Dialogue on Virginia Policy
(Chairman & CEO, The Carpe Diem Group, Inc., a diversified IT professional services firm providing Internet and e-commerce services and solutions to medium and largesized businesses.)Ronald Reagan characterized government behavior in society by these short phrases: “If it moves, tax it; if it continues to move, regulate it; if it stops moving, subsidize it.” These maxims are still relevant […]
Testimony of Michael W. Thompson
Regarding HB 193 (Delegate O’Bannon) to Reform COPN Laws Mr. Chairman: I’m Mike Thompson, President of the Thomas Jefferson Institute, and I am here today to ask for your support and that of your colleagues to dramatically reform the Certificate of Public Need law here in Virginia. As a foundation, we cannot lobby for specific legislation, […]
Budget Crisis Requires Simple Steps
1/22/2010 – As Governor Bob McDonnell settles into his new office, counties and cities throughout the state continue their annual budget drafting process in earnest. Local governments rely heavily on state spending. Indeed, about 52 percent of the state budget goes to our counties and cities and these local jurisdictions will have to enact large budgets cuts […]
Impacting Public Policy in a Major Way
I want to bring you up-to-date on the activities of the Thomas Jefferson Institute, Virginia’s premier independent public policy foundation, and the impact we are having on public policy As I have said before, this public policy foundation is more accurately defined as a “solutions tank” rather than a “think tank.” We seek real world alternatives to […]
2013 Invite
703/922-6768 info@thomasjeffersoninst.org Michael Thompson Christian N. Braunlich Chairman and President Vice President Dear Virginia Education Policy Leader: Six Schools. 6,000 Students. $20 million. On Wednesday November 20, you’re invited to come learn how a mid-sized school division won $20 million in Race to the Top District funds … and how your school division might, too! With millions of dollars […]
Fairfax County Budget Analysis: Spending Slows as Elections Approach
Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy The Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy is a non-partisan research and education organization devoted to improving the lives of the people in Virginia. The Institute was organized in 1996, and was the only state and local government focused public policy foundation in Virginia based on a philosophy of limited government, free […]
A Fairfax County Budget Analysis
The Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy is anon-partisan research and education organization devoted to improving the lives of the people in Virginia. The Institute was organized in 1996, and was the only state and local government focused public policy foundation in Virginia based on a philosophy of limited government, free enterprise and individual responsibility. It is a […]
Richmond’s Proposed Cigarette Tax is Bad Policy
Last year, the Richmond City Council considered an 80 cent per pack increase in the cigarette tax. After several public hearings and careful consideration of the shortcomings of this proposal, the City Council voted it down. But like Jason in the series of Halloween movies, “he’s back!” This time the increase in the cigarette tax […]
Tax Increases Could be Coming to Virginia Soon!
Recent federal tax cuts put more money into the pockets of most Virginia families to the tune of some $1200 to $1400. But a good part of that could soon be taken away by our elected officials when the General Assembly meets in January. When the General Assembly votes to conform our state tax code […]
Virginia Should Avoid Frivolous Climate Litigation
Is the company that makes ladders legally responsible if you fall off of one? Or if you cut yourself picking up broken glass, is the maker of that glass legally liable? You probably think such lawsuits would be “silly” and should be tossed from the courts immediately. And then again, a consumer of diseased chicken […]