5/14/26 - Government Acknowledges Assessment Crisis, Legislature Mulls Gas Tax Session, Deery Expands Lead

Today’s episode of The Rob Kendall Show returns to Indiana’s property tax system, with Kendall arguing that local governments and schools have too much money and little incentive to spend it wisely. He says the real problem is the assessment model, where homeowners are taxed based on what nearby houses sell for even if they have no plans to sell or profit from their own home. Kendall argues that as long as assessments remain the foundation of the system, meaningful property tax reform will never happen. Kendall also reacts to news that lawmakers will study the property assessment process during the summer, but he is skeptical anything meaningful will come from it. He compares the study committee to a delaying tactic, saying lawmakers already know the system is broken but are trying to buy time after homeowners opened new assessment notices and saw their bills rise. He criticizes state leaders for claiming they are still “having conversations” about property taxes after years of warnings and failed reform efforts. The show also covers the future of Indiana’s suspended gas taxes, as Governor Braun’s temporary pause is set to expire unless the General Assembly acts. Kendall questions why Braun is willing to call special sessions for issues like redistricting but appears hesitant when it comes to extending tax relief for drivers. He argues the pattern shows Braun is more willing to fight for Trump’s priorities than for policies that directly save Hoosiers money. Another major topic is the razor-thin Senate race between Spencer Deery and Paula Copenhaver, where Deery’s lead has grown to three votes with only two provisional ballots left to count. Kendall explains how provisional ballots and recount timelines work, using the race as a clear example of why individual votes matter. He also raises concerns about Secretary of State Diego Morales potentially overseeing a recount after aligning himself with Turning Point USA, which backed Copenhaver. The episode closes with a broader discussion about the role of the Secretary of State’s office and why Kendall believes it should be a boring, administrative position rather than a political machine. He points to Greg Ballard’s pledge not to endorse candidates in races his office would oversee as an example of why neutrality matters. Kendall argues the office has become increasingly politicized, especially under Diego Morales, and says that creates real problems when close elections and recounts require public trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices