In two new Thomas Jefferson Institute commentaries published on opposite sides of the state, Institute scholars make the case for tax reform in Virginia. In a commentary originally published in the Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star, Institute president Michael W. Thompson points out that the new “tax windfall” coming to Virginia as a result of federal tax changes is not factored into the current General Fund budget and that significant tax cuts could take place without reducing any of today’s government programs.

Meanwhile Institute Senior Fellow for State and Local Tax Policy Stephen D. Haner points out in a commentary originally published in the Roanoke Times that doubling the standard deduction would affect the most Virginians and particularly help low-income wage earners.