The Issues

Economic Freedom

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

Former Virginia Governor George Allen: ‘The Tariffs Are An Unconstitutional Seizure of Taxation Power that Conservatives Should Oppose’

There are few issues more important than how and how much governments tax their citizens. But what is often less appreciated, but even more important, is under what authority taxes...

Derrick A. Max
May 9, 2025

Trump’s Double Whammy to Virginia’s Economy

No one can say we weren’t warned. During his debate with then Vice President Kamala Harris, President Donald Trump clearly stated, “other countries are going to finally, after 75 years, pay us...

Derrick A. Max
April 4, 2025

State Legislation on AI: How a Courageous Governor’s Veto Averted Regulatory Crisis

Artificial intelligence (AI) is progressing rapidly and powering solutions previously unimaginable. At the same time, AI legislation is on the rise and a patchwork of state restrictions looms over the...

Jefferson Forum
March 28, 2025

Was The Fatal Flaw For This Sensible Tax Bill Simply the Support From Youngkin?  

Virginia will remain out of step with the rest of the United States on how it taxes service-providing businesses after General Assembly Democrats voted in lockstep to once again kill...

Stephen D. Haner
February 10, 2025

Senate Democrats Threatening $633 Tax Hike on Millions of Virginians

In the past few years, under governors of both parties, Virginia has expanded its standard deduction for income taxpayers from $6,000 for a couple in 2018 to $17,000 today saving...

Stephen D. Haner
January 30, 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.