidation among Iowa’s 99 counties and local entities to reduce costs for taxpayers.The episode closes with a spirited exchange about South Dakota’s new property tax task force and why the key to lasting relief isn’t tinkering with formulas — it’s cutting government spending. As always, Chris and John remind listeners that the solution to Iowa’s tax challenges begins and ends with responsible budgeting and smaller government.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow welcomes Sarah Curry back to the show for an in-depth look at local government bond elections across Iowa. From small-town school projects to multimillion-dollar city referenda, Sarah explains why these votes matter, how they quietly drive up property taxes, and what taxpayers can do to stay informed.Sarah shares her experience compiling the only statewide reporting of bond elections, describing the labor-intensive process of contacting all 99 county auditors to identify every bond proposal on Iowa’s November ballot. With $1.5 billion in new borrowing up for approval, the hosts break down how these long-term debts shape local tax bills for decades.The conversation tackles “mission creep” in local government—where school and city projects expand beyond essential needs into luxury facilities like sports complexes and pools. Chris and Sarah call for better voter engagement, noting that only a fraction of residents participate in decisions that can raise property taxes for 20 years or more.They also discuss the need for stronger transparency rules and better coordination among local governments to prevent overlapping tax increases. The episode ends with practical advice for Iowans: know what’s on your ballot, ask questions, and understand that debt equals spending. Informed voters are the first line of defense against runaway local taxation.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson take a wide-ranging look at Iowa and national politics — from upcoming state budget projections to the philosophical foundations of American government. The discussion opens with a lighthearted studio moment before moving quickly into updates on the 2026 Iowa governor’s race and key fundraising developments across Iowa’s congressional districts.Chris and John highlight the uncertainty still surrounding the Republican primary for governor, with talk of a potential self-funded candidate preparing to enter the race. They also review the latest fundraising numbers, noting that strong totals reflect Iowa’s continuing momentum for conservative candidates who emphasize fiscal responsibility and government restraint.The conversation shifts to the Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) and the economic outlook for Iowa. With some reports suggesting that Iowa is among the states flirting with recession, the hosts break down what to watch for in the next revenue projection. They also preview how those numbers could shape legislative priorities, including ongoing debates about tariffs, farm aid, and the national government shutdown’s ripple effects on Iowa’s economy.The final half of the episode pivots from policy to philosophy. Chris and John dissect recent academic essays calling for the elimination of U.S. states and the creation of a “unitary” national government. They trace this argument back to the progressive movement of the early 20th century, exposing how the call for centralized power runs counter to the Constitution’s design of federalism and individual liberty. The hosts end with a strong defense of limited government, natural rights, and the Founders’ vision for enduring freedom.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into the latest ITR Foundation poll, offering fresh insight into how Iowans feel about taxes, spending, education, and the state’s political environment. With overwhelming bipartisan support for constitutional limits on raising taxes and capping property tax growth, the poll makes clear that taxpayers want stronger protections — and they want them now.The conversation also takes a serious turn with the shocking story of Des Moines school superintendent Ian Roberts, who was detained by federal agents under a long-standing deportation order. Chris and John walk through the facts of the case, raise questions about how Roberts was ever hired to lead Iowa’s largest school district, and criticize the evasive responses of Democratic leaders. For Iowans, the scandal isn’t just about immigration — it’s about accountability in education and government.From there, the hosts return to the numbers: the poll shows Iowa Republicans remain in a strong position heading into 2026, with a +10 point generic ballot advantage even in what should be a difficult midterm environment for the party in power. Education Savings Accounts continue to gain support as more families see their benefits firsthand, while property tax reform remains a political winner that cuts across party lines.The episode closes with a thoughtful exchange on tariffs and trade, showing how conservative views on economic policy are shifting in the Trump era. Chris and John weigh the populist push for tariffs against Iowa’s agricultural reliance on global markets, highlighting both risks and opportunities. It’s a conversation that shows how national debates directly impact Iowa families and businesses.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson cover a full roundup of Iowa political developments as fall elections approach. They open with a trivia challenge before diving into what’s on the minds of voters, policymakers, and taxpayers across the state.The discussion highlights the upcoming release of the ITR Foundation poll, which will gauge the political environment, issue positions, and image ratings of Iowa leaders. Chris and John preview why this data matters—not just for campaigns, but for understanding whether Iowa taxpayers remain aligned with conservative policies like tax relief and limited government.They then turn to the recent leadership shake-up in the Iowa Senate, where Mike Klimesh was chosen as Majority Leader following Jack Whitver’s retirement. The hosts emphasize the importance of leadership unity and how internal divisions—such as debates over carbon pipelines—could shape the caucus’s effectiveness in delivering for taxpayers.The episode also explores the crowded race for Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District, the impact of Representative Mike Sexton’s resignation and upcoming special election, and how Democrats are attempting to leverage special election wins to claim momentum. Chris and John push back on overstated narratives, arguing that the real driver in these contests is organization and turnout.Finally, they address local elections and ballot issues, including bond referenda and troubling reports of candidates being left off ballots due to filing errors. They call for reforms to increase transparency, protect ballot access, and give taxpayers more time and information when local governments propose major spending projects. The conversation closes with a reflection on the legacy of ITR’s founder, David Stanley, and his enduring focus on government spending as the central issue for taxpayers.