The Issues

Economic Freedom

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

Legislator proposes raising Virginia state income tax rate to 10% for high-income households

In Virginia, a Democratic Delegate, Phil Hernandez, has introduced legislation to raise state income taxes on people making over $1 million per year. Their marginal tax rate would rise...

Jefferson Forum
January 11, 2025

Standard Deductions, Opportunity Scholarships and Car Taxes: Gov. Youngkin Proposes Three of TJI’s Key Policy Priorities

Governor Youngkin presented his budget amendments to the Joint Money Committees yesterday. The speech was filled with budget amendments to reduce taxes and fund new or existing programs. These tax cuts and additional spending proposals were...

Jefferson Forum
December 19, 2024

It’s Car Tax Day, Let’s Move Forward on Governor Gilmore’s ‘No Car Tax’ Pledge

By Kimberly Pinter and Callahan Burton Governor Gilmore was right. His “No Car Tax” slogan resonated with all Virginia vehicle owners and catapulted him to the Virginia Governor’s mansion in...

Jefferson Forum
October 7, 2024

A Transparent Effort to Increase General Assembly Authority to Eliminate Hydrocarbon Fuels

Any doubt that some members of the Virginia General Assembly’s reconstituted electricity regulation commission intend on taking full control of our energy economy was dispelled at its second meeting Wednesday....

Stephen D. Haner
September 26, 2024

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.