The Issues

Economic Freedom

Successful Tax Reform Requires Allies and a Path Through the Mines

According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Governor Glenn Youngkin’s administration had its first formal discussion with Virginia’s local governments about eliminating their car tax collections two days after he announced it publicly.  ...

Stephen D. Haner
January 8, 2024

The Case for WMATA ‘Bankruptcy’

Yesterday, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) warned that without substantially greater subsidies from DC, Maryland, and Virginia, they would be facing a $750 million annual shortfall that would...

Derrick A. Max
December 14, 2023

Tomorrow’s Ballot Question: Will Virginia Become Illinois?

It was reported this week that billionaire Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker had made substantial campaign contributions totaling $250,000 to four liberal Democrats running for Virginia State Senate and the Democratic...

Derrick A. Max
November 6, 2023

The Policies of Youngkin vs. The Policies of McAuliffe and Northam: A Closing Case for the Future of Virginia

In two weeks, the people of Virginia will decide on two competing visions for the future of Virginia. Will they elect a General Assembly favoring Governor Youngkin’s more freedom-oriented policy...

Derrick A. Max
October 24, 2023

Virginia Tax Collections and Spending Just Keep Climbing

Virginia’s state budget grew 90% in the past decade, far faster than in previous decades. After adjusting for inflation and population changes, spending still jumped 4% each year, a high...

Stephen D. Haner
October 18, 2023

Coming Soon: Higher Prices in the Form of Taxes

Subscribers to Netflix will soon see rate increases because of the Screen Actors Guild-AFTRA Hollywood strikes. Buyers of new and used cars will, as a result of the United Auto Workers strike,...

Christian Braunlich
October 16, 2023

To Win Policy, Is it Time Conservatives Invested in Infrastructure?

Governor Glenn Youngkin can take satisfaction from passage of the long-delayed Virginia budget. As my colleague, Steve Haner points out, during his term of office Youngkin’s fight to increase the standard...

Christian Braunlich
September 27, 2023

Virginia’s “Runaway” Budget Negotiators

Fear of commitment is a common theme in Hollywood — where romantic comedies are replete with characters that sidestep long-term commitment primarily out of fear that someone better may come...

Derrick A. Max
September 13, 2023

Tax Reductions Under Youngkin Have Been Significant

Governor Glenn Youngkin (R) and the legislators of both parties who have given him at least some of the tax reforms he asked for need to stop being shy and...

Stephen D. Haner
September 7, 2023

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.