The Issues

Economic Freedom

Virginians Want Their Change Back

The latest preliminary figures from the Virginia Department of Revenue put the current general fund budget surplus at more than $5.1 billion for fiscal year 2023, which ended June 30. This is...

Barbara Hollingsworth
August 9, 2023

Senators Claim “Voodoo Estimating” in Battle Over Tax Cuts

Not only are the leading Virginia Senate budget negotiators adamantly opposed to providing Virginians with additional tax relief in this election year, but they are now hinting at partial roll...

Stephen D. Haner
August 1, 2023

A New Tax Reform Plan? Explain It and Sell It!

The following paragraph was written five months ago.  It is reproduced now with some emphasis added.  The 2023 Virginia General Assembly tax debate is just another revival of an old political show....

Stephen D. Haner
June 30, 2023

The $3.6 Billion Decision – Give it Back

Just a week after the hotly contested primaries in Virginia, where the more progressive candidates won in the Democratic primaries and where the Youngkin-endorsed candidates won in the Republican primaries —...

Derrick A. Max
June 28, 2023

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

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.