The Iowa State Fair once again provided the perfect backdrop for politics, food, and plenty of speculation about Iowa’s future leadership. In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson unpack the buzz around the Iowa Secretary of State straw poll results, highlighting what they reveal about voter sentiment heading into 2026. From Governor Reynolds’ enduring influence to the early positioning of would-be successors, the episode explores the dynamics shaping Iowa’s conservative movement.

But it’s not just Republicans in the spotlight. Iowa Democrats used the fair to test new talking points, particularly in rural communities, shifting toward centrist or more populist rhetoric. The hosts examine whether this change is genuine or simply a political strategy to reconnect with voters who have overwhelmingly embraced conservative policies in recent years.

The episode closes with a discussion on media coverage, political messaging, and how taxpayers must remain vigilant against attempts to mask higher spending behind clever campaign slogans. The fair may be about butter cows and pork chops on a stick, but as always, it’s also about who will carry Iowa’s conservative banner into the next election cycle.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson cut through the noise on some of Iowa’s most talked-about policy issues—from the latest IPERS debate to ongoing efforts to rein in government spending.

They unpack the findings of Iowa’s Department of Government Efficiency Task Force, exploring what proposed changes could mean for taxpayers at both the state and local levels. Chris and John discuss how spending reforms are framed in the public debate and why messaging often determines whether conservative ideas succeed or fail.

Along the way, they tackle the political posturing surrounding IPERS, highlight examples of government duplication across Iowa’s 99 counties, and touch on national developments, including redistricting fights in Texas and what lessons they might hold for Iowa.

Whether it’s pensions, budgets, or bureaucratic bloat, this episode offers a clear-eyed look at the facts—and how they’re communicated—so taxpayers can see past the rhetoric.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson cover a wide range of topics—from local bond issues to national politics—all with one central theme: it’s always about spending.

They start with a tribute to Ed Feulner, the co-founder of the Heritage Foundation, reflecting on his impact on conservative policy and his role in shaping think tank culture.

Chris and John then shift to Iowa’s 2028 presidential caucus chatter, with big names like Glenn Youngkin, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Ted Cruz making early visits. They discuss why this cycle feels like it’s starting sooner, and explore the evolving divide in the conservative movement between populism and traditional conservatism. They also name JD Vance as the likely frontrunner for the 2028 nomination.

Back in Iowa, the hosts spotlight local government spending issues, including Marion’s $44 million aquatic center bond proposal and Dallas County’s new courthouse plan, which is back on the ballot at an even higher cost after voters rejected it last year. They note that this has become a pattern: when voters say no, local leaders often try again—just with a bigger price tag.

Finally, they wrap up with a reminder about Iowa’s state revenue trends, the importance of long-term spending restraint, and why tax cuts only work if government growth stays in check. Chris and John also highlight the need for constitutional protections, like Illinois’ flat tax safeguard, to keep future tax increases at bay.

In this episode of ITR Live, Representative Taylor Collins joins Chris Hagenow for a conversation on higher education reform, property taxes, government spending, and what comes next for Iowa’s conservative majority.

Collins reflects on his role as chair of Iowa’s new House Higher Education Committee, a position created to take on real reform—not just talk about it. He shares how his committee helped establish the new Center for Intellectual Freedom at the University of Iowa, designed to restore viewpoint diversity and push back against the left-wing bias that dominates campus life. Collins and Hagenow discuss why this isn’t just about headlines—it’s about making sure the reforms are implemented and monitored over time.

The conversation shifts to college affordability, with Collins explaining the College Affordability Act, a new effort to encourage three-year degrees, work-study programs, and reduced bureaucracy in higher education. They also tackle the challenge of fixing curriculum priorities, ensuring that students leave college with civic knowledge—not just workforce training.

On the fiscal front, Collins talks about his work on the House Appropriations Committee, where the focus remains on aligning spending with long-term revenue, not just chasing one-time budget surpluses. Chris and Taylor emphasize that Iowa’s tax cuts will only work if spending stays under control, both at the state and local level.

Finally, they discuss property tax reform—what’s been done, what’s left to do, and why changing taxpayer expectations is just as important as changing the system itself. The episode closes with a call for Iowa’s conservative leaders to stay focused, keep finding the next big challenge, and continue moving Iowa forward.

In this post–4th of July episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson recap a big week in Iowa and national politics, including Chris’s firsthand experience attending Donald Trump’s rally at the Iowa State Fairgrounds. The event served as the national kickoff for America’s 250th anniversary celebration, and the hosts reflect on the rally’s strong themes of patriotism, national renewal, and unapologetic American pride.

They also unpack Trump’s remarks on foreign policy, economic wins, immigration, and a headline-grabbing comment about making agricultural employers responsible for illegal immigrant labor. The episode explores how this plays politically—and what Trump may be signaling for a second term.

Closer to home, Chris and John run through a busy few days in Iowa politics. Key updates include:

• Attorney General Brenna Bird announcing she won’t run for governor

• Congressman Zach Nunn now seriously considering entering the race

• Matt Windschitl running for Congress in IA-04

• What the third district could look like if Nunn vacates the seat

They close with a reminder to prospective local candidates: now is the time to get moving. With a huge 2026 cycle ahead—including potential shifts in the governor’s office, Congress, and down-ballot seats—Iowa is shaping up for one of its most consequential political years in decades.

On this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow welcomes back Sarah Curry for a wide-ranging discussion on new Iowa laws, fireworks, local government power, and how communities define success. July 1 marks the beginning of Iowa’s new fiscal year—and the effective date for many of the bills passed during the 2025 legislative session.

The conversation covers Iowa’s new hands-free driving law, changes to civil rights code language, and fireworks preemption—highlighting how the state is asserting authority over patchwork local ordinances. Chris and Sarah explain why uniformity matters and push back on the myth that “local control” always means more freedom or better governance.

The second half of the episode focuses on ITR Foundation’s recent symposium for local elected officials. Sarah shares insights from the event, including how local leaders can resist “mission creep” and avoid government-driven growth that doesn’t serve existing residents. With stories from across Iowa, the episode challenges the assumption that every community must grow to thrive—and suggests that serving current taxpayers well is often the best growth strategy of all.

As a bonus, listeners get a sneak peek at ITR’s upcoming “Pain Index” release, which will analyze the latest local government spending data across Iowa. And yes, there’s also a surprise Disney trivia question and fireworks banter—because it’s ITR Live.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson cover a wide-ranging discussion —from Iowa’s economic development subsidies to escalating foreign tensions. The show opens with a nod to Abraham Lincoln (in bust form) and an editorial comment on questionable taxpayer-funded art installations near ITR’s headquarters.

The episode shifts to foreign policy, where the hosts weigh in on the U.S. airstrikes against Iranian nuclear facilities and the surprising ceasefire that followed. Chris and John explore President Trump’s foreign policy identity—highlighting his balance between non-interventionism and strength projection—and the larger conservative debate over military action and national interest.

Returning to Iowa, the conversation zeroes in on three recent state economic development awards, questioning whether taxpayer incentives actually create new growth or simply reward companies that would expand anyway. The hosts break down subsidies for projects in central Iowa, and ask whether property tax burdens are being made worse by carving out special deals for large employers while small businesses struggle.

They close by highlighting a story from Iowa’s gubernatorial race: Democratic frontrunner Rob Sand’s public stance against men in women’s sports, a move that’s creating friction with his party’s progressive base. As John notes, the left’s inability to engage in honest debate on this issue contrasts sharply with conservatives’ internal discussions on foreign policy, spending, and taxes.

Iowa politics is heating up—even in the summer. In this episode, Chris and John discuss behind-the-scenes moves in the 2026 Iowa governor’s race, including State Representative Eddie Andrews’ growing focus on property tax reform. They also cover Governor Reynolds’ recent veto and the potential for a special legislative session to override it.

The conversation turns to local government spending, highlighting Iowa City’s plan to pursue a local-option sales tax—despite already implementing a franchise fee. Chris and John ask why local governments insist on spending more, even while claiming to prioritize property tax relief.

The hosts dig into housing policy, questioning the role of cities like Waukee in subsidizing affordable housing despite ample federal incentives already in place. Is government the right entity to address housing shortages—or is it just chasing the next big narrative?

They close with reflections on the importance of civic education in Iowa, concerns about ideological bias in new university-led civics centers, and a call to return to foundational civic principles—maybe even through a little Schoolhouse Rock.

📣 Special guests this week: Ronald Reagan (via quote), Uncle Sam (via Bugs Bunny), and a trivia question from the Federalist Papers.

In this episode of ITR Live, the team reviews the final actions taken by Governor Kim Reynolds as the 2025 Iowa legislative session comes to a close. With the deadline for gubernatorial action now passed, the conversation highlights which bills received her signature, which didn’t, and what it all means for Iowa taxpayers.

Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson walk through key legislation signed into law—emphasizing wins for taxpayers, education freedom, and limited government. They also explore the strategic implications of a few notable vetoes or omissions, as Governor Reynolds continues to shape her policy legacy in Iowa.

The episode takes a broader view of what the 2025 session accomplished, particularly in the context of Reynolds’ past tax reform victories and the expectations that will follow in 2026. Chris and John close with speculation about what comes next—both for Iowa’s fiscal priorities and the emerging 2026 election landscape.

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.