The Issues

Economic Freedom

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

The Rise of the Aspirational City

Joel Kotkin and Wendell Cox have introduced the concept of the “inspirational” city — cities to which people move “to change their circumstances and improve their lives.” These are cities...

Jefferson Forum
August 8, 2013

New "Buy America" Rules Delaying Highway Projects

(This article first ran in Surface Transportation Innovations). A protectionist measure known as Buy America has long been applied to many federally aided public works programs, including highways and transit....

Bob Poole
August 8, 2013

Scary Economics this Summer

Considering the June, 2013 Jobs’ Report, the economic alarm bell still rings loudly in my ears. For this observer, there seems no return to the land of economy comfort zone....

Jefferson Forum
July 24, 2013

Post High School Education Important to Life Long Earnings

Many high school graduates and rising high school seniors are making plans that will impact their work-related opportunities when they graduate from college. While interest is certainly an important component...

Jefferson Forum
July 24, 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.