The Issues

Economic Freedom

Immigrants Add to our State's Economy

Virginia is honoring our immigrants with a well-deserved “Immigrant Heritage Month” as declared by Governor Terry McAuliffe. With that in mind, I want to review some important facts and figures...

Mike Thompson
June 19, 2017

Community Banks: Help is on the Way

In the wake of the financial meltdown in 2008, Congress passed and President Obama signed the Dodd-Frank law which was intended to regulate big banks and address the causes of...

Jefferson Forum
June 19, 2017

Could Asset Recycling Be the Answer for Trump Infrastructure Plan?

In my April column in Public Works Financing, I pointed out that the Trump Administration faces a dilemma in its quest for a $1 trillion infrastructure program based largely on...

Jefferson Forum
June 19, 2017

Tax Reform is Key to Virginia's Future

As of March 2017, our state’s unemployment rate was over 3%. Granted, these numbers are not awful, but I would argue there is room for improvement. Many of these jobs...
Mike Thompson
June 8, 2017

Building on Virginia’s Data-Center Boom

Data centers are the hottest trend in Virginia economic development these days. But the state is only beginning to think through the implications. Loudoun County, home to 75 facilities, has...
Jefferson Forum
June 8, 2017

Is Capitalism Good for the Environment?

It has been said that capitalism works for a very simple reason – people can be counted on to do what is in their own interest. That has been the...
Jefferson Forum
June 8, 2017

Understanding the Federal Budget

The president released his budget submission to Congress and there will be plenty of heat surrounding it but not nearly enough light. There will be loud talking about budget cuts...

Jefferson Forum
May 24, 2017

Combine Corporate Tax Reduction With a Jobs Tax Credit To Keep and Grow Jobs in America

Yes, President Trump’s proposed 15% corporate income tax will make America great again as the best place to start and grow a new company, encourage American firms to stay in...

Jefferson Forum
May 10, 2017

The Marketplace is Speaking. Are the Counties Listening?

After CoStar Group, a provider of real estate market intelligence, announced last fall its intention to move its research division headquarters to downtown Richmond, the company offered employees from Washington,...

Jefferson Forum
May 10, 2017

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.