The Issues

Economic Freedom

Immigration Reform Needs to be Realistic

Our economy is in desperate need for more middle-class job creation. Recent statistics continue to show a very weak recovery – one of worst recoveries since World War II. Once...

Mike Thompson
September 18, 2013

Reconstructing the Interstates with Toll Finance

(This first ran in Surface Transportation Innovations). For several years I have thought that, given the non-sustainability of fuel taxes for highway funding, the only way we are likely to...

Bob Poole
September 18, 2013

Virginia’s Medicaid Program at a Crossroads

The Virginia General Assembly is grappling with decisions of whether or not to expand the number of individuals served under the Virginia program, the cost of doing so, the consequences...

Jefferson Forum
September 5, 2013

Smart Growth: A Missing Metric

In the lead article Peter Katz (profiled here) elaborates his thoughts on fiscal analytics and growth management. He starts with the argument, which I have embraced, that the fiscal impact...

Jefferson Forum
September 5, 2013

Some States Making Headway on Deficient Bridges

(This article first ran in Transportation Innovations newsletter.) Editor’s note:  Virginia’s next Governor could learn lessons from the examples in this article and dramatically improve the faulty bridges in our...

Bob Poole
September 5, 2013

The Jefferson Journal: Why Restrict Energy Development?

Oil Sheikhs finance Hollywood movies against it. HBO “documentaries” are made about it. TV “news” complains about it. Opposing it is the latest cause celeb in environmental politics. What can...

Mike Thompson
August 26, 2013

The Economy is Looking Up

(This first ran in the Richmond Times Dispatch) The real estate industry has been showing signs of sustained growth over the last year. That’s good news for an industry that...

Christine Chmura
August 21, 2013

Populists Attack on Tolling in Virginia

(This first ran in Surface Transportation Innovations.) Virginia’s Midtown Tunnel P3 project, being delivered as a $1.7 billion toll concession, has been challenged in court as an unconstitutional delegation of...

Bob Poole
August 21, 2013

Medicaid Expansion in Virginia: Yes, but Reforms First

Medicaid expansion should only take place after real reforms are made to the federal health program for the poor and uncertainties surrounding expansion are eliminated according to a new public...

Mike Thompson
August 8, 2013

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.