Chairman and President

Mike Thompson is the Chairman and President of the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, Virginia’s premier independent public policy foundation. This column reflects his opinions and not necessarily those of the Thomas Jefferson Institute. He can be reached at info@thomasjeffersoninst.org.

Written by Mr. Michael W. Thompson

April 2015	The Jefferson Journal: New EPA Regulations Will Harm Virginia — By Michael W. Thompson   New EPA regulations expected to be made final this summer will result in a 25 percent increase in electric bills and a loss of 38,000 jobs here in Virginia.  At a time when the Commonwealth is clawing its way out of the recession, these costs will have a devastating impact on Virginians:  Our economy will suffer.  Our standard of living will suffer.  Our job base will suffer.  Our poorest families will suffer. (4/3/2015)  Read It Here!
March 2015	Jefferson Journal: Do Newport News Courts Threaten Virginia's Pro-Business Reputation? — By Michael Thompson  Virginia consistently ranks as one of the most business-friendly states in America.  But are the courts in Newport News threatening that ranking?  They're not a "hell-hole" yet, but they're certainly on the "watch list."  Find out why by reading it here!  3/6/2015
January 2015	Jefferson Journal: Economic Forecast Shows Slow Growth at Best for Virginia — By Michael Thompson and Stephan Cassaday  The Jefferson Institute's 15th annual Economic Forecast for Virginia is out, and it shows that our economy -- with its overreliance on federal spending -- continues to recover slowly from the Great Recession.  More importantly, it points to a way to develop Virginia into the "Energy Capital of the East Coast."  Read It Here!