Dan Proft and John Tillman, CEO of the Illinois Policy Institute, talked to an Uber driver frustrated with Chicago’s regulations. They also talked about the water crisis in Mt. Sterling, and AFSCME’s push to leverage the situation into applying pressure on Gov. Rauner. They are also joined by a McHenry County man who paid his property tax bill in single dollar bills. 

Dan Proft and Kristina Rasmussen, executive vice president of the Illinois Policy Institute, talk to state Comptroller Leslie Munger about the state failing to pay several bills as it approaches one-full year without a budget. They also talk to an Illinois manufacturer who describes how burdensome the state’s workers compensation costs are, and they discuss the state’s continuing impasse with its largest public-employee union.

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.