New “Jefferson Forum” launches as state faces major fights over taxes, energy, labor, and education
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 practical policies that expand opportunity, prosperity, and liberty for Virginians.”
Jefferson Forum will focus its work on several core policy areas:
- Energy abundance and grid reliability
- Education freedom and school choice
- Reducing taxes and regulatory burdens
- Worker freedom and labor policy
Noting that this announcement is being made on Thomas Jefferson’s birthday, Lipsett drew a contrast between Virginia’s early leadership and today. “Our current political leadership is moving Virginia away from policies that foster broad prosperity,” Lipsett said. “Jefferson Forum will work to bring the conversation back to the principles that have long driven Virginia’s economic success and people’s pursuit of happiness.”
Under the new organizational structure:
- Derrick Max, president of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, will serve as Vice President of Policy
- C. Todd Hester, president of the Yorktown Foundation for Public Policy, will serve as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives
The organization’s board of directors is being expanded, and a search is underway for a permanent Chief Executive Officer.
Leaders say Jefferson Forum aims to become a leading voice in Virginia policy discussions as lawmakers and voters confront decisions that will shape the Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness and regulatory environment in the years ahead.
About Jefferson Forum
Jefferson Forum is a Virginia-based public policy organization dedicated to advancing the principles of limited government, free markets, individual liberty, and personal responsibility. Formed through the merger of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy and the Yorktown Foundation for Public Policy, the organization conducts research, publishes policy analysis, and engages in public education on issues affecting the Commonwealth.
Media Contact:
LJ Brouillette
Associate Director of Development & Communication
Phone: 717-514-3106
Email: LJ@JeffersonForum.Org
