The Issues

Economic Freedom

Overwhelming Support Shown for Virginia’s Sole Education Choice Program: Highest Backing Among Black Voters

As National School Choice Week 2022 concludes, the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy today released results of a polling question demonstrating the overwhelming popularity of Virginia’s sole education choice...

Christian Braunlich
January 28, 2022

The Largest Tax Relief Ever Given…

New Governor Glenn Youngkin has now submitted his tax cut proposals to the 2022 General Assembly in the form of bills and budget amendments, and if all his campaign pledges...

Stephen D. Haner
January 25, 2022

A Regulatory Path to Repeal the RGGI Carbon Tax

Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) will proceed to remove Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative carbon tax compact by the same route Virginia entered it:  He will push to repeal...

Stephen D. Haner
January 18, 2022

Time To Reform Virginia’s Energy Policies

Dominion Energy Virginia’s November announcement that its proposed offshore wind project has jumped almost 25% in cost to $10 billion, with years to go before construction even starts, has put...

Stephen D. Haner
January 7, 2022

Virginia Should Boost Standard Deduction, Index for Inflation

One of big financial winners with the May 2021 and then January 2022 Virginia minimum wage increases is the state itself, because the entire raise is subject to a 5...

Stephen D. Haner
January 7, 2022

Northam Blinks. Tax Cuts Are Coming.

Virginia’s leaders are no longer debating whether to cut state taxes. The argument now will be over how to cut state taxes. Outgoing Democratic Governor Ralph Northam announced Tuesday that...

Stephen D. Haner
December 14, 2021

How California Now Controls Virginia Auto Market

Virginia’s automotive sales market is now officially controlled in Sacramento, with the likelihood that no new internal combustion engines can be sold in the Commonwealth after 2035. The Virginia Air...

Stephen D. Haner
December 10, 2021

Youngkin to Withdraw from RGGI, End Carbon Tax

Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin told a business group audience Wednesday afternoon that he intends to withdraw Virginia from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. His decision came two days after Dominion Energy Virginia...

Stephen D. Haner
December 8, 2021

Heat Rule Gets Cold Shoulder

Virginia’s Safety and Health Codes Board on Friday voted down a proposed workplace heat protection standard, strongly opposed by the state’s business community but ardently sought by organized labor and...

Stephen D. Haner
December 6, 2021

Jefferson Forum concentrates on policies that affect everyday life in Virginia

Economic Freedom

Lower taxes and fewer regulations

Education Freedom

More choices for Virginia families

Energy Freedom

Reliable, affordable energy

Worker Freedom

Protecting Virginia’s right-to-work tradition

These are the building blocks of a more competitive and prosperous Virginia.