The Jefferson Journal
Commentary
Attendees at the 2007 Innovations in Government Conference held December 17, 2007 in downtown Richmond heard from a wide range of experts and practitioners on the subject of Modernizing Government Through Better Practices.
...
The Democrats are crowing after their triumph over General Assembly Republicans. But their margin of victory was a lot closer than the newspaper headlines let on.
...
Transportation remains a top priority for many Virginians living in the more congested areas of the Commonwealth. Here are three papers explaining new ideas based on a market-oriented philosophy that would relieve the nightmare of traffic congestion through HOT lanes, public-private partnerships in building roads, and leasing toll roads in...
There’s no doubt that the Chesapeake Bay is in trouble, but a “command and control” response won’t solve the problem. Here’s one solution that includes trading of nutrient reduction amongst the polluters.
...
The 2007 Commonwealth of Virginia Energy and Sustainability (COVES) Conference invited David Schnare, Director of the Jefferson Institute’s Center for Environmental Stewardship to present on two aspects of the then-newly released Virginia Energy Plan. His presentation on Environmental Justice documents the care the Commonwealth took to protect the interests of...
The Fairfax County Executive’s 2007 attack on the Thomas Jefferson Institute’s Fairfax County budget study is based on faulty financial figures and attacks the methodology used in the analysis, says Jefferson President Michael W. Thompson. But the study — and all the others published over the years — merely duplicates...
In testimony before the U.S. Senate Committee for the Environment and Public Works, Jefferson Institute Senior Fellow Dr. David Schnare argues that responses to climate change and the exclusive strategy of reducing greenhouse gases has significant implications for the Chesapeake Bay. Instead, he recommends examining “geo-engineering” that will lower global...
Is there a “business case” for universal preschool? Advocates argue that there is a long-term “Return On Investment,” paying back the early costs of preschool through decreased K-12 education costs and “positive effects on adult crime, earnings, wealth,” and other components. But this paper demonstrates that such claims are overblown....
Working with legislators, key government officials and business leaders, the Thomas Jefferson Institute continued to bring creative and workable ideas for solving some of Virginia’s most critical challenges. This report outlines efforts to bring a more business-like approach to running state and local government, more parental choice and accountability to...
A Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) program would allow Virginia students with disabilities to attend the public or private school of their parents’ choice. But opponents attack this aid for disabled students, charging that it would drain public schools of funding. In fact, however, this study demonstrates that local school systems...