The Issues

Economic Freedom

Getting to Yes on Expanded Truck Parking

This spring the already-serious problem of insufficient safe parking spaces for long-haul trucks has gotten significantly worse. As noted last issue, the new federal effort to seriously enforce federal Hours...

Jefferson Forum
June 13, 2018

Do Transit-Rich Neighborhoods Lead to Less Car Use?

A new empirical study in the journal Housing Policy and Debate has set off extensive discussions about Smart Growth and related ideas such as “location-efficient mortgages.” In the study, Nicolas...

Jefferson Forum
May 25, 2018

Politicians Must Consider Unintended Consequences

It’s become a recurring, frustrating pattern, as legislators and regulators ignore the immutable laws of unintended consequences, to drive political agendas or aid favored constituencies, while harming others. A good...

Jefferson Forum
May 25, 2018

A Lurking Recession or Continued Economic Growth?

The U.S. economy has expanded for 107 months as of this month, making it the second longest expansion on record. The big question is whether economic growth will last 15...

Jefferson Forum
May 16, 2018

Taking Another Look at Tolls on I-81

Interstate 81, which slices through western Virginia, is one of the most heavily trafficked highways in the Old Dominion. Nearly 12 million trucks travel the Interstate, accounting for 42% of...

Jefferson Forum
May 16, 2018

Traffic Deaths: Distracted Drivers and Pedestrians

Data on 2017 traffic deaths were released in February by the National Safety Council. They showed a 1% decrease (to 40,100) from 2016 overall, but a report released in March...

Jefferson Forum
May 16, 2018

Outsourcing WMATA’s Silver Line Phase 2 Could Improve Operations

In January 2018, D.C. Metro officials issued a formal request for information on outsourcing station operations and track maintenance for Silver Line Phase II, expected to be completed by 2020....

Jefferson Forum
May 2, 2018

Richmond’s Proposed Cigarette Tax Increase Will Hurt Business

On April 23, the Richmond City Council is scheduled to decide whether to approve a massive new cigarette tax. Throughout the debate, tax supporters have undersold both the extreme price...

Mike Thompson
April 18, 2018

The “Gig Economy” or “Sharing Economy” is Growing Rapidly

The proliferation of smartphones and online platforms have lowered the barrier for suppliers to provide on demand services, making it easier for more individuals to complete some small jobs and...

Jefferson Forum
April 18, 2018

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.