Earlier this month, Governor Morrisey unveiled his proposed FY 2026 budget, which is now in the hands of the legislature to review, amend, and pass. Previously enacted tax cuts and the growing cost of the Hope Scholarship continue to crowd out much needed investments in the state's public services and institutions. Like previous budgets, Governor…
Tax and Budget
West Virginia Watch, Times West Virginian - The price tag for the Hope Scholarship, the state’s education savings account program, will double next year, climbing to more than $100 million. As budget concerns loom, lawmakers are questioning if the state can afford the program that is a hallmark of the Republican-heavy Legislature’s education freedom push. …
West Virginia Public Broadcasting - Just one month after his inauguration, the Trump administration has cut thousands of workers across the federal government. The Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, headed by Elon Musk, is looking to slash at least $1 trillion in federal spending across dozens of departments. Kelly Allen, executive director of the…
West Virginia Public Broadcasting - On this West Virginia Morning, new Senate President Randy Smith, R-Preston, spoke with news director Eric Douglas for The Legislature Today on Tuesday. They discussed Smith’s legislative priorities, including economic development and broadband issues. Read the full article. And amidst the cuts being made to federal programs, Kelly Allen, executive director of the…
Mountain State Spotlight, Times West Virginian , Charleston Gazette-Mail- For people across the state who said they need help with water, food, drug addiction and more, Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s proposed budget won’t bring any new money to the table to fix those issues. Read the full article. During budget hearings last week, Mike McKown, the…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - Having now covered State of the State addresses by seven governors, it’s fascinating how the substance, tone and delivery of something so conventional can vary so greatly. Read the full article. For instance, Cecil Underwood, Earl Ray Tomblin, and especially, Gaston Caperton, were not particularly gifted public speakers, while Bob Wise and…
Charleston Gazette-Mail - A state budget forecast released by West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey’s administration projects a long-term revenue decline amid a tightening budget squeeze. Read the full article. The six-year financial plan as of Wednesday released by Morrisey’s administration to coincide with the start of the 2025 regular legislative session projects estimated general revenue…
Associated Press, WCHS, WSAZ, West Virginia Public Broadcasting - U.S. Sen. Jim Justice said he transformed West Virginia’s financial policy from cow dung into gold during his time as governor. But one man’s gold is another man’s ... something else. Newly inaugurated Gov. Patrick Morrisey has taken a closer look under the lid of the state’s coffers,…
West Virginia Public Broadcasting - During his first week in office, Gov. Patrick Morrisey delivered a picture of the state’s fiscal health in stark contrast to his predecessor’s projections of strength for the state. Read the full article. “The state will have a projected deficit of approximately $400 million and that number is projected to rise more…
Overview The public school system is an essential resource for West Virginians. The majority of children in our state, about 90 percent, are served through the public school system. This resource is guaranteed to West Virginians through our state constitution which promises a thorough and efficient system of free schools. Every child in our state…