Dan Proft and Chicago Tribune columnist John Kass talk to state Rep. Dwight Kay, R-Glen Carbon, about his objections to House Speaker Mike Madigan’s $7 billion out-of-balance budget. Dan and John also talk to the Belleville City Clerk about how Belleville was able to dissolve its townships and fold services into the city. And John lists some comparison’s of Mike Madigan’s kingdom to the hit-TV series “Game of Thrones.”

Former state Sen. Steve Rauschenberger, R-Elgin, gives his take on the budget impasse, and gives an in-depth look on how legislation is crafted in the General Assembly. Mark Glennon, founder of WirePoints.com, breaks down the Chicago pension mess. An ex-offender who successfully lobbied for criminal justice reform legislation – that would provide opportunity for thousands of Illinoisans – tells her story.

Hosts: Dan Proft & Cole Lauterbach

Kristen McQueary from the Chicago Tribune Editorial Board breaks down the $7 billion out-of-balance budget proposed by House Democrats. Vincent Flaska and Dan Kossow from Hoist Liftruck – a manufacturing company that left Illinois for greener pastures in Indiana last year – explain to Dan Proft and Cole Lauterbach why business is better in the Hoosier state. State Rep. Terri Bryant, R-Murphysboro, discusses the defeat of House Bill 580, which would have taken away Gov. Rauner’s ability to negotiate with AFSCME.

Dan Proft and John Tillman talk to state Rep. Dwight Kay about another effort to remove Gov. Bruce Rauner from the negotiating table with AFSCME. A home caregiver shares his story about her fight against SEIU. A former Palatine school board president explains how the new school board reached a ridiculous, 10-year contract with the teachers’ union.

State Rep. Joe Sosnowski talks to Dan Proft and John Tillman about how the progressive income tax proposal was defeated once again, as well as a small business owner about how relieved he is to see the tax dead. Dan and John also talk about new taxes proposed by the Chicago Teachers Union, and how the treasurer’s office is sitting on billions of unused cash.

State Rep. David McSweeney talks about the progressive tax fight with Dan Proft and Cole Lauterbach. A suburban Chicago manufacturer drops by the studio to discuss his struggles doing business in the state. Jacob Huebert from the Liberty Justice Center explains why and how Lisa Madigan could potentially shut down the government. State Rep. Mark Batinik shares insight on his efforts to consolidate local government.

State Comptroller Leslie Munger tells Dan Proft and Cole Lauterbach why she decided to delay lawmakers’ paychecks. Kim Clarke Maisch, Illinois state director for the National Federation of Independent Businesses, explains why a progressive income tax would be terrible for Illinois businesses. Reihan Salam, executive editor of National Review, discusses messaging free-market ideas. Dan and Cole talk to Chris Redlitz, founder of an organization called The Last Mile, about innovative solutions to reduce recidivism rates.

Dan Proft and Hilary Gowins talk to Jared Meyer from the Manhattan Institute about the misguided “fight for $15.” They also chat in-studio with representatives from UCAN, a Chicago based non-profit, that is helping the North Lawndale community in ways the city has neglected.

Chuck DeVore from the Texas Public Policy Foundation talks to Pat Hughes and Michael Lucci about California’s minimum wage hike. They also discuss Chicago’s most recent credit downgrade with an analyst from Fitch Ratings, and break down why Chicago Teacher Union’s one-day walkout was illegal.