The Issues

Economic Freedom

Richmond Job Picture Looking Up

The Metro Richmond’s economy was hit harder during the Great Recession than the state and nation, in part, because of its dependence on finance and insurance industries. Employment growth in...

Christian Braunlich
May 22, 2014

Tolling Inter-Operability Via Mobile Phones

(Editor’s note: As Virginia contemplates more toll roads, and the interstate highway system needs substantial rebuilding, this article illustrates how today’s technology can help pay for our roads more efficiently...

Jefferson Forum
May 22, 2014

What If They Gave a Health Care Plan and Nobody Paid?

(Publisher’s note: As we in Virginia continue to debate whether to expand Medicaid coverage and rely on the federal government to pay 90% of the cost forever, it is important...

Jefferson Forum
May 8, 2014

As the Highway Trust Fund Runs Low, States Come to the Rescue — Part I

With federal transportation spending outpacing tax receipts by some $1.25 billion/month, the cash balance of the Federal Highway Trust is drawing perilously close to the point where the U.S Department...

Jefferson Forum
May 8, 2014

Tolling and P3s Get Unexpected Boost in Administration Bill

(Publishers Comment: Let us in Virginia take full advantage of public private partnerships wherever practical to increase the transportation funding available to us for resolving our congestion relief needs and...

Bob Poole
May 8, 2014

Does the Social Security Trust Fund really exist?

In a memorable scene from the classic sitcom Sanford and Son, a legal predicament led Fred Sanford to consider hiring a man who was peddling cut-rate attorney services. When Sanford and...

Jefferson Forum
May 8, 2014

Smart Growth for Custom-Minded Conservatives

As I have endeavored to develop a conservative vision for Smart Growth, I have relied primarily upon conservative principles with a libertarian slant — limited government, fiscal conservatism, free markets...

Jefferson Forum
April 25, 2014

Virginia’s Employment Declines

Employment in the nation is finally starting to pick up. Nonfarm payrolls rose by 192,000 in March, which is 1.7% higher than a year ago. The Richmond metropolitan area is...

Jefferson Forum
April 25, 2014

How to Mislead with Transit Data

Nearly all major newspapers around the country on March 10th proclaimed this news: the use of public transit last year reached its highest level since 1956. The somewhat breathless New...

Bob Poole
April 25, 2014

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.