The Issues

Economic Freedom

Political polls, like economic forecasts, can vary greatly depending on assumptions

Predicting economic growth and the outcome of elections have something in common: Both rely on assumptions. We economists make assumptions about when and by how much the Federal Reserve will...

Christine Chmura
March 4, 2020

Jefferson Journal: Raising the Price on School and Road Construction

Virginia faces billions in expenses for road, bridge and school repair. Why are so many politicians willing to raise the cost of that construction so less construction can be done?

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Christian Braunlich
March 2, 2020

Will General Assembly Decide on Carbon Car Tax?

Thanks to the persistence of Delegate Charles Poindexter, two members of Governor Ralph Northam’s cabinet are now on record stating the General Assembly will decide whether Virginia joins the carbon...

Stephen D. Haner
February 5, 2020

Right To Work Repeal Would Cost “Thousands” of Jobs, Say VEDP

Editor’s Note:  A bill to repeal Virginia’s right-to-work law is currently working its way through the Virginia House of Delegates.  More dangerously, a bill to require “Agency Shop Fees” will be...

Jim Bacon
February 5, 2020

Never Too Late for Serious Tax Reform

The new chair of the House Finance Committee has introduced a major long-term tax reform proposal that will help most Virginia families, and the former chair of the same committee...

Stephen D. Haner
January 22, 2020

Virginia’s Cost-Benefit System Provides More Efficient Transportation System

Each year when we release the Annual Highway Report, I receive a flurry of calls asking how states can improve their highways. Maintaining a quality state highway system is obviously...

Baruch Feigenbaum
January 8, 2020

Forecast for 2020 Looks Better Than it Did a Year Ago

What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time there was talk of recession, in part, because the stock market and yield curve were signaling warning signs. At...

Christine Chmura
January 8, 2020

Mason-Dixon Poll: Virginians Oppose New ‘Carbon Car Tax’

Polling data from a new poll conducted by the respect Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy shows that Virginians oppose the Transportation and Climate Initiative when they learn it will mean a...

Jefferson Forum
December 27, 2019

Should U.S. Consider Modern Monetary Theory to Improve Economy?

The U.S. budget deficit reached $984 billion in 2019. That’s 4.6% of gross domestic product. Such a large deficit should cause interest rates to rise, according to traditional economic theory,...

Jefferson Forum
December 21, 2019

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.