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 [email protected].

Virginia’s Balance Sheet Almost Embarrassingly Strong

Posted on August 24, 2023 by Stephen D. Haner

“Our balance sheet couldn’t be stronger…this is our moment to soar.” So said Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin Wednesday.  Every year, our governors come to the legislature to report on the end of the fiscal year financial result, and often they say something like … Continue reading →

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Only One Army Showing Up in War Over Fossil Fuels

Posted on August 21, 2023 by Stephen D. Haner

The front line in the war against fossil fuels in Virginia has now shifted back to the State Corporation Commission, and as usual only one side has fielded an army and brought heavy weapons to the battlefield.  Those who might … Continue reading →

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Why Dominion is Calm in Wind Energy Storm

Posted on August 6, 2023 by Stephen D. Haner

With growing turmoil in the offshore wind industry finally being reported, it would be nice to turn the clock back a year and revisit the State Corporation Commission’s failed 2022 effort to impose a real performance standard on Dominion Energy Virginia’s … Continue reading →

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Senators Claim “Voodoo Estimating” in Battle Over Tax Cuts

Posted on August 1, 2023 by Stephen D. Haner

Not only are the leading Virginia Senate budget negotiators adamantly opposed to providing Virginians with additional tax relief in this election year, but they are now hinting at partial roll back of one of the major individual tax reforms approved … Continue reading →

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A New Tax Reform Plan? Explain It and Sell It!

Posted on June 30, 2023 by Stephen D. Haner

The following paragraph was written five months ago.  It is reproduced now with some emphasis added. The 2023 Virginia General Assembly tax debate is just another revival of an old political show. Last year it ended well for new Governor Glenn Youngkin … Continue reading →

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