The Issues

Economic Freedom

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

As Cost Kills TCI in Connecticut, Virginia Dems Dig In To Defend Virginia Green New Deal Laws

The Governor of Connecticut has abandoned his efforts to enroll that state in the Transportation and Climate Initiative, an interstate compact which would impose a cap, tax and ration scheme...

Stephen D. Haner
November 19, 2021

Confirmed: Virginia Economy Lags National Growth

It’s official now:  Even the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC)  has documented and highlighted how poorly Virginia’s economy is performing, how far our state is lagging national growth...

Stephen D. Haner
October 26, 2021

The State Tax Gravy Train Accelerates

Any claim that Virginia cannot reduce taxes on its citizens without damaging state programs has been further eroded by two recent announcements. The explosion of revenue from recent state tax...

Stephen D. Haner
October 21, 2021

Virginia’s Anemic Growth Has Policy Roots In Richmond and Washington

Here’s the evidence why Ralph Northam is wrong when he says Virginia’s economy is great. It’s not....
Stephen D. Haner
October 4, 2021

Yes Terry, Tax Hikes Grew the State Surplus

At the September 28 debate Democratic gubernatorial nominee Terry McAuliffe dismissed the 2021 $2.6 billion general fund revenue surplus as entirely due to extra federal COVID relief funds, which is...

Stephen D. Haner
September 30, 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.