John Hendrickson

108 posts
John Hendrickson is the Policy Director for the Iowans for Tax Relief Foundation. He formerly worked as a research analyst with Public Interest Institute and as a policy analyst for Iowans for Tax Relief. Henderickson earned a B.A. and M.A. in History from the University of North Dakota. (Opinions are his own.)

President Herbert Hoover’s American Exceptionalism

John Hendrickson: American exceptionalism was at the heart of President Herbert Hoover’s political philosophy.

Iowans Need Property Tax Relief

John Hendrickson: A property tax revenue limitation in Iowa’s code will help keep local government from growing “beyond what property owners and other taxpayers can afford.”

Guardians of the American Founding

John Hendrickson: In the end Coolidge and Reagan shared a similar conservative philosophy rooted in the principles of the American Founding.

Federalism and the Future of Constitutional Government

John Hendrickson: To restore traditional federalism, states, as well as the people, will have to repent of progressivism and return to the principles of the Constitution.

Calvin Coolidge and the Spirit of the American Founding

John Hendirckson: Calvin Coolidge’s commitment to the Constitution and the principles of the American Founding is also a vital lesson and warning for the nation to take to heart in our current era. 

Slow Spending In Iowa’s Constitution

John Hendrickson and Joseph Coletti: How can Iowa make sure its recent tax reform is fully implemented, including the adoption of fewer and lower tax rates in 2023? The only proven way to lower tax rates is with spending restraint.

Controlling State Government Spending in Iowa

John Hendrickson: Government spending is a concern to many Iowans. Individuals, families, and businesses across Iowa all follow a budget that is not guaranteed to increase every year, yet Iowa’s budget continues to grow. 

Does Government “Help” Prevent Growth?

John Hendrickson: If Iowa wants to increase economic growth, create more jobs and opportunities, and make our state more welcoming to businesses and entrepreneurs, policymakers need to implement pro-growth fiscal policies.

Conservative Principles of Public Policy

John Hendrickson: When evaluating public policy conservatives need to consider fundamental principles that will preserve and defend limited government and economic liberty.

Two Cheers for Tax Reform in Iowa

John Hendrickson: The tax reform plan passed by the Iowa Legislature is absolutely a step in the right direction and it will help many families and businesses in Iowa, but it should be viewed as a starting point.

A Republic, If You Can Keep It: A Defense of the Electoral College

John Hendrickson: The Electoral College is fundamental to our constitutional system of limited government, federalism, equal representation, and separation of powers. 

The Historical Success Story of Tax Cuts

John Hendrickson: The best economic policy can be summed up by tax cuts, budget cuts, and limited government, or to phrase it in simple terms: Constitutional government. 

The Iowa Legislature Should Not Delay Tax Reform

John Hendrickson: Delaying tax reform would be a setback for Iowa’s taxpayers and our economy. By lowering tax rates and controlling spending, Iowa will not only create a stronger economy with more opportunities, but also provide for the priorities of state government. 

The Failure of Progressive “Blue State” Economics

John Hendrickson: Iowa’s progressives are following a policy program known as the “Blue State” model seen in states like Connecticut, Illinois, and California, which “incorporates high levels of public employment, extensive and expensive public services, and high taxes and comprehensive regulations on business.” 

The North Carolina Growth Story Continues

John Hendrickson: Opponents of tax reduction balk at North Carolina’s historic tax reform as an example that pro-growth tax policies only lead to the bleeding of essential state services. They are wrong. 

An Unfortunate Milestone: Our National Debt Has Reached $21 Trillion

John Hendrickson: The $21 trillion national debt and the continuing out-of-control spending is a serious problem that can no longer be ignored.