Patti Vasquez is joined by Paul Nolley, candidate for Congress in the 16th District of Illinois. 

Here are a few key points from the conversation:
- Paul identified Medicaid cuts as a threat to rural hospitals, potentially causing closures, staffing reductions, fewer services, and longer waits.
- Farmers are facing higher input costs, weaker commodity markets, reduced soybean exports, and increased dependence on government aid.
- The Belvidere Stellantis plant’s delayed and reduced EV plans were discussed as a consequence of changed federal incentives and broader industrial policy.
- Nolley supports stronger apprenticeship and blue-collar career pathways through Project First Rate.
- He proposed protecting Social Security by applying the FICA tax to incomes above $250,000 and expanding Medicare benefits to dental, vision, and hearing care.
- He called for AI regulation, oversight of government corruption, and more public town halls. 

Catch "Driving It Home with Patti Vasquez" weekdays from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Central on WCPT (heartlandsignal.com/programs/driving-it-home).

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