The Issues

Economic Freedom

Destroying the Commonwealth in Order to Save it

Members of the General Assembly who voted for a  bill in 2021 mandating that new vehicles sold in Virginia must be all-electric by 2035 forgot to do the math to show...

Barbara Hollingsworth
June 27, 2023

Virginia hits highest labor force participation rate in a decade; Unemployment Decreases

Work isn’t just about a paycheck. At its core, work is about freedom, accomplishment, respect, human dignity, and even companionship.  Work gives purpose and is essential to a thriving community, and thriving...

Derrick A. Max
June 24, 2023

Virginia Ends the Subminimum Wage; Jeopardizes Disabled Workers

There are few issues with more economic consensus than the negative impacts of the minimum wage.  Originally designed to mimic racially discriminatory laws in other countries, the minimum wage continues to be...

Derrick A. Max
June 15, 2023

Time to Hold Firm on Tax Cuts

Because the federal government cannot operate without constantly borrowing money, members of Congress in both parties recently held their noses and voted for a compromise budget and borrowing deal. That...

Stephen D. Haner
June 5, 2023

Government Protects Itself from Inflation, But Not You

Virginia motor fuel taxes will rise again July 1, to just over 39 cents per gallon on gasoline and just over 40 cents per gallon on diesel. This will be...

Stephen D. Haner
April 26, 2023

Consumer Cost Estimates Rise Higher for Green Economy

Customer cost projections for compliance with the Virginia Clean Economy Act have increased again from the first such estimates made in 2020. The bill for 1,000 kilowatt hours of electricity from Dominion...

Stephen D. Haner
March 20, 2023

House should hold the line on tax cuts

“You got to know when to hold ‘em, know when to fold ‘em,” country singer Kenny Rogers sang in his classic hit, The Gambler. In other words, playing a winning hand...

Barbara Hollingsworth
February 17, 2023

Deadlocked Again on Taxes vs. Spending

We have seen this before in Virginia and here we go again: the classic conflict between tax cuts for the many versus more government spending for a few. The Republican-dominated...

Stephen D. Haner
February 8, 2023

Will RGGI Tax Return to Your Dominion Bill?

The on again, off again, direct tax on your Dominion Energy Virginia bills to pay for the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) may be on again. If you feel like...

Stephen D. Haner
February 1, 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.