Author Archives: Stephen D. Haner

About Stephen D. Haner

Stephen D. Haner is Senior Fellow for State and Local Tax Policy at the Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy. He may be reached at steve@thomasjeffersoninst.org.

The Revolution Has Been Postponed, Not Cancelled

Posted on April 15, 2020 by Stephen D. Haner

The revolution has merely been postponed, not cancelled. Governor Ralph Northam has asked the General Assembly to put off until May 1, 2021 the implementation of several key pro-union changes in Virginia’s labor and employment laws, including a 31 percent … Continue reading →

Posted in State Government | 1 Comment

This is the Green New Deal Economy. Enjoy

Posted on March 31, 2020 by Stephen D. Haner

If all else fails in achieving your green energy dreams, you can always hope for a depression. In Italy, the COVID-19 depression has already dropped electricity demand by about 18-21%, as reported recently by Utility Dive. The regional transmission organizations … Continue reading →

Posted in Economy, Environment | 2 Comments

Sixteen Tax Hike Bills Approved by the General Assembly

Posted on March 18, 2020 by Stephen D. Haner

What did this year’s General Assembly cost you in taxes? Here are at least 16 bills approved by the 2020 General Assembly which create or raise taxes on Virginians or authorize a local government to do so. No one told … Continue reading →

Posted in Taxes | 2 Comments

Attorney General Ramps Up To Hunt for Corporate Bias

Posted on March 4, 2020 by Stephen D. Haner

One intrusive employment law change opposed by business groups was finally watered down in the late stages of the 2020 Virginia General Assembly, but others are passing and will be actively enforced by a phalanx of new state investigators and … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil Liberties, Economy | Leave a comment

The Virginia Clean Energy Act: What It Does and What It Will Cost You

Posted on February 19, 2020 by Stephen D. Haner

Responding to a perceived climate emergency, the new Democratic majority in the Virginia General Assembly is seeking to transform the Commonwealth into a wind and solar energy Wonderland. It is passing legislation to mandate construction of solar and wind, mandate … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy | Leave a comment