The Issues

Economic Freedom

A Bipartisan Trade Agreement Good for Virginia’s Economy

Governor Ralph Northam recently suggested caution in the face of recessionary concerns:  “As the global economy changes, we must be both cautious and strategic.”  Those concerns were largely echoed by...

Christian Braunlich
September 10, 2019

Calling It What It Is: A $450 Million Windfall Tax Hike!

Virginia state government ended Fiscal Year 2019 awash in cash largely for one reason: A $466 million tax increase that fell on about 30 percent of individual taxpayers, caused by...

Stephen D. Haner
August 27, 2019

On Immigration, Following the Data Where It Leads

Debate: The debate on immigration in America continues to rage. People who hold right-of-center political beliefs seem to think that the U.S. immigration laws should be vigorously enforced. There may...

Jefferson Forum
August 27, 2019

Real Medicare Doesn’t Match Political Promises

We had been on Medicare exactly two days when our first premium increase notice arrived, a nice healthy 5% jump. This isn’t the Medicare Heaven that I keep hearing about...

Stephen D. Haner
August 13, 2019

Why Does Virginia’s Job Growth Rate Continue to Lag the Nation?

Virginia keeps adding jobs on a monthly basis, but the state’s job growth rate continues to lag the national growth rate. In fact, monthly employment in Virginia has grown at...

Jefferson Forum
August 13, 2019

PIRG Deems Highway Mega-Projects “Boondoggles”

(Editor’s Note:  The Ralph Nader-inspired Public Interest Research Group, or PIRG, has declared the widening of I-81 in Virginia to be a “boondoggle.”  This is no doubt news to Virginians...

Jefferson Forum
July 30, 2019

Virginia Tax on Racinos Among Lowest in Nation

If Virginia is going to sell its soul, we should at least get the market price. The Virginia Racing Commission is starting to publish monthly reports on the cash flow...

Stephen D. Haner
July 17, 2019

Increasing Defense Contracts Good News for Virginia Economy

Virginia firms handled more defense contracts than any other state except California in the most recent fiscal year. The $37.4 billion performed in Virginia during the fiscal year that ended...

Jefferson Forum
July 16, 2019

Virginia Tax on Racinos Among Lowest in Nation

If Virginia is going to sell its soul, we should at least get the market price. The Virginia Racing Commission is starting to publish monthly reports on the cash flow...

Stephen D. Haner
July 11, 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.