The Issues

Economic Freedom

SCC Notes Growing Cost of VCEA Compliance,Rejects One Project, Makes a Second Contingent

Citing the high cost, the Virginia State Corporation Commission on Friday denied a request to add a battery project to the Appalachian Power Company grid. In the same decision, an out-of-state...

Jefferson Forum
November 24, 2025

Progressives Urge Assembly to Soak the Rich, But Likely Tax Increases Will Reach Everyone

As a new Democratic Party trifecta looms in Virginia, a progressive policy group has floated a long list of old and new ways to soak Virginia’s upper-income residents through taxes...

Stephen D. Haner
November 17, 2025

Enhanced Democratic Trifecta in Richmond Grants Them Control Over Energy Policy

The return of the political trifecta Democrats enjoyed during the 2020 and 2021 General Assembly sessions – now bolstered with a 64-36 majority in the House of Delegates – leaves...

Stephen D. Haner
November 7, 2025

Don’t Bet Against Virginia: Why the State’s Economy Is Stronger Than the Headlines Suggest and Progressives Shout

If you only read the headlines, you might think Virginia’s economy is teetering on the brink. A recent Cardinal News story declared that the Commonwealth’s GDP growth has fallen from...

Derrick A. Max
October 25, 2025

Spanberger Proposal Would Undermine Local Economic Growth

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Abigail Spanberger wants voters to believe she’s a moderate. That’s understandable.  At a time when the Democratic Party’s favorability is at 33 percent and with an avowed...

Christian Braunlich
August 10, 2025

Conforming to Trump’s Tax Bill Would Save Virginians $1.4 Billion More

Should the 2026 Virginia General Assembly choose to conform state tax laws to the full set of new tax rules at the federal level, Virginia families and businesses might save...

Stephen D. Haner
August 1, 2025

Layoffs at Bloated Federal Agencies Versus the Impact of Private Sector Layoffs Caused by the Federal Government

When Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently laid off 1,350 employees as part of a broader restructuring effort, the media response was swift and emotional. Stories of tearful farewells, union...

Paul Driessen
July 23, 2025

One is Enough: End the Front License Plate Requirement in Virginia

by Gabrielle Brohard The Commonwealth of Virginia currently mandates that most passenger vehicles display two license plates—one on the front and one on the back. While this policy may seem minor or...

Jefferson Forum
June 25, 2025

Tariffs on Medicine Put Virginia Patients at Risk

The Thomas Jefferson Institute’s opposition to President Trump’s tariff regime is now well known. Taxing imports only hurts those the President hopes to help most. While the President’s recent call...

Derrick A. Max
May 9, 2025

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.