In this episode of ITR Live, the conversation centers on a persistent theme: the growth in government spending at every level, and taxpayers are the ones footing the bill. Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson argue that despite the headlines and partisan noise, the real problem isn’t tax cuts—it’s the continued growth of spending in federal, state, and local budgets.

The episode opens with Iowa political news: Representative Eddie Andrews has entered the race for governor, launching what could be the first step in a long conversation about who will carry forward Governor Kim Reynolds’ conservative legacy. With speculation mounting about whether Senator Joni Ernst will run, and the growing sense that Congresswoman Ashley Hinson would be the favorite if she did, the hosts discuss the emerging dynamics of the 2026 race.

From there, the focus turns to the federal spending package recently passed by Congress. Elon Musk’s public criticism of the bill for increasing debt and failing to cut spending gets a spotlight, reinforcing ITR’s message that Iowa families are paying the price for fiscal irresponsibility in Washington. But the hosts are quick to point out that Iowa is not immune—local governments continue to grow faster than population or inflation, and state lawmakers must stay focused on spending restraint.

This episode offers a timely reminder: lasting tax relief can only come with meaningful spending control, whether you’re looking at D.C., the Iowa Capitol, or your county courthouse.