Welcome to the home of the Virginia Institute for Public Policy on virginiainstitute.org!

Welcome to the home of the Virginia Institute for Public Policy on virginiainstitute.org!

All posts by Jonathan Arnott

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Press Release – 50CAN Reveals Call for More Education Choice in Virginia

Summary

A recent poll conducted by the Virginia Institute for Public Policy (VIPP) in partnership with 50CAN reveals a strong demand among Virginia parents for expanded educational choices ahead of the new school year. Surveying over 400 parents and guardians of K-12 students, the data highlights concerns about limited school choice, unequal access to extracurricular activities, and insufficient confidence in workforce readiness. Only about half of Virginia parents believe they have genuine school options for their children, a rate 10% below the national average. Additionally, students from low-income families participate in organized sports at significantly lower rates than their peers nationwide. Parental confidence in their children’s preparation for future careers is similarly low, with only 30% expressing strong assurance. The findings demonstrate a unified call across income, ethnicity, and geographic lines for educational flexibility, including options like charter schools, private education, homeschooling, and public school alternatives beyond traditional zoning. VIPP and 50CAN leaders emphasize the need for policy reforms to provide families with more control and diverse educational opportunities. This demand mirrors national trends and bipartisan support for education reform, although political roadblocks have hindered progress in Virginia on initiatives such as the Virginia Education Opportunity Scholarships.

VIPP Press Release 50CANDownload
The State of Educational Opportunity in Virginia – A Survey of Virginia Parents
Virginia_StateReport_EOS_R2Download
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Press Release – VIPP Champions AI Moratorium, Invokes Commerce Clause

Summary

The Virginia Institute for Public Policy has issued a strong endorsement for a proposed 10-year moratorium on state-level Artificial Intelligence (AI) regulations, urging Congress to invoke its Commerce Clause authority to pre-empt fragmented state laws with a unified federal approach. While the Institute values state governance for most issues, it argues that AI’s unique nature—crossing state borders, impacting interstate commerce, national security, and global markets—necessitates a national regulatory framework. The current trend of individual states attempting to regulate AI could create a chaotic, inconsistent legal landscape that stifles innovation, burdens small businesses, and weakens the United States’ competitive position globally, especially against countries like China that are rapidly advancing in AI technology. Caleb Taylor, the Institute’s Director of Policy, compares the situation to the early internet era, warning that premature, inconsistent regulations could hinder AI development much like overly restrictive state regulations could have hampered the internet’s growth. A moratorium would allow Congress the necessary time to evaluate AI’s impact comprehensively, consult with stakeholders, and create forward-thinking policies that protect innovation and economic prosperity. The Institute calls on Virginia’s congressional delegation to take leadership in passing this moratorium, echoing Governor Youngkin’s stance that government regulation should enable, not stifle, AI innovation. The Institute emphasizes the rapidly evolving nature of AI technology and the complexity involved, arguing that only Congress can effectively address these challenges without legislative overreach.

VIPP Press Release AI moratoriumDownload
How to navigate and improve Virginia’s education options

Booklet by:

Jonathan Arnott

How to navigate and improve Virginia’s education options (web)_compressedDownload
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Press Release – Opening Doors for Virginians

Please feel free to view the summary for a short concise recap, or view the full document below in the .pdf viewer below! Download links are included for your convenience if you wish to view it in your own preferred document viewer.

Summary

Summary

On March 31, 2025, the Virginia Institute for Public Policy applauded Governor Glenn Youngkin’s signing of SB1014, a pivotal reform aimed at enhancing job opportunities for Virginians. This law represents a significant shift in how public sector jobs are approached, favoring practical experience over formal educational qualifications. Crafted by Caleb Taylor, the Institute’s Director of Policy, SB1014 was a collaborative effort backed by organizations such as Americans For Prosperity (AFP-VA) and the Reform Alliance, achieving unanimous support in the Virginia General Assembly.

The legislation’s goal is to democratize job access by eliminating unnecessary degree requirements for state positions. As a result, individuals with hands-on experience, such as mechanics or self-taught IT professionals, can now qualify for state jobs without the burden of obtaining expensive degrees. This reform is presented as a model of bipartisan cooperation, showing how both Democrats and Republicans can work together to enhance economic mobility.

Caleb Taylor from the Virginia Institute highlighted that SB1014 is more than a law; it serves as a lifeline for individuals whose skills far exceed what is traditionally recognized on their resumes. The initiative resonates with previous efforts from Governor Youngkin, which have already streamlined degree requirements for nearly 90% of state jobs. Overall, SB1014 is a forward-thinking policy that promotes a diverse workforce and mirrors the strengths of Virginia’s population.

Highlights

  •  Ongoing Workforce Initiatives: This law builds on previous workforce reforms that have already removed degree requirements for most state jobs.
  •  Bipartisan Support: SB1014 passed unanimously in the Virginia General Assembly, showcasing rare cooperation between political parties.
  •  Skill Over Degrees: The law emphasizes practical skills for state jobs, making roles accessible to individuals without formal degrees.
  •  Empowering Virginians: The legislation allows skilled workers, like mechanics and IT professionals, to secure government roles based on their practical experience.
  •  Economic Accessibility: By removing costly degree requirements, SB1014 lowers barriers for capable workers, enhancing workforce participation.
  •  Reflecting Diversity: The reform aims to build a workforce that mirrors Virginia’s diverse capabilities, contributing positively to the state’s economy.
  •  Lifeline for Job Seekers: SB1014 provides opportunities for individuals whose skills are often ignored due to outdated hiring practices.
VIPP Press Release SB1014 (1)Download