In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into the political landscape shaping Iowa’s upcoming elections. They explore recent polling data that presents a complex picture of voter sentiment, with particular attention to the surprising results from the Des Moines Register’s Iowa Poll showing Kamala Harris in the lead. The hosts discuss the accuracy and reliability of modern polling, which has faced challenges with changing voter behavior and response rates. They underscore the significance of informed voter participation, reminding listeners that the polls close at 8 PM, and encourage all eligible Iowans to make their voices heard on election day.

The episode also highlights the role of key issues in the election, from social policies to fiscal concerns. Abortion has emerged as a focal point, especially for Democratic candidates aiming to galvanize their base. On the other side, fiscal issues like tax cuts, inflation, and the cost of living remain top priorities for Republican candidates. Chris and John break down how each party is framing these issues to appeal to undecided voters and the broader implications these campaign strategies could have for Iowa’s legislative balance. They emphasize that with so many critical policies at stake, the election outcomes could shape the state’s direction for years to come.

Lastly, Chris and John examine the broader trends seen in political campaigning today, including the symbolic, yet often unreliable, indicator of yard signs as a measure of support. They reflect on the evolution of polling methods and the added complexity brought by digital and mobile communication, which has reshaped traditional methods of reaching voters. As candidates address an increasingly diverse array of issues, from economic reforms to local governance, the hosts discuss the importance of a well-rounded campaign that resonates across party lines. This episode provides listeners with a comprehensive view of the election dynamics, helping them understand the stakes and the potential impact on Iowa’s future policy landscape.

In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow is joined by Tom Sands and John Hendrickson to explore the far-reaching impacts of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and its connection to Iowa’s tax policies. They dive into the significance of tax cuts for economic growth, focusing on how federal and state tax reforms shape Iowa’s business climate and overall prosperity. The episode highlights the importance of reducing taxes for small businesses and corporations to stimulate investment and job creation.

Key topics include the link between Iowa’s tax policy and changes in the federal tax code, as well as the political landscape’s effect on future tax legislation. The conversation sheds light on how progressive tax policies could stifle economic growth, emphasizing the need for continued reform at both state and federal levels.

Listeners will gain insights into why responsible government spending is crucial in avoiding budget deficits and how Iowa’s fiscal conservatism can serve as a model for other states. The episode underscores the benefits of recent income tax cuts for Iowa’s working families and small businesses and the political challenges ahead as Congress debates the expiration of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into several key issues affecting Iowa taxpayers and government policies. They begin by discussing updates from the Hendrickson Library and insights from Iowa’s Revenue Estimating Conference, highlighting Iowa’s strong fiscal foundation despite recent revenue declines. They emphasize the importance of Iowa’s tax cuts, which are designed to return over-collected funds to taxpayers and ensure that the state’s surplus continues to grow even with these reductions.

The conversation then shifts to skepticism surrounding public funding for a new soccer stadium. Hagenow and Hendrickson express concern over using taxpayer money for private projects, stressing that local governments must prioritize core services like public safety and infrastructure. They argue that economic growth should not rely on public amenities funded by taxpayers, but rather on responsible fiscal management and restrained government spending.

Finally, the hosts address the pressing need for property tax reform in Iowa. They advocate for limiting local government spending as the only way to achieve real tax relief. Rearranging budget items, they argue, won’t solve the underlying issues. Instead, Iowa must lead the way in reform by making tough decisions to lower spending and ensure voters see real, long-term relief from rising property taxes.

In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow is joined by guest Sarah Curry to discuss Iowa’s upcoming bond elections, with a special focus on ‘repeat offenders’—local governments that continuously propose bond measures despite previous failures. The pair explore several case studies, highlighting how these proposals impact taxpayers and why voter engagement is essential in holding local officials accountable. They emphasize the importance of transparency in local government spending and the need for communities to stay informed about how bond measures could raise property taxes.

Throughout the episode, Chris and Sarah underscore the critical role voters play in shaping the future of their communities. They discuss how successful bond measures often come after extensive voter input and adjustments to initial proposals, stressing that respecting the voice of the people is fundamental to the democratic process. By engaging in local elections and staying informed, citizens can help ensure their tax dollars are used responsibly.

The conversation wraps up with a call to action, encouraging listeners to get involved in their local government by attending meetings, reviewing proposed bonds, and making use of available resources. The hosts also discuss how ITR Local aims to connect Iowans with crucial information about their local governments, fostering greater understanding and participation in decisions that affect community growth and fiscal responsibility.

In this episode of ITR Live, we welcome Dr. Ernie Goss, an expert on economics in the Midwest, to discuss the complex current economic conditions. Dr. Goss explores the disconnect between macroeconomic indicators and individual experiences, particularly in the context of manufacturing and agriculture. He highlights key challenges such as rising inflation, a recession in key sectors, and the job losses affecting the region. Additionally, the conversation touches on the Federal Reserve’s role and the growing burden of property taxes on economic growth.

Dr. Goss dives deeper into the influence of automation and artificial intelligence on the labor market. While these technologies hold long-term promise, their adoption remains expensive and uncertain for many businesses. He also notes the political uncertainties affecting both economic policies and taxation, expressing concern that many political promises related to taxes and spending are often unrealistic. Dr. Goss emphasizes that these factors could further exacerbate economic instability in the region.

Finally, Dr. Goss shares his thoughts on the path to a more competitive economy for the Midwest. He advocates for fostering value-added agriculture and ensuring that policies support competitive industries. Dr. Goss also stresses the importance of maintaining a family-friendly environment as essential for retaining talent in the region, all while addressing the negative impact of high property taxes on local economies.

In this episode of ITR Live, hosts Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson discuss various topics including new updates to the ITR Live Studio at the Hendrickson Center for the Preservation of Western Civilization. Shocking news as Iowa Democrats finally get fact-checked by the mainstream media, even though it came from a network TV station in Omaha. Legislative Democrats decided to make up their on facts on public school closures to win cheap political points on Educational Savings Accounts heading into the November election. Chris and John also discuss once again the achievements of Governor Kim Reynolds in tax reforms and how Iowa is leading the nation on fiscal policy. The conversation emphasizes the importance of factual reporting and the implications of upcoming elections on Iowa's future.

In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson discuss the latest ITR Foundation poll results, key issues affecting voter sentiment in Iowa, and the implications of the upcoming election. They analyze the role of abortion in legislative races, proposed tax amendments, and the significance of a property tax cap. The conversation also includes reflections on the recent vice presidential debate, highlighting the performances of candidates and their impact on the political landscape.

In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow and guest Sarah Curry delve into the intricacies of local government elections in Iowa, focusing on the challenges of accessing election information, the impact of voter turnout on election outcomes, and the importance of community engagement in local governance. They discuss recent election results, the complexities of bond elections and property taxes, and the need for better prioritization of emergency management funding. The conversation emphasizes the significance of local elections and the necessity for voters to be informed and engaged in their communities.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson discuss the recent changes in Iowa's political landscape, including the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg and the implications for future elections. They delve into the tactics used by political operatives to influence elections, particularly focusing on a controversial article about so called "dirty tricks" aimed at undermining Republican candidates. The conversation also covers upcoming key races in Iowa, highlighting the competitive nature of the political environment and the importance of voter engagement.

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson discuss the recent changes in Iowa's political landscape, including the resignation of Lieutenant Governor Adam Gregg and the implications for future elections. They delve into the tactics used by political operatives to influence elections, particularly focusing on a controversial article about so called "dirty tricks" aimed at undermining Republican candidates. The conversation also covers upcoming key races in Iowa, highlighting the competitive nature of the political environment and the importance of voter engagement.