ITR Live: Conservative Iowa Politics

Iowans for Tax Relief
ITR Live: Conservative Iowa Politics

Iowans for Tax Relief works to get politicians and government out of your pocket and off your back. The ITR Live podcast brings you news, opinion and an occasional laugh as we work to advance this conservative vision for Iowa.

  1. 1일 전

    Iowa’s Budget Battle: What’s Next for Education and Taxes?

    In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson discuss key developments in Iowa politics, including the unexpected passing of State Representative Martin Graber, ongoing debates over Iowa’s school funding formula, and concerns over the state’s growing government debt. The episode provides a deep dive into Iowa’s property tax system and how supplemental state aid (SSA) for education impacts local budgets. Chris breaks down how school funding works, the latest legislative proposals, and why Iowa property taxpayers should pay close attention. The conversation highlights the Republican-led push for fiscal responsibility and how tax increases could be hidden within school funding decisions. The hosts also examine Iowa’s $22 billion debt, breaking down state and local borrowing trends. They discuss how city and county governments contribute to Iowa’s debt load and what reforms could ensure long-term fiscal sustainability. With property tax reform and government efficiency remaining top priorities, the episode provides insight into the future of Iowa’s conservative agenda. Wrapping up, Chris and John share thoughts on wasteful local government spending, including taxpayer-funded mailers and economic development projects. They emphasize the need for conservative governance, responsible budgeting, and smarter spending reforms to protect Iowa taxpayers. 🔔 Subscribe to ITR Live on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and Rumble for the latest updates on Iowa politics, tax reform, and conservative policy insights.

    31분
  2. 1월 27일

    Donald Trump’s Golden Age Vision: What It Means for Iowa

    In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson return to the Hendrickson Library to discuss a wide range of topics, including updates on the legislative session, Governor Reynolds’ Condition of the State address, and the early days of Donald Trump’s second presidency. The hosts dive into Iowa’s special election for the open Senate seat, providing insights into the candidates and the implications for the state’s supermajority Republican legislature. A key segment focuses on property tax reform, a top priority for the legislative session. Chris and John examine the challenges and potential solutions, including proposals inspired by other states. The hosts emphasize the importance of transparency and taxpayer involvement in shaping budgets at the local level. They also touch on broader issues, including regulatory reform and initiatives to streamline state and local government. The discussion transitions to national topics, highlighting Trump’s bold start to his second term. The hosts analyze the president’s policy-heavy inaugural speech and his immediate flurry of executive orders, addressing immigration, trade, and government efficiency. Chris and John reflect on the ambitious agenda and its potential ripple effects for Iowa and beyond. Wrapping up, the hosts explore an opinion piece by a rural Democrat reflecting on the 2024 election results. They discuss the challenges facing Democrats in Iowa, voter sentiment, and the disconnect between policy positions and electoral outcomes. This episode provides a mix of state and national political analysis, with an emphasis on property taxes, governance, and the evolving political landscape.

    39분
  3. 1월 14일

    Taxpayer-First Governance: A Legislative Mandate

    On this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson break down the opening day of Iowa’s 91st General Assembly, featuring powerful speeches from key legislative leaders. The episode begins with an emotional address from Senate Majority Leader Jack Whitver, who provides an inspiring update on his health journey and reflects on the importance of perseverance. His message underscores the unity and resolve of Iowa’s leaders as they tackle the challenges of the new session. The hosts delve into House Speaker Pat Grassley’s comments that prioritize property tax reform, emphasizing a taxpayer-first approach. Grassley’s remarks highlight the growing dissatisfaction among Iowans with the rising property tax burden and set the stage for bold action in 2025. He stresses the need to shift focus from local government interests to the needs of Iowa’s taxpayers. Senate President Sinclair echoes the importance of fiscal responsibility, celebrating Iowa’s strong financial position and robust economic growth fueled by prudent budgeting and past tax cuts. Sinclair’s message counters recent media criticism, asserting that Iowa’s successes stem from sound conservative policies rather than federal aid. The discussion explores contrasts between Iowa’s fiscal management and the challenges faced by neighboring Minnesota. Wrapping up, Chris and John discuss the broader implications of the 2024 election results as a mandate for conservative governance. Comparing Iowa and Minnesota, the hosts highlight the stark differences in policy outcomes and the importance of continuing to focus on taxpayers’ needs. The episode closes with a look at upcoming legislative priorities and the importance of bold action to address Iowa’s pressing issues.

    31분
  4. 1월 9일

    Iowa's $7 Billion Property Tax Problem

    In this episode of the ITR Live Podcast, Chris Hagenow welcomes Sarah Curry to discuss the pressing issue of property taxes in Iowa. The conversation dives into the state’s property tax system, highlighting a significant milestone: Iowa’s property tax collections have reached $7 billion annually, reflecting an unsustainable growth trajectory. Sarah provides an in-depth analysis of historical trends, the effectiveness of past reforms, and the challenges of curbing local government spending. The hosts explore the impact of recent property tax legislation, including the 2023 bill that introduced restrictions based on property valuation growth. Despite these efforts, Sarah reveals data showing that even with restrictions, property taxes in some counties and cities increased by as much as 8% and 13%, respectively. The discussion emphasizes the growing burden on Iowans, whose ability to pay is being outpaced by escalating tax rates. Chris and Sarah also critique the challenges of local government fiscal management, questioning the sustainability of Iowa’s fragmented layers of governance. They stress the importance of state-imposed restrictions to address systemic overspending at the local level, arguing for bold reforms to protect taxpayers. The episode concludes with optimism for meaningful legislative action in 2025, while cautioning that addressing property tax issues will require a multi-year commitment. Listeners are encouraged to stay informed, get involved, and push for sustainable solutions to Iowa’s property tax crisis.

    31분
  5. 1월 7일

    New Year, New Challenges: Iowa’s 2025 Legislative Session

    In this episode of the ITR Live podcast, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson kick off the new year from the Hendrickson Library at the Institute for the Preservation of Western Civilization. They explore what’s on the horizon for Iowa politics in 2025, focusing on key issues likely to dominate the legislative session, including tax reform, education, and property taxes. The hosts delve into how Iowa maintains strong fiscal management and contrasts it with challenges in states like Minnesota. The discussion touches on the political drama unfolding in Minnesota, from narrow legislative margins to controversies over election results. The conversation then shifts to broader issues, including the geopolitical importance of Greenland and national security implications of rare earth minerals and Arctic shipping routes. Humor and insight blend as the hosts consider the strategic significance of these topics alongside lighter banter about Canada and Greenland. A significant portion of the episode centers on property taxes as the top legislative priority for 2025. Chris and John analyze the complexities of bold reforms, the challenges of appeasing local governments, and the need for clear plans to address spending caps and taxpayer concerns. The duo also explores ongoing debates about gender issues in schools and the potential impact of social policies on voter behavior. Wrapping up, the hosts emphasize the value of a conservative governance approach focused on sustainable reforms. They highlight Calvin Coolidge’s wisdom about the importance of killing bad bills over passing good ones and preview topics for future episodes, including key legislative players and deeper dives into Iowa’s policy landscape.

    25분
  6. 2024. 12. 16.

    From Surplus to Success: Iowa’s Fiscal Foundation in Focus

    In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow and Policy Director John Hendrickson dive into key developments shaping Iowa’s governance and tax policies. The discussion kicks off with the appointment of Iowa’s new Lieutenant Governor, Senator Chris Cournoyer. Known for her work on state realignment and efficiency, her appointment reflects a commitment to streamlining government operations and ensuring readiness for leadership transitions. Next, the hosts break down the December Revenue Estimating Conference (REC) report, which projects lower income tax revenue due to ongoing tax reforms. While critics have raised concerns, Chris and John explain why this decline is intentional and reflective of conservative budgeting practices. They highlight how Iowa’s fiscal health—including a strong Taxpayer Relief Fund and growing sales tax revenue—ensures that the state can meet its obligations while allowing Iowans to keep more of their hard-earned money. The discussion then moves to the release of the 2025 income tax withholding tables, which will show Iowans the immediate benefits of the new 3.8% flat tax. For many taxpayers, this means more money in their paychecks starting January 1st, 2025. Chris and John emphasize how these tangible results demonstrate the success of pro-growth tax reforms in making Iowa a leader in fiscal policy. Finally, the episode wraps up with a broader conversation about tax reform and the upcoming legislative session. The hosts stress the importance of maintaining conservative budgeting principles, prioritizing property tax reductions, and streamlining government to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars. They also reflect on Iowa’s national leadership in tax policy and its potential as a model for other states.

    27분
  7. 2024. 12. 10.

    Property Tax Relief to Federal Strings: Iowa’s Fiscal Challenges

    In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into the pressing topics shaping Iowa’s future. Broadcasting from the newly equipped Hendrickson Library, the discussion highlights the upcoming legislative session and its implications for property taxes, local government spending, and economic growth. With a focus on ensuring government accountability and efficiency, the conversation reinforces ITR’s commitment to putting taxpayers first. The episode starts with a sharp focus on property taxes, emphasizing the necessity of reducing tax collections to alleviate the financial burden on Iowans. This principle is revisited throughout the episode, underlining the critical need for tangible reforms. Hagenow and Hendrickson also provide a construction update on the ITR headquarters, humorously acknowledging the external disruptions as a metaphor for progress and economic development. Key legislative previews follow, including insights into meetings with various state associations and media groups. These events reveal property taxes as the dominant issue on lawmakers’ agendas, with bipartisan agreement on the need for reform, albeit with diverging strategies. Hendrickson recounts his experience at the Iowa Taxpayers Association Symposium, sharing updates on economic development and the state’s fiscal health. A deep dive into federalism rounds out the episode, exploring its foundational importance in ensuring state autonomy and effective governance. The hosts discuss how excessive federal oversight and mandates, often tied to funding, undermine local decision-making. They advocate for greater transparency and legislative oversight to combat these challenges and protect Iowa’s fiscal independence.tes

    36분
  8. 2024. 12. 03.

    Prioritizing Taxpayers: Holding Government Ambitions in Check

    In this episode of ITR Live, host Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson dive into critical discussions about local and state government spending, upcoming legislative priorities, and broader national political issues. Government Spending and Transparency: The conversation explores both state and local government spending practices, with particular attention to property tax reform. John highlights the benefits of capping property tax increases at 2% annually, a reform inspired by similar measures in states like New York and Massachusetts. Additionally, the hosts discuss the need for better transparency in property tax statements, emphasizing the importance of simplicity and clarity for taxpayers. National Politics and Hunter Biden: Chris and John share their perspectives on recent national developments, including the potential implications of Hunter Biden’s pardon. They discuss how this development could shift the political landscape, including its impact on President Biden’s administration and potential strategies for Republicans heading into the next election cycle. Economic Development and Local Investments: The hosts critique local government investments in high-profile projects, such as West Des Moines’ proposed $91 million water park and Dubuque’s $1 million allocation to the Field of Dreams project. They question whether these projects represent the best use of taxpayer dollars, suggesting that local governments should prioritize essential services over ambitious development projects. Iowa’s Legislative Priorities for 2025: Looking ahead to the upcoming legislative session, the hosts discuss critical issues such as property tax reform, income tax reductions, and spending limitations. They emphasize the importance of responsible governance to maintain Iowa’s strong fiscal foundation, citing successful measures that have led to budget surpluses and taxpayer relief. Committee Leadership and Legislative Dynamics: Chris and John provide insights into the new committee assignments in the Iowa legislature. They highlight the significance of these roles, particularly in areas like Ways and Means and Appropriations, which directly influence tax and budget policies. The hosts also share their optimism for continued bipartisan efforts to address Iowa’s most pressing fiscal challenges.

    31분
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Iowans for Tax Relief works to get politicians and government out of your pocket and off your back. The ITR Live podcast brings you news, opinion and an occasional laugh as we work to advance this conservative vision for Iowa.

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