The Issues

Economic Freedom

The Costs of New EPA Rules to Virginia

This summer the Environmental Protection Agency will publish its final regulations limiting CO2 emissions on new and existing electricity power plants and lower existing limits on mercury emissions. The impact?...

Beacon Hill Institute
March 31, 2015

Obamacare is a Federal Problem

The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in a challenge to the Affordable Care Act this month, a case known as King v. Burwell. The case hinges on four words, but...

Jefferson Forum
March 18, 2015

What's The Real Unemployment Rate?

The national unemployment rate continues to improve, but don’t tell that to people who are jobless and looking for work. Many of today’s unemployed, particularly those who are younger, have...

Christine Chmura
March 18, 2015

Roanoke Gets Serious About Competing for Young Professionals

Roanokers know they have a challenge stemming the drain of educated young people, just like every other small metropolitan area in the United States. At least they’re asking the right...

Jefferson Forum
March 18, 2015

Jefferson Journal: Do Newport News Courts Threaten Virginia’s Pro-Business Reputation?

Virginia consistently ranks as one of the most business-friendly states in America. But are the courts in Newport News threatening that ranking? They’re not a “hell-hole” yet, but they’re certainly...

Mike Thompson
March 6, 2015

Do Newport News Courts Threaten Virginia’s Pro-Business Reputation?

Virginia consistently ranks as one of the most business-friendly states in America, although lately we have been slipping. According to the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, since 2001, manufacturing companies have...

Mike Thompson
March 4, 2015

Are Do-Gooders Making Food Insecurity Worse?

Food deserts are back in the news here in Richmond with the premier of a documentary, “Living in a Food Desert,” at the Richmond International Film Festival. First Lady Dorothy McAuliffe,...

Jefferson Forum
March 4, 2015

The Value of Innovation in Toll Concession Projects

Most discussions of the pros and cons of P3 concessions cite as benefits the availability of investment from new sources (e.g., pension funds and developer equity), shifting various risks (such...

Jefferson Forum
March 4, 2015

Job Growth in Virginia Wasn’t Stellar Last Year.

Virginia gained only 12,900 jobs in 2014, or a 0.3 percent increase from the previous year. That increase was the worst year-over-year performance the state has had since 2010, when...

Jefferson Forum
February 18, 2015

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.