CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – West Virginia Governor Jim Justice addressed the state in his seventh State of the State address tonight focusing on multiple topics such as taxes, education, and DHHR reform.
Governor Justice began the night by presenting his FY2024 budget to the legislature which is a $4.884 billion flat budget, 5% more than the FY2023 budget that was approved by the legislature last year.Â
Justice also acknowledged that he was halfway through his second and final term as governor and hinted about his possible future endeavors. “I won’t be your governor a whole lot longer, but I won’t go away,” Justice said. “You might find me at home, or I might be in Washington.” Justice has previously said he is seriously considering a run for U.S. Senate.
An issue that has been a hot topic for the governor and legislature over the past few years is the personal income tax. Lawmakers as well as the governor have attempted to pass a tax cut during previous sessions. Tonight, Governor Justice again made another proposal, this time a 50% across-the-board cut to the PIT.Â
In what he calls a “West Virginia Tsunami”, Justice says the tax cut would take three years to implement. A 30% cut next tax year, and 10% for the next two years after that.
On the healthcare side, Justice proposed funding a $40 million adjustment to assist local hospitals, adding $100 million to the state’s PEIA fund, and $1 million for pregnancy centers in the state.
Governor Justice also proposed a 5% pay raise for all state employees, his fourth such proposal as governor.
 “You asked me to make it better, absolutely I have brought in an A-team like you can’t imagine,” Justice stated speaking of his attempt to reform the DHHR. He announced that in his attempt to better the WV DHHR, his team has officially transferred the operation of the Welch Hospital to West Virginia University.Â
In education, the governor asked that the legislature pass a bill that would allow curriculum taught in West Virginia public schools be accessible to view online for parents. Justice also proposed adding $35 million to the state school aid formula and investing more dollars into the Hope Scholarship.
At the conclusion of his speech, Governor Justice touted the construction and completion of recent infrastructure projects such as the new highway bridge on I-64 in Nitro, bridges in Wheeling, and the Coalfields Expressway.
Video of Governor Justice’s seventh State of the State Address can be found by clicking here.
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