3/10/26 - Toll for I-70, Ivy Tech President can't Manage Money, Ballard Campaign Nathan Gotsch

In this episode of the Rob Kendall Show, Rob breaks down a series of major political and economic controversies impacting Indiana and the country. From a proposed multi-billion dollar toll plan on Interstate 70 to gas taxes, government spending, political accountability, and federal policy debates, Rob dives deep into the issues he says are hitting working Americans the hardest. Today's guest is Nathan Gotsch - Advisor to the Greg Ballard Campaign for Secretary of State The show opens with a major development from Indiana Governor Mike Braun: a proposal to toll the entire 156-mile stretch of I-70 across the state. The plan could charge drivers about 10 cents per mile and truckers up to 54 cents per mile, which Rob argues amounts to a massive $6.5 billion tax increase on Hoosiers. He examines how the Indiana General Assembly previously transferred tolling authority to the governor and questions whether lawmakers intentionally avoided accountability for the decision. Rob also explains how tolling could impact commuters, trucking routes, and local communities. If drivers begin avoiding toll roads, he argues, nearby highways and local roads could face increased congestion and damage while local governments struggle to pay for repairs. The episode then shifts to a broader discussion about taxation in Indiana. Rob analyzes the state’s gas tax structure and outlines how multiple taxes are layered into every gallon of fuel, including state excise taxes, sales taxes, federal fuel taxes, and additional fees. According to the figures discussed, nearly 73 cents of every gallon of gas purchased goes to taxes. He questions how state leaders can claim roads require higher taxes while also suggesting the gas tax could be suspended if fuel prices spike. Later in the show, Rob calls out government spending practices at both the state and federal levels. He criticizes congressional “franked mail” campaign materials sent using taxpayer funds and argues they function as political advertisements funded by the public. He also addresses allegations surrounding the new president of Ivy Tech, whose previous school district reportedly faced a massive budget deficit following his tenure. Other topics in this episode include: • the continuation of Indiana’s needle exchange program after Governor Braun allowed the bill to become law without signing it • new automated highway speed enforcement zones coming to Indiana highways • polling data on President Trump’s approval ratings and policy performance • a proposal from Senator Cory Booker that would eliminate federal income taxes on the first $75,000 earned by many households • the broader debate over tax policy, government spending, and economic pressure on middle-class Americans Rob closes the episode with a broader commentary on political accountability, arguing that voters must demand better leadership if they want policy outcomes to change. If you follow Indiana politics, state taxation, infrastructure debates, or national policy trends, this episode delivers an in-depth look at the decisions shaping everyday life for taxpayers. The Rob Kendall Show streams live every weekday from 10am-noon. If you'd like to join the live online chat with other channel subscribers, you must be a subscriber (new subscribers must wait five-minutes after subscribing to comment). You can find more information at RobKendallShow.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices