ITR Live: Iowa Politics and Conservative Policy

Senator Scott Webster (R-Scott) is our guest on this episode of ITR Live. Senator Webster outlines his successful leadership in blocking local UBI initiatives, framing such programs as a misguided approach to welfare that risks entrenching a dependency culture and escalating local taxes. He details the legislative journey and the ideological battles over UBI, emphasizing the potential financial pi...

A recent Des Moines Register Editorial blasted government Kim Reynolds and the legislature for taking an "extreme path" and that Iowans should worry what might come next. ITR Live takes a look at the absurdity of this piece, highlighting that Iowa voters elected Governor Reynolds by a substantial margin, and also elected wide conservative majorities in the House and Senate. Further, many...

This episode of ITR Live takes a look at some of the high points for Iowa taxpayers out of the 2024 Iowa legislative session. The conclusion of this year’s session has brought with it several key outcomes that signal a brighter future for Iowa taxpayers. The acceleration toward a flat income tax structure is expected to make Iowa one of the states with the lowest income tax rates, a notable depart...

As the 2024 Iowa legislative session nears adjournment for the year, progress has been made on several high-profile, pro-taxpayer bills. ITR Live is here with an update on several pieces of legislation that are on track to be enacted in the legislature’s closing days. Income Tax Changes The recent discussions on income tax changes have outlined significant adjustments towards a simpler and fairer...

In today's episode of ITR Live, we delve into the challenges third-party candidates face on the political landscape. We discuss the hurdles these candidates encounter to gain ballot access, with a keen focus on signature collection and the grassroots support it implies. Beyond ensuring candidacy, it is a litmus test for a campaign’s viability. Our discussion also highlights the role of notable...

As the legislative session approaches its concluding weeks, there are several important topics and legislative actions that have surfaced, garnering both public attention and lawmaker debate. This flurry of activities includes the reassessment of education spending, the passionate discussion on traffic surveillance, and the robust considerations on land ownership. A significant bill that has seen...

Welcome to this episode of the ITR Live Podcast, where we delve into the dynamic and strategically complex world of Iowa politics. Today, we're focusing on the intertwined themes of taxation, governance, and the cultural fabric that enriches the lives of Iowans. This legislative session, the spotlight is on Iowa's fiscal health and taxation policies. Iowa boasts a financial surplus of over...

In this episode of ITR Live, Chris Hagenow, Chris Ingstad, and John Hendrickson engage in a comprehensive discussion on local government budgeting and its current implications to taxpayers. They probe into the challenges faced by citizens due to expansive budget growth, noting Dallas County's proposed 25% hike in property tax revenue as a compelling example. As household expenditures are risin...

On this episode of the gold standard in Iowa conservative podcasts, Chris Hagenow and John Hendrickson review the recent ITR/NFIB Tax Day Luncheon held in Des Moines. The keynote speaker was Grover Norquist of Americans for Tax Reform followed by a panel conversation with the House and Senate Ways and Means committee chairmen, Representative Bobby Kaufmann and Senator Dan Dawson. The state of Iowa...

Alan Ostergren of the Kirkwood Institute joins ITR Live for a turn in John Hendrickson’s spot. Alan and Chris talk about the political climate in Iowa and what we might be able to expect in the 2024 elections. Iowa's political environment is increasingly becoming more favorable for Republicans, largely thanks to a cohesive strategy and rising voter alignment with conservative values. Polling d...

On this episode of ITR Live, we are joined by Jonathan Williams, ALEC’s Chief Economist and SVP of Policy. Jonathan is involved in educating state legislators on the principles of limited government, free markets, and federalism, and works with them to highlight conservative priorities that resonate with the public. Jonathan has been a key figure in promoting ideas for states to become more econom...

In this episode of ITR Live, we emphasize the role of civic engagement in holding elected officials accountable for their tax-related decisions. An informed electorate is essential; one that demands clarity and justifies their tax obligations from their local supervisors. The concept of a well-informed citizenry participating in budgetary and tax discussions is not just a right but a mechanism to...

In the episode of ITR Live, we provide a wide-ranging update on what’s happening in in the Capitol. More specifically we dive into the complex yet vital world of state regulation and the legislature's role in its making, monitoring, and implementation in Iowa. The function of legislative oversight is a cornerstone of democratic governance. It ensures that rules and regulations, which have a su...

On the episode of ITR Live, we delve deep into the evolution of Iowa's conservative agenda. We'll review the latest happenings in public policy, particularly two proposed constitutional amendments stirring the political circles of the state. We listen to the voices from both sides of the aisle as they debate on the merits of a supermajority requirement for raising income taxes and the esta...

Spotlight on Iowa's Property Tax Notifications Property tax transparency in Iowa has sparked considerable debate, drawing attention to the newly instituted direct notification laws. The state's initiative to mail out property tax notifications comes with a budgeted cost of $1.9 million, viewed as a necessary expense given the over $5 billion property taxes paid statewide. The direct notifi...

Mitch McConnell's Tenure Undoubtedly, a lasting highlight of McConnell’s time as a leading Republican is his influence on the federal judiciary. McConnell’s strategic decision not to fill the Merrick Garland Supreme Court vacancy until after the 2016 election is seen as a pivotal move that profoundly altered the course of the American judiciary. The appointment of three Supreme Court justices...

The United States’ Responsibility to Ukraine As Pat Buchanan once eloquently pointed out, history has a tendency to repeat itself, especially when it comes to foreign policy blunders. The recent discussions surrounding NATO expansion, particularly the potential inclusion of Ukraine, raise red flags The bipartisan push to expand NATO, taking it right up to Russia's doorstep, is a dangerous game...

Understanding Property Taxes in Iowa For many Iowans, the level of property taxes is a concern that hits close to home. However, it's the lack of understanding about property tax administration that fuels much of the public's unease. It's vital to comprehend how these taxes are calculated, what they fund, and the ways in which local government budget hearings influence municipal spendi...

In the latest episode of the ITR podcast, Chris and John delve into a comprehensive update on the legislative landscape following the initial legislative funnel. Their discussion covers the trajectory of several pivotal bills, including the governor's tax initiative which has successfully advanced through a subcommittee. They also explore the vibrant debates and developments surrounding variou...

Political Stability: Iowa Remains Solidly Republican The most recent Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation Poll, conducted by Cygnal, shows a majority of Iowans believe our country is headed in the wrong direction. More than two-thirds (68.2%) of those surveyed believe the United States is off on the wrong track, including an overwhelming majority of Republicans (92%) and Independents (72%). President...

Trade Policy Expressed in Music: The Legacy of the Protective Tariff Grand March In the late 19th century, political debates were not confined to the floors of legislative buildings or printed pamphlets alone. The trade issue—a hot topic during the period—inspired not only heated discussions but also artistic expressions. William L. Thompson, a notable composer of that time, encapsulated the era&#...

The landscape of conservative political discourse is continuously shaped and reshaped by pivotal events and figures, both past and current. In the following article, we delve into several key conversations that frequently animate conservative circles, including Russia's historical narrative, reflections on the COVID-19 response, and the ongoing debate surrounding the binary nature of gender. R...

The Des Moines Register recently published an objective piece, which brought to light the outcomes of recent educational reforms, such as Education Savings Accounts (ESAs). Contrary to fearful forecasts of doom for public schools – particularly in rural areas – the actual movement of students to private schools has occurred predominantly in more populated areas where private schools are already es...

## The Emergence of a Tax Reform Agreement Iowa's leadership on tax policy has set the stage for an extraordinary era in the state's fiscal management and potential economic growth. After a series of surpluses and the amassing of a substantial balance in the taxpayer relief fund, Iowa is poised to solidify its reputation as a leader in conservative budgeting and tax relief. The recent alig...

# # Freedom and Liberty in Western Thought Freedom and liberty are terms often used synonymously in political dialogue, especially within conservative circles. However, these terms carry distinct meanings and have been subjects of philosophical debates throughout the history of Western civilization. The idea of freedom often relates to the power or right to act, speak, or think as one wants withou...