RICHMOND, VA — Two Virginia public policy organizations announced Monday that they are merging to form a new think tank aimed at influencing key policy debates in the Commonwealth at a pivotal political moment.
The Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy and the Yorktown Foundation for Public Policy unveiled their new joint venture — Jefferson Forum — during an announcement on the grounds of the Virginia State Capitol.
The merger comes as policy debates intensify in Richmond over labor laws, energy mandates, taxes, and education under Governor Abigail Spanberger and the Democratic-controlled Virginia General Assembly. Leaders of the new organization say Jefferson Forum is designed to expand the conservative policy voice during a period of significant legislative change.
“Virginia is at a policy crossroads,” said Peter Lipsett, Executive Chair and interim CEO of Jefferson Forum. “Decisions being made in Richmond right now on energy, taxes, and labor policy will shape the Commonwealth’s future for decades. Jefferson Forum intends to make sure the case for economic freedom and limited government is clearly heard.”
The new organization combines the Thomas Jefferson Institute’s three decades of policy research with Yorktown’s newer focus on advocacy and strategic initiatives, particularly around education.
“Bringing these organizations together allows us to expand both our research and our impact,” Lipsett added. “TJI has a thirty-year track record of serious policy work. Yorktown has already demonstrated real initiative and strategic thinking. Together we intend to deliver practica