The Issues

Economic Freedom

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

WMATA Needs Anthony Williams

In today’s Washington Times, Congressman Frank Wolf (VA-10, Retired) and Thomas Jefferson Institute President Derrick Max discuss Metro’s importance to the region, its near billion dollar deficits, its growing burden on...

Derrick A. Max
September 24, 2024

Two Tax Reforms a Stalemated General Assembly Could Agree To

During his four-year term, tax reductions approved by Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) will save Virginians just under $8 billion, and approximately $1.5 billion or more in additional annual savings after...

Stephen D. Haner
September 3, 2024

The ‘Black Jobs’ Narrative Harms the Black Community

While most of the post-debate news coverage is still rightly focused on the mental acuity (or lack thereof) of President Biden, the use of the term “Black jobs” by former...

Derrick A. Max
July 11, 2024

A Refresher on the Virginia Clean Economy Act, Now Back Under a Legislative Microscope

A senior Democratic state senator is leading an effort to review and possibly revise the 2020 Virginia Clean Economy Act (VCEA), which orders the future elimination of hydrocarbon fuels (oil,...

Stephen D. Haner
June 20, 2024

Youngkin Should Make Reliability, Low Cost Top Goals for Coming Clean Economy Act Review

Governor Glenn Youngkin recently flew to Louisiana to join other Republican governors in criticizing President Joe Biden’s energy policy, especially the president’s hostility to hydrocarbon fuels. Youngkin and the rest gathered...

Stephen D. Haner
June 10, 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.