The Issues

Economic Freedom

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

The Stealth Tax Increase that Remains in the Virginia Budget

While there has been much celebration at the passage of a new $188 billion biennial budget for Virginia, this deal would not have been possible had there not been close...

Derrick A. Max
May 15, 2024

Convenience Stores Will Continue to Flourish Without Skill Games

In today’s Roanoke Times, Thomas Jefferson Institute President Derrick Max rebutted the false claim that convenience stores will have to close if Governor Youngkin doesn’t approve the expansion of skill games...

Derrick A. Max
May 14, 2024

Youngkin Prevents Two Tax Increases, Will Still Sign Record State Budget

After much political theater, the Virginia General Assembly and Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) have now compromised on a $188 billion state budget based simply on the revenue projected from current tax law,...

Stephen D. Haner
May 13, 2024

Silence, Disinterest Will Get Your Netflix and NFL Sunday Ticket Taxed

After a month of unproductive political theater, Virginia’s leaders will finally sit down like adults and negotiate the budget. Better late than never.  The message is “everything is back on the...

Stephen D. Haner
April 19, 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.